The Retail Summit (TRS), the leading global event shaping the future of retail, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with its inaugural event to take place on January 27 and 28, 2025 in Riyadh. 

 

Building on the success of four UAE events, this new edition will bring together global retail leaders to offer invaluable insights into the future and dynamics of the retail industry in Saudi Arabia and the region.

 

As Saudi Arabia transforms itself into a global retail powerhouse, with the market projected to reach $116 billion by 2026 and 5% growth annually over the next five years, the retail sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation. 

 

60 global retail experts

Driven by Vision 2030, economic diversification and a digitally adept, ambitious population, The Retail Summit will make its Saudi debut in Riyadh, the epicentre of this retail revolution. The event will bring together over 60 global retail experts from five continents to explore the vast growth and investment opportunities in the flourishing region, forge lasting partnerships, and shape the future agenda of the retail industry.

 

The inaugural edition of The Retail Summit will feature over 60 visionary speakers, with 85% being CEOs, representing various major retail sectors including fashion, department stores, luxury goods, beauty and cosmetics, and sporting goods. 

 

Notable speakers include John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group; Faysal AlMalki, CEO of AlMalki Holding; Saud Alsulaiman, CEO of Alsulaiman Group; Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council; Patrick Chalhoub, Group President of Chalhoub Group; Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss; Mona Kattan, Founder of Kayali Fragrances & Co-Founder of HB Investments; Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle; Alexander Lacik, CEO of Pandora; Sergio Azzolari Montoldi, CEO of Roberto Cavalli; Jacques-Antoine Granjon, CEO of Veepee; Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective; and Yasser Taher, CEO of Magrabi, among other leading figures in the retail industry.

 

Range of topics

The event will cover a range of topics through in-depth discussions, keynote panels, and workshops. Key topics include Vision 2030 and Societal Transformation in Saudi Arabia, Digitalisation, AI, Ecommerce, and Digital Integration, as well as Sustainability, focusing on how ESG goals and workforce inclusion can be made profitable. 

 

Additional discussions will cover Retail Operations including Logistics, Supply Chain, and Brick & Mortar. Panels and fireside sessions will explore Omnichannel Development, Personalisation, the Customer Journey, and Retail vs. Entertainment dynamics to win customer’s attention. The event will also delve into International Retail Trends, Regional Variations and Market Expansion and Luxury Retail with a focus on High-Net-Worth Individuals and the Opportunities in this sector.

 

Gary Thatcher, CEO and Co-Founder of The Retail Summit, said: “Following the success and impact of our UAE summits, this expansion is both strategic and timely, given the kingdom's exponential growth. We look forward to creating this platform and bringing together global leaders and top brands to Riyadh in January 2025.  TRS Saudi will provide a forum to discuss and explore new opportunities aligned with Vision 2030, drive innovation in the retail sector, and share insights to shape the future of retail.”

 

Notable brands

TRS Saudi will feature notable brands and speakers including Coty, eyewa, L’azurde, WHP Global, Christofle, American Golf, Fabergé, Rubaiyat Group, Mary Katrantzou, Fred Perry, Eleventy, DeBeers Jewellers, and Bang & Olufsen, among others. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and experiences through tailored sessions, networking opportunities, and focused discussions.

 

This year, Mastercard will take centre stage as The Retail Summit’s official Silver Partner, recognised globally as a leader in payment technology.--TradeArabia News Service