2013 Part Two - Dubai and Onwards

After an incredible first half of the year, which culminated with our RLI Connect event and Global RLI Awards in London, you could be forgiven for thinking we would ease up on the accelerator; this is not the case here at the RLI offices. While people are using the summer months to recharge the batteries and take some personal time (myself included), we are working towards a massive September issue and the mammoth edition that will be the November issue of RLI.

Before this however I am heading to Dubai on Wednesday, and am very much looking forward to spending some time with the family and the sunshine, despite the heatwave in the UK I have missed most of it being in the office!!! It is not all play and relaxation on this trip however, as it presents a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and associates in the Emirates, and I have some important meetings planned whilst I am out there.

Back here at the office, we are in the process of putting the September issue together, whilst gearing up for the biggest issue of the year in November. which will once again be in all the delegate bags at MAPIC 2013, this huge 106 page issue will be full to the brim with articles, news, a preview of the MAPIC event, and lots of advertising space that is being taken quickly. To include your company in this pivotal issue get in touch at jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com or ring +44 (0)1706 212200

MAPIC, as the world's largest Retail Real Estate event, is a huge occasion for everyone in the industry, and this is no different for myself. As well as utilizing all the possibilities at the event, RLI is once again co-organising a special Conference session with Reed Midem for this year's MAPIC which takes place between the 13-15 November in Cannes. The session is entitled "Middle East Miracle" and it will examine how the Middle East has emerged as a key market for retailers across the world. Retail has become one of the fastest growing industries in the region for the past few years. The shopping centre industry in particular is experiencing unprecedented growth, and the Miracle of Dubai has caught the attention of the world's leading retailers, not forgetting the other Emirates now looking to replicate similar offerings. Not only that, in terms of investments and revenue generation, the Middle East is one of the world's most desirable retail environments made attractive by favourable government policy frameworks and active participation by the private sector.

Within this panel session, we will take a look at Entrepreneurship, challenges and opportunities in the region. This session is scheduled for Wednesday 13 November from 14:30 to 15:15.

MAPIC is not the only time I am holding a panel session in this flurry of events towards the end of the year. I will also be hosting a panel session at the India Retail Forum which takes place on the 25-26 September. This session is entitled "Making India the Next Big Player in Luxury Retail - Charming the Snakes and Scaling the Ladders". The session will allow luxury giants to share their perspectives on what they perceive of the Indian market, how to grow the luxury segment, and understand from the other retailers the peculiarities of the Indian consumer, and what they should do differently from what they have been doing. This session will take place on Wednesday 25 September from 14:15 to 15:30.

After my summer break to Dubai, the pace picks up again and the months leading up to Christmas will be a whirlwind of travel and exciting worldwide retail events. Before they all take place let me take this opportunity to brief you on the most important events on the retail calendar, and how RLI is involved in them.

BCSC Showcase - 11-12 September: -

The showcase is heading in an exciting new direction for 2013, taking place at the London Olympia it will be exactly what the delegates have asked for. This is the UK's largest business-to-business networking event for the retail and retail property industry.

RLI Involvement: Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event


Retail Matchmaking Event 2013 - 25 September: -

Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Zagreb, Croatia, Retail Matchmaking is Central Eastern Europe's deal-making event of the year. The event connects the dots between leasing professionals and global retail brands ready to expand throughout the region via pre-arranged meetings in one place on one day.

RLI Involvement: Global Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event


India Retail Forum - 25-26 September: -

To be held at the Mumbai Renaissance Hotel, the IRF will be built around engaging topics such as retail brand building, retail real estate, reinventing the physical store experience, e-commerce, social media marketing, FDI in retail, the changing decision-making roles of the modern consumer and more...

RLI Involvement: Global Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event and Panel Session


Expo Real - 7-9 October: -

Expo Real is an unmissable business platform for the international property sector, and for investors. Gathered together here in a single, compact forum are all the links in the value-added chain for the sector: from project development, finance and realization through to marketing, management and final use. The event takes place at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress - 7-9 October: -

The 2013 World Retail Congress is your chance to engage with and learn from those steering the world's leading retail businesses. Recognised as the pre-eminent meeting place in the retail calendar, over the last six years the Congress has brought together over 6,200 of the industry's most influential business leaders and decision makers to challenge current thinking, unveil the latest innovations and shape the direction of retail. To be held at the CNIT La Défence Conference Centre in Paris.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress Latin America - 31 October-1 November

World Retail Congress Latin America brings something totally new and unique to the market: a dedicated and premier CEO class strategic retail Congress to the Latin America markets. The exponential growth of the retail sector in Latin America means there is much interest in the dynamics of Latin American retail markets, the examination of the emerging trends, challenges and growth opportunities and best practice within key markets. This year's event will be held at the WTC Sheraton in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress Africa - 4-6 November: -

