Not Forgotten

Its been a while...but I've not forgotten you! I am writing this having just stepped off a plane from Barcelona from yet another successful ICSC European Outlet Conference. Quite literally the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and conferences with a blur of time zones, not knowing what planet I’m on yet alone which continent. I feel a bit like Felix Baumgartner, spinning through the air at the speed of sound, only I havn't broken any world records or become a world phenomenon but I have dropped back down to Earth just in time to finish putting the November issue to bed, our biggest issue to date... I for one can't wait to see it in print, with lead interviews from Macy's, Crate & Barrel & Hard Rock International and profiles on some of the key players in the world of retail all combined with global insights and country focuses.

That aside it’s been an interesting few weeks and as always I love catching up with you all whilst learning even more about the incredible world of Global retail. Shanghai was amazing...apart from falling down the stairs in the conference auditorium and badly spraining my ankle (enough said). 

I was impressed with Shanghai IFC Mall, a six-storey world class shopping mall with an exciting and contemporary interior designed by Benoy, more than 110,000 square meters provide a spectrum of finest retail offerings to the best international luxury brands. The mall plays host to China’s most deluxe, international brands including an iconic Apple store, the world’s finest culinary delights and premiere cinema complex development. All in all: A Remarkable Shopping Experience!

Spending a couple of days in Abu Dhabi, with a stay in the innovatively designed Yas Hotel, adjacent to Ferrari World and an inspiring tour of the ultimately luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel, including 18 carat gold encrusted coffee and sumptuous Dinner at the 'Le Vendôme Brasserie', courtesy of new new Hotel Manager, Alexander Schneider made it a memorable trip.
 

Well where next? 
I fly to Dubai on the 2^nd November for Future Retail 5-7 November, where I am moderating a panel session on 'Future Branding' followed by an on-the-couch interview with Carmine Rotondaro, Worldwide Real Estate Director, PPR Group - Luxury brands (Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Boucheron, Girard Perregaux, JeanRichard, Sergio Rossi and Stella McCartney) then it’s off to Hong Kong for MIPIM Asia 7-9 November where I am presenting two panel sessions: The first, ‘A retail success story’- The story of how a simple idea became one of the world’s most  successful fashion brands / corporations with John Devine, President - Director, Subway Real Estate and again Carmine Rotondaro, followed by ‘Retail expansion: best practices for a successful roll out in Asia’. After Hong Kong its back to Dubai for RECon MENA 11-13 November, before embarking on the final leg of my worldwind trip to Nice for this years much awaited MAPIC 14-16 November, where once again I am moderating two panel sessions: 'The path to discovering Arabian Gold' and 'Outlet Retailing - Secrets for Success'.

If you are attending any of the above events and would like to learn more about RLI, our Deal-Making Event or just have a cosy chat (preferably over a glass of wine) feel free to email me jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com

I look forward to seeing you on my travels!