The world of retail is undergoing sweeping changes, as technology and a drop in consumption in many markets reshape the way consumers choose and buy products.
IESE’s upcoming Retail Industry Meeting – which this year marks its 10th anniversary – will take aim at many of driving forces currently behind the transformation of the retail industry. During the event, which is led by IESE professors José Luis Nueno and Julián Villanueva, speakers will address themes such as the changing role of stores, as well as the latest developments in mobile commerce and multichannel shopping models.
The impact of the recession, which has triggered lower consumption in many markets, will also be addressed. Retail experts and business leaders from diverse sectors will describe innovative models for the future, which target consumers who employ a mix of online and offline browsing. Fundamental changes in consumer behavior, such as less impulse shopping and more last-minute purchasing decisions to get the right product at the right price, will be analyzed.
The meeting will also tackle major challenges ahead for retailers involving location. Class-A shopping streets, for example, are poised to take market share away from secondary locations. Prime locations in the best shopping areas have become less affordable, while secondary locations are seeing heightened volatility as independent stores and chains close their doors.
IESE’s annual Retail Industry Meeting provides an ideal opportunity for retail professionals to gain a broader view of what’s happening in the sector and examine key challenges with insights from industry leaders.