My Travels begin...

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I haven't posted anything for the last two weeks but its been hectic in the office trying to get our March issue to print early for the Delegate bags at MIPIM, Cannes.

I thought I would update you on my whereabouts for the next few weeks...so here goes!

In February I will be flying to Cairo for Cityscape Egypt & Retail City, 20-23 February where I'm looking forward to catching up with friends and colleagues. I intend to do a bit of sightseeing as it's my first trip to Cairo, I'm hoping to visit City Stars Cairo, one of the city's main shopping centres, take a look at the construction of Cairo Festival City, which won our 'Future Project of the Year' Award two years ago, and any other interesting projects that come to light.

From Cairo to Cannes

Following on from Cairo I will be flying to Cannes for this year's, much anticipated, MIPIM, 6-9 March, where I am moderating a panel session, ‘Retail Global Expansion: A Portfolio of Opportunities’, on Wednesday 7th at 10.00am, two of my panelists include Filipe Correia, Expansion Director, Parfois (global accessories retailer from Portugal) and Marc-Christian Riebe, Executive President & Founder of Location Group. Within the session we will take a look at the following:

Whilst Retailers are facing stiff competition from new international players entering their home market, what must they do to stay one step ahead of the competition?

Is now a good time for retailers to invest in a global expansion strategy or should they wait for economic conditions to measurably improve?

What are Developers doing to entice international retailers?

Ready… or not? What preparations can retailers do to lay the foundations for greater and faster success to enable them to position themselves as early movers rather than as followers competing for market share?

What are the challenges and opportunities for global expansion?

As principal Media Partner for MIPIM, RLI will be in all Delegate bags, in the official hotels and on the press racks in the Palais Des Festivals...so make sure you pick up your copy.

The week after Cannes I will be in London for another speaking opportunity, this time for the Global Retail Forum which has a pavillion at the Retail Business Technology Expo in Earls Court 13-14 March. My session titled, 'International growth: the right strategy for your business', will look at:

• Market selection i.e. how do you prioritise the appropriate international markets for your business.
• Entry mode i.e. how do you decide to go acquisition, owned, JV, franchise or wholesale
• Partnership selection i.e. how do you choose the right partner

A little bit about about the Global Retail Forum

This is a Retailer-only Forum founded and headed by Mark Eve, Head of International Partnerships at New Look Retailers Ltd.

How would you like to glean decent intelligence on new markets, trading practices, market legals and impartial advice on partners, suppliers and the array of other essential items that are needed to successfully trade your business in new overseas markets...then read on!

Global Retail Forum (GRF) is one of the biggest Global Retail professional networks for senior retailers, and its members are from almost every country in the world. GRF connects you to like minded contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a much broader network of retail professionals. Whether you’re looking for a career opportunity or building your professional reputation, GRF connects you to jobs, sales leads and ideal business partners. With our powerful web forum, research tools and regular physical meetings in countries around the world, GRF is the place to turn for knowledge and opportunity. Best of all it is FREE to join.

If you are a Retailer and would like to find out more about GRF visit www.globalretailforum.com or their group on Linkedin.