World Retail Congress Africa 2013 is your chance to engage with and learn from those steering the Pan-African and world's leading retail businesses. It marks a step change for industry in the region - The African Retail Revolution Realised. This event is to be held at The Maslow in Johannesburg.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


MAPIC - 13-15 November: -

MAPIC is the key meeting point for retailers looking for partners, property developers and owners looking for retailers to enhance their sites. MAPIC delivers three days of tailored meetings, expert-led conferences and a premium exhibition for industry leaders targeting all types of retail property: city and shopping centres, factory outlets, leisure areas and transit zones. As usual, the event takes place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

RLI Involvement: The magazine will be in all the delegate bags at the event, in the main hotels along the Croisette and in the Media racks in the Palais des Festivals, there will also be a Panel Session co-organised by RLI.


RECon Middle East  & North Africa - 24-26 November: -

The pre-eminent educational and networking conference for the shopping centre industry professionals, retailers and owners in the Middle East & North Africa, RECon MENA will take participants on a deep dive to what they need to know now, and in the future, to operate successful shopping centres, The 2013 event takes place in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi in Dubai, UAE.


RLI Involvement: The magazine will be in all the delegate bags at the event and will be on show throughout. RLI will also be organising a panel session... details to follow!


RECon Asia Conference - 2-3 December: -

The conference program will feature an outstanding line-up of industry experts who will address a timely array of topics assessing the challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Exhibition will showcase developers, investors, retailers and product and service providers from Asia and abroad. The event takes place at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


As you can see from the list above the end of this year is going to be a hectic one, but each event offers different takes on world retail so it makes the travelling more than worthwhile, along with this all the networking opportunities it allows, as well as a chance to catch up with associates makes the trips an excellent investment.

First up though is a mainly relaxing holiday in the Dubai sun. I hope everyone enjoys their summer and any holidays or trips you may have planned.

See you on my travels...

In the Summertime...

Hi there, I hope you are enjoying some fine weather wherever you may be reading this. Here at the RLI office we are currently experiencing something of a heatwave outside our building, well, a heatwave by UK standards anyway!

I have gradually been finding my feet again over the last few weeks, and have had some time to digest the fantastic response we received from our inaugural RLI Connect event. Due to the overwhelming success and the amount of requests for an extension, I am pleased to announce that the World's First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum will return next year and take place over two days on the 4 and 5 June 2014 at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club. We will also be holding this event alongside the highly anticipated ninth Global RLI Awards that will take place in the evening of the 5 June. This two day, two event spectacular is set to be the highlight of the networking calender, so make sure you do not miss out on either event, book a place at both events now by emailing jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com or by ringing +44 (0)1706 212200

The July/August issue of RLI has now hit CEO's desks worldwide, and we have a summer blockbuster of an issue for you to feast your eyes upon. There are features galore, an exciting cover story and an exceptional insight into retail from around the globe in our Voyager section. Add to this the latest news from across the world, a review of our RLI Connect event, an RLI special feature on Tourism and a Winner's brochure from our RLI Awards 2013, and you have an issue that as always is bursting to the seams with news, features and comments on world retail and leisure.

On top of everything else included, the July/August issue is only the second magazine where we have used a new style for the front cover. The main picture on the cover now spreads to the entire page, the title and information included on every cover is now simply incorporated around the main artwork. Here at RLI we think it is a subtle but noticeable change, we hope you all agree.

The cover story for this months issue focuses on Aedas International, and the worldwide success they are finding with the continued growth of its landmark retail and entertainment destination, Starlight Place. RLI spoke to Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas International, the Project Architect for Starlight Place in China, which recently won the Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination 2013. For a preview of this excellent article go to www.rli.uk.com

In this issue we have a feature on the Netherlands-based lingerie specialist retailer Hunkemöller, which is currently experiencing a period of accelerated growth and expansion. As part of the article RLI sat down with the company's CEO Philip Mountford as he talks about the company's plans for the future, and how they intend to fulfil their aim to be the number one lingerie specialist throughout the world.

There is also a feature on Private Selection Hotels, who operate in six European countries and strive to ensure they maintain the highest possible standards of quality and service. RLI talks to the company's President Olaf Reinhardt to find out more about its successful growth and commitment to guest satisfaction.

There are more features throughout the magazine, but I cannot give away all the details of what really is a bumper issue! However, the features mentioned above are just the start of what is included in this July/August issue. Carrying on the Voyager section that has been included in the previous two issues of RLI, this edition zooms in on Africa and the retail market that is currently there and what is in store (excuse the pun) for the future.

