This year’s Forum is titled ‘Delighting Global Travellers at Home & Away’. The rise in travel and tourism as well as digitalisation, boosted by fast-paced technological changes, are offering new opportunities for customers, department stores and brands alike. Customers have become global travellers by either holding the world digitally in their palm or spending time travelling. In this new competitive retail era, how can retailers reach and retain customers? What are the challenges and benefits for department stores? Which business models offer the best sustainable growth?
At GDSS 2015, around 20 highly experienced CEOs and experts from around the world will discuss these important topics and explain how retailers are adjusting to the fact that there is no distance between ‘local’ and ‘global’ any more. The Summit programme is composed of the following parts:
• Five Thought-Provoking Sessions
Including the following seasoned retail leaders and experts, as per date:
The Rise of Travel & Tourism
Prof Bin Dai, President of China Tourism Academy, China; Ms Yolanda Perdomo, Director of UNWTO, Spain; Mr Urs Rohner, Chairman ofCredit Suisse Group, Switzerland.
Global Travelling Today & Tomorrow
Mr André Maeder, CEO of The KaDeWe Group, Germany; Ms Corinne Poux-Bernard, Co-Founder of Thinkers Consulting, France.
Seizing New Business Opportunities
Mr Daniel Grieder, CEO of Tommy Hilfiger, U.S.A.; Mr Anthony Rippingale, Head of Tourism of McArthur Designer Outlets, U.K.; Mr Franco Savastano, CEO of Jelmoli, Switzerland; Mr Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Mr Marc Spiegler, Global Director of Art Basel, Switzerland. A Panel Discussion will conclude this session.
Content & Technology are King
Mr Lars Nittve, Advisor & Former Executive Director of M+, Hong Kong; Mr Jon Stine, Global Director of Retail Sales of Intel, U.S.A.; Mr Richard Umbers, CEO & Managing Director of Myer, Australia. A Panel Discussion will conclude this session.
‘The World is the Traveller’s Oyster – What Can We Offer?’
Prof Stephane Garelli, Professor of World Competitiveness at IMD Business School, Switzerland; Mr Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, U.A.E.; Mr Frédéric de Narp, CEO of Bally, Switzerland; Ms Anne Pitcher, Managing Director of Selfridges & Co, U.K.
• Global Department Store Awards 2016
GDSS is delighted to host two new biennial Awards in 2016, alongside the renowned Best Department Store in the World Award. The following three Awards will be presented on 26th May 2016 in Zurich at the Official Dinner & Awards Ceremony:
The Best Department Store in the World
World’s Best CSR Initiative by a Department Store
World’s Best Store Window Campaign at a Department Store
The winners will be invited to present their success stories at the Awards Ceremony.
Special discounts available for GRA members!