The Retail Summit, an annual event providing unprecedented access to global retail giants who will share their views on the future and movement of the retail sector, is set to take place from March 14 to 15.

 

The highly-anticipated summit will bring all industry players under one roof, from international brands to local franchise partners, hosted at two iconic locations including Atlantis, The Palm and the recently-launched Atlantis, The Royal. 

 

The summit runs in partnership with Dubai Chambers. Commenting, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: "Backed by a significant growth in the e-commerce market, Dubai continues to be a competitive destination for retailers and industry stakeholders who look to capitalise on the emirate's strong and sustainable economic fundamentals, solid digital infrastructure and its thriving business ecosystem. We value the contribution of this industry to Dubai's economy and its image as an international retail hub."

 

Critical driver

"Public and private partnerships provide a critical driver for innovation and development in the retail industry. By joining forces, both sectors can leverage their respective strengths to create a more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive retail ecosystem," he added.

 

The Retail Summit is considered a catalyst for international brands who are looking to either establish an in-market presence or sell via cross-border ecommerce to the UAE. 

 

It gives local brands the opportunity to expand into international markets by meeting mentors to widen professional networks and create partnerships, allowing regional companies to reach international heights.

 

The top echelon of regional and internationally-renowned retailers and franchise specialists will provide extensive insights into the successful concepts of international brands, in which attendees can interpret locally and roll out in their respective and relevant markets.

 

Global retailers

Over the course of the event, attendees will meet executives from major global retailers including fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Ward, CEO of Harrods, Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, Jo Malone, Founder of Jo Loves, David Gandy, Founder, Wellwear, Manju Malhotra, CEO, Harvey Nichols and Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason, to name a few.

 

Accompanying these retail giants are regional master franchise specialists such as Chalhoub Group, 6thStreet, Magrabi, Apparel Group, Souq.com, Amazon, Sultan Center Group, Alsulaiman Group, Papa John’s, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Tayer, Al Shaya, Azadea, Kamal Osman Jamjoon, Landmark Group, LIWA, Noon and Namshi.

 

Gary Thatcher, CEO and Co-Founder of The Retail Summit, shares, “I am very proud of The Retail Summit team for working so diligently as we enter the final preparations before the event. We believe that the third-edition is going to be the biggest yet as we draw a big focus on both the regional and international connectivity. It is an honour to have His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in attendance, supporting the way we wish to shape the retail space.”-- TradeArabia News Service