As the retail landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead requires sharp insights, bold innovation, and a relentless focus on customer experience. This half-day event brings together retailer members from our customer community to explore the trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of retail in 2025 and beyond.
Featuring expert-led sessions from industry leaders, including Google and Mastercard, and insights from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), this event provides actionable takeaways to address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
What to Expect:
- Expert Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic, technological, and consumer trends that will impact retail success in 2025.
- Innovative Strategies: Learn how advancements in AI, search, and personalisation are transforming customer journeys and operational efficiency.
- Actionable Takeaways: Discover practical solutions for enhancing customer loyalty, optimising omnichannel experiences, and driving sustainable growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry leaders to share ideas and build valuable relationships.
Join us for this engaging and collaborative event designed to inspire, inform, and equip retail leaders with the tools needed to thrive in the year ahead. Together, let’s reimagine the future of retail.
This event is exclusive to BRC Retail Members and by invitation only.
<<REGISTER now>>
agenda
12.30 - 13.15 Lunch and Networking
13.15 - 13.30 Welcome & Introduction: The State of Retail in 2025
- Delivered by BRC’s Director of Insight, Kris Hamer.
- Key retail themes facing the industry and how we will be addressing them throughout the event.
- Goals for the day: Inspire collaboration and deliver actionable insights to tackle the year ahead.
13.30 - 14.15 Session 1: Navigating Economic and Consumer Trends in 2025
- Latest Economic & Fiscal Outlook
- Retail Sales & Footfall Trends
- Consumer Sentiment
Session Focus: This session establishes a foundation for understanding the broader market forces and consumer dynamics that will influence business strategies in 2025.
14.15 - 14.50 Session 2: Technology and Innovation: Priorities for Retailers in 2025
Discover how innovative technologies and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the retail landscape.
This session will cover:
- New Trends in Product Discovery: Exploring shifts in how customers find and decide on products.
- Staying Ahead in Search: Strategies to adapt to evolving search platforms and enhance visibility.
- Creating Personalised Experiences: Delivering tailored shopping journeys that resonate with customers.
- Optimising Omnichannel Journeys: Bridging the gap between digital and in-store experiences for seamless interactions.
- Actionable Retail Insights: Leveraging data to anticipate customer needs and streamline operations.
Session Focus: This session will explore the tools and strategies that are shaping the next generation of retail experiences and how your business can stay competitive.
14.50 - 15.10 Coffee break and networking
15.10 - 15.45 Session 3: Elevating the Customer Experience: The Heart of Retail Success
- Next-Level Loyalty: How providing utility and convenience can strengthen customer loyalty.
- Data-Driven Personalisation: Mastercard’s approach to personalisation strategies that drive more relevant offers and experiences.
- Seamless Omnichannel Experiences: The evolution of the shopping experience and the distinctive role of stores.
- Driving Retention Through Innovation: New ways to pay that offer a more seamless and secure checkout process.
Session Focus: This session provides actionable strategies to deepen customer relationships and enhance their overall experience using Mastercard’s expertise in payments and consumer insights.
15.45 - 16.00 Closing Remarks: Actionable Takeaways for 2025
Key Themes Recap:
- Economic Resilience: Practical steps to navigate market volatility while optimizing operational efficiency. (Ties to Session 1)
- Innovation in Technology: How to embrace AI, search advancements, and omnichannel tools to stay ahead of the curve. (Ties to Session 2)
- Customer-Centric Strategies: Building loyalty and delivering seamless, personalized experiences to foster long-term relationships. (Ties to Session 3)
- Practical Implementation: Integrating insights from across sessions into a cohesive 2025 action plan.
16.00 - 17.00 Networking Drinks