Now that we have had time to reflect on our inaugural RLI Connect we have included a review of the day, explaining what happened on the day, what the advantages of this event are and what we have in store for next year to make even more deals take place under one roof. For more information visit www.rliconnect.com

Now, as this was a summer issue, we could not let it slide by without including The Global RLI Awards 2013 Winners brochure along with the magazine. This 52-page brochure has a section on each of the categories included on the awards, highlights the winners and portrays an evening of style and celebration through the photographs included. Preparation is already well underway for our ninth annual awards ceremony next year at the Natural History Museum in London.

Looking ahead, we have a fantastic September issue lined up, mentioned in the previous blog entitled Getting Back to Business. Also, the manic month that is November is drawing ever closer and with it will bring the biggest edition of RLI yet.

The future looks an exciting time for RLI, as we continue to build on the success of RLI Connect, as we look to bring our ninth annual awards to fruition and making it the must attend celebration of the year, and as always, we look to bring you month after month the best guide to global retail and leisure.

Till next time...

Getting Back to Business

June turned out to be quite a month for me and the RLI team. It kicked off with the launch of our inaugural RLI Connect event at Chelsea Football Club on the 5 June, and this was followed up on the 6 June with our annual Global RLI Awards Gala Dinner which took place at the Natural History Museum. As if that was not enough, as soon as the dust settled from these two highly successful events, I found myself back at the office working on the July/August issue of our magazine so that it was ready for print.

Now that the calendar has turned over to July, and the most recent issue of RLI has been put to bed (due out later this week), I can take a breather, get back to a semi-normal routine (that is my normal) and prepare myself for a fantastic few months starting in September. Who knows, I may even be able to squeeze some time in with my emails!

The summer months are one of the quieter periods of the year in the RLI office, although this certainly does not mean we will be grabbing an after lunch ice cream or having afternoon naps in the sunshine anytime soon.....

We have a whole host of changes planned here at RLI to implement over the summer. First off, work is well underway in the construction of the brand new RLI Connect site (due to launch any day now), so that we can start planning and booking people for the most highly anticipated networking event of 2014. Once this is up and running we are going to re-vamp our RLI website, making it easier and faster for you to find out all the essential retail and leisure news, along with top features and interviews from the most important people in the sector.

Alongside these changes work has started to make sure our September issue is bursting with exciting aspects, making you wish we had never been away. Already confirmed for the September issue are lead interviews with the UK high street retailer AllSaints and the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company, L'Oréal. On top of this, we will have an article on the world-renowned Genesis Colors and a special feature that focuses on Urban Regeneration, so be sure not to miss it.

Away from the magazine, September is going to be a great month for the industry, and I look forward to attending two massive events. First up is the BCSC Annual Showcase, which takes place at the London Olympia on the 11 and 12 September. This year promises to be better than ever with an exciting new direction and a global feel. The BCSC will welcome international investors and retailers looking for that key link to London, the world's retail capital. At this must attend event, I am pleased to announce that RLI - Retail & Leisure International will continue its partnership with BCSC, and has again been chosen to be a Media Partner at an event which will inspire and challenge attendees with an impressive collection of industry speakers from retail, development and public sector communities.

Following this star-studded event, the large events just keep on coming. Towards the end of September, on the 25 and 26, the annual India Retail Forum (IRF) takes place. Now in its tenth edition, this event will bring together more than 2,500 delegates, 175 distinguished speakers from around the world and 100 exhibitors of innovative products and services for the retail sector.

At this world-renowned event I have been given the opportunity to moderate a panel session. The topic is 'Making India the Next Big Player in Luxury Retail - Charming the Snakes and Scaling the Ladders' - Even while China has been hailed as the force du jour by the leisure industry, India is the next destination to watch out for with the luxury industry growing at 25 per cent and sales expected to touch $15 billion by 2015, nearly double of what they are today. Not surprising at all, given India's 81 million households which fall in the upper middle class and high-income bracket which surpasses the entire population of many Western nations. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Louis Vuitton's presence in India, which was the first luxury brand to set foot in the country. Luxury brands like Prada, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin are already here, or making a beeline for India. The luxury giants at this session will share their perspectives on what they perceive of the Indian market, how to grow the luxury segment, and understand from the other retailers the peculiarities of the Indian consumer, and what they should do differently from what they have been doing.

If anyone is interested in being a part of this exciting topic and would like a seat on the panel, please get in touch at jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com

For the immediate future I look forward to spending some time with the family, getting back down to the day-to-day schedule and sorting out my schedule between now and Christmas, which is looking even more packed than last year. I say bring it on.....

For more information on both of the exciting events taking place in September, please see the links below: -

BCSC Preview
India Retail Forum Preview