RetailDetail releases the first names for the RetailDetail Congress on 28 April. On the program: a unique mix of multinational platforms and local entrepreneurs. The theme: new business models. Everything must change: Re-Set, Re-Made, Re-Tail.
Future paths
Direct-to-consumer concepts, influencers, social selling, NFTs, the metaverse, the rise of subscription models…: if you thought that the retail sector had already had its share of disruptions in recent years, with the corona pandemic and the e-commerce explosion that followed, then you are out of luck. Retail will never be the same again. But do not panic: it also creates enormous opportunities.
Under the banner Re-Set, Re-Made, Re-Tail, RetailDetail Congress is looking for the business models of the future. Which opportunities present themselves in the ‘new normal’ of retail? It is no coincidence that the theme refers to the new book The Future of Shopping: Re-set Re-Made Re-tail by Pauline Neerman and Jorg Snoeck, which will be published by Lannoo Campus and Van Duuren Management this spring.
Major platforms
The first speakers are now being announced. On the main stage in the evening, there will be two prominent representatives of the platform economy. Megan Maley is general manager at Zalando for the UK, Ireland and the Benelux. She will not only explain the platform strategy of the Berlin-based e-commerce company, but will also illustrate how the international player succeeds in catering to local tastes and preferences.
Roland Palmer is Alibaba‘s general manager for the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. He emphasises that doing business with Alibaba is not a one-way street: he has already helped dozens of Benelux companies find their way to the immense Chinese market.
Closer to home, we look at Rainpharma, the Belgian phenomenon that markets a beauty and personal care brand through a sophisticated omnichannel strategy in partnership with local entrepreneurs. CEO Greet Boonen explains how and why.
Three supporting programmes
In the afternoon, three parallel sessions are scheduled as a run-up to the plenary sessions. The Retail Design seminar explores future paths for the physical shop. Professor Katelijn Quartier of the Retail Design Lab, a knowledge centre of Hasselt University, will debate with retailers and interior architects. More to come soon!
In the Future of Shopping programme, RetailDetail founder Jorg Snoeck presents new business models. Among others, eyewear brand Odette Lunettes, the “members only” outlet concept Cameleon and the innovative electric car brand Polestar, illustrate new ways to reach the consumer.
Finally, a unique feature is the Gamechangers programme on influencer marketing, the new word-of-mouth advertising. How do you generate engagement and interaction on social media? How do you go viral with authentic content? What opportunities and pitfalls are there? This seminar brings testimonials of retailers, brands, agencies and influencers.
The RetailDetail Congress will take place on 28 April in Antwerp. More names will be announced soon. Access more information and tickets via this link.
