Welcome to the World Retail Congress 2025
Join us in Shaping the Future of Retail at the Premier Global Event in London, May 12-14, 2025
* Secure your Spot at a Special Discounted Rate via Our Exclusive Link

Welcome to the World Retail Congress 2025 – Where Retail’s Brightest Minds Converge










With a sharp focus on smart, sustainable growth, WRC brings thought leadership, actionable intelligence, and strategic partnerships to retailers aiming to navigate an increasingly competitive environment.
2025 Themes: The Pillars of Smart & Sustainable Growth
The World Retail Congress 2025 will focus on the key forces shaping the future of retail, equipping businesses with the insights they need to thrive in a dynamic, consumer-driven landscape. The four core content pillars explore the essential factors that retailers must consider to achieve smart, sustainable growth while meeting the expectations of customers, employees, stakeholders, and communities.
Consumer behaviors are evolving at an unprecedented pace, challenging retailers to rethink how they engage, sell, and build loyalty.
This theme will explore:
- How shifting consumer preferences are reshaping retail experiences
- The role of personalization and AI-driven engagement in deepening customer relationships
- Omnichannel strategies that meet customers where they are—online, in-store, and beyond
- Leveraging social commerce, live shopping, and experiential retail to drive brand engagement
In an era of talent shortages and evolving work expectations, this pillar will highlight:
- Recruiting and retaining top-tier talent in a competitive labor market
- Creating a workplace culture that fosters innovation, inclusion, and well-being
- Upskilling employees for the future—embracing digital, AI, and leadership development
- Leveraging AI and automation to enhance human potential, not replace it
This theme will uncover:
- The most game-changing technologies shaping retail, from AI to automation
- How leading brands are using data and analytics to predict trends and enhance operations
- The role of blockchain, IoT, and AR/VR in redefining the shopping experience
- How to implement sustainable tech solutions that drive efficiency and customer engagement
Retailers are rethinking traditional business models to stay ahead of market shifts, economic pressures, and consumer expectations.
This theme will explore:
- The rise of subscription-based, direct-to-consumer, and hybrid models
- New strategies for online and offline integration that create seamless experiences
- Sustainable business practices that align with environmental and ethical considerations
- How industry leaders are adapting their supply chains and partnerships for long-term resilience

Retail is undergoing a technology-driven transformation, and businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind. This theme will uncover:
- The most game-changing technologies shaping retail, from AI to automation
- How leading brands are using data and analytics to predict trends and enhance operations
- The role of blockchain, IoT, and AR/VR in redefining the shopping experience
- How to implement sustainable tech solutions that drive efficiency and customer engagement

Retailers are rethinking traditional business models to stay ahead of market shifts, economic pressures, and consumer expectations. This theme will explore:
- The rise of subscription-based, direct-to-consumer, and hybrid models
- New strategies for online and offline integration that create seamless experiences
- Sustainable business practices that align with environmental and ethical considerations
- How industry leaders are adapting their supply chains and partnerships for long-term resilience
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS: Master Retail Strategies with
Industry Trailblazers

Andrew Gossage
CEO, Ultimate Products
Britt Olson
Chief Commercial Officer, On Running
Carolin Klar
CEO, Bonprix
Carsten Keller
CEO, Chrono24
Catherine Brien
Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners
Cheryl Potter
Non-Executive Director, Marks & Spencer
Dirk van den Berghe
Chairman, Takko Fashion
Eshita Kabra
Founder & CEO, By Rotation
Fahed Ghanim
CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle
Fiona Eastwood
CEO, Merlin Entertainments
Hani Weiss
Former CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Retail
Heidi Stevens
CEO, Otto International
Ira Kalish
Chief Economist, Deloitte
Jamie Salter
Founder, Chairman & CEO , Authentic Brands Group
John McLoughlin
Executive Vice Chair, Advantage Group International
John Ryan
Managing Director, Newstores
John Scott
Founder & CEO, Liminal Retail
Juan Carlos Escribano
CEO, El Palacio de Hierro
Ken Murphy
CEO, Tesco
Laura Youngson
Co-Founder and CEO , IDA Sports
Leonie Foster
COO, Selfridges
Oliver Vernon-Harcourt
Partner | UK Retail Leader, Deloitte
Patrick Lasfargues
VP International Partnerships, Carrefour Group
Peter Ruis
Executive Director, John Lewis Partnership
Rami Baitiéh
CEO, Morrisons
Raymond Cloosterman
CEO and Founder, Rituals Cosmetics
Rolf Schumann
CEO, Schwarz Digits
Scott Fyfe
CEO, David Jones
Simon Vincent OBE
EVP EMEA, Hilton
Stefan Vanoverbeke
Retail Markets Manager, Ingka Group (IKEA)
Thomas Harms
Co-founder and Chairman, NET4BOARDS
William Gordon-Harris
CEO, KnoopsBeyond Trends. Real Conversations. Real Impact.
Sessions at World Retail Congress are interactive, peer-focused and action-oriented, ensuring that you are taking away practical lessons from every moment
Kick off WRC 2025 with an invitation-only soirée at Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most storied retail icons. Mingle with global leaders, sip on fine champagne, and set the stage for game-changing conversations—all in an atmosphere of retail excellence.
Fuel your mind and morning at Wake Up with Retail Leaders, a high-energy, interactive forum where industry pioneers break down emerging challenges, bold strategies, and high-impact solutions. This isn’t just a session—it’s a wake-up call for the future of retail.
Join exclusive, closed-door discussions designed for decision-makers, where real insights—not just predictions—are shared. These executive-level boardroom conversations put you face-to-face with the brightest minds, helping you anticipate industry shifts before they happen.
Retail’s next trailblazers take the stage to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges head-on. Watch as teams from Hong Kong, New York, London, Lille, Amsterdam, and Turin unveil the future of retail through fresh, fearless, and forward-thinking ideas.
Gain behind-the-scenes access to groundbreaking flagship stores, led by the very CEOs who built them. These curated tours go beyond aesthetics, revealing the strategies behind high-performance retailing, immersive customer experiences, and operational excellence.
Access the Complete list of WRC 2025 Advisory Board members
Access the complete list of WRC 2025 speakers
See what people are saying about World Retail Congress
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Need Assistance? Contact Our Team Today!
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the World Retail Congress 2025 or need assistance with your registration, feel free to reach out to our team.
- Sunayana Shah: +91 9811027123
- Shreevats Joshi: +91 8882112578
- Minvitha: +91 9347899762