The 2021 Programme

Chair's welcome and opening comments
Darren Williams, Executive Chairman, Scrubd
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE CHAT: BILL GRIMSEY

Join Bill Grimsey, author of the Grimsey Reviews and passionate advocate for high street retail, in conversation with Rebecca Saunders, founder of innovative retailer Seekology beauty + wellbeing. This thought-provoking discussion will cover the burning platform faced by independent retailers today, Bill's views on the high street of the future and how retailers, landlords and councils all need to change their thinking radically to evolve and thrive.

Rebecca Saunders, Founder & CEO, Seekology
Bill Grimsey, ex CEO, Focus Do It All, Wickes, Iceland, Booker

RETAIL DIRECTOR / FOUNDER DISCUSSION: The future of the high street - going back to strategic basics to future proof retail

The past year has had a dramatic impact on the retail landscape. We bring together a highly experienced panel who will discuss the challenges that lie ahead. This engaging panel will explore the future of retail considering online vs bricks and mortar, how both small and large retailers can compete in a competitive space, provenance and addressing the consumer experience.

• Is the high street dead or is it that retail isn't meeting customer expectation?
• How to succeed through meeting your customer needs
• Non-negotiables for your instore strategy 2022
• Reframing leadership in the new retail era
• Know your customer better than your competitor knows your customer
• Is turnover rent the new future for retail?
• How effective are pop-up stores?
• Educating your front-line employees on future strategy for success

RETAIL PANEL DISCUSSION: Understanding consumer behaviour through experiential retail both instore and online

By working to better understand consumer behaviour, retailers can capture consumer imagination with personalised promotions and value-added services that will deepen customer loyalty. This panel will examine leveraging key consumer insights to deliver more impactful experiences and creating greater value for the business and the audience.

• How do successful retailers build trust in their brand?
• How to capitalise on the 'online only' backlash
• What is the long-term impact of lockdown on shopping behaviours?
• Using technology effectively to create the next generation store experience
• Winning in the new consumer landscape - adapting to changes in behaviour
• Is online shopping here to stay or are consumers craving the in-store experience?
• How to respond to market with authenticity moving forward
• Using instore technology to gain consumer insight

RETAIL PANEL DISCUSSION: Enhancing the shopping experience through seamless omnichannel - attracting shoppers back to the high street post COVID

This panel will discuss the concept of 'connected shopping' - where consumers can combine the convenience of a digital experience with the benefits of a physical store - is critical to drawing consumers back to the high street.

• How to leverage your fastest growing channel in retail
• Delivering connected experiences that customers have come to expect
• Evolving expectations of the digitally connected and informed consumer
• The importance of online reputation to attract and convert new customers
• The continuous balance between transactional and human service
• What is considered successful customer engagement - the future impact of digital on retail experiences?
• Think customer needs not just selling and across all channels for instore engagement