The RLI Summer

It's been a while, but we can now look forward to a glimmer of sunshine and the happy holiday season! I hope that when many of you read this you will have just returned from an exotic holiday feeling refreshed and ready for the adventures that lie ahead in the world of retail.

At RLI we have now had some time to reflect on our two hugely successful events that took place in London at the beginning of June. The second RLI Connect event at Chelsea Football Club produced a fantastic 2-day event with a list of attendees from around the world. This was followed just a few hours later by the 9th Global RLI Awards which took place in the incredible setting of the Natural History Museum, where a West-End show and a four-course meal entertained the guests before the event culminated with the 2014 Global RLI Awards Ceremony. Since the two events we have completed our summer issue of RLI, which included the 2014 Winners Brochure as well.

Now that the chaos is finally out of the way, we at RLI look forward to a small breather during the summer, before getting the September issue of RLI ready to hit desks in late August. However for me, things are never quite that easy, and although I didn't think my diary could be more packed than last year, it looks as if I will be eating my words before too long! As I write this I am preparing for a short family holiday before jetting off to Dubai w/c 3rd August, with lots of meetings lined up as next year RLI plans to host its Tenth Anniversary Events in Dubai, so venues to look at and partners and sponsors to find... final details will be confirmed soon. If anyone is interested in the events, and would like a chance to discuss possibilities, let me know if you are available at any time during that week by emailing jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com

For now though, I am getting ready for a short break before the retail travelling season gets underway.

Till next time...

9 Years and Counting

After the pandemonium of the RLI Connect event, there was barely time to breathe before the build-up to the 9th Global RLI Awards began. After attempting, and failing to get in a quick power nap, I got myself ready and arrived at the Natural History Museum for the world-renowned RLI Awards Gala Dinner.

The museum put in a turnaround that was monumentally quick and while guests enjoyed the champagne reception and the chance of a photograph on the MK Illumination 'Throne', I made sure everything was ready before joining the guests and greeting old friends. Everyone was then called to their seats and we all enjoyed a fantastic four-course meal with wine as we waited for the West End Musical of 'Dirty Dancing'. The show was a spectacular way to get everyone in the party mood and heighten the anticipation for the Awards Presentation.

Once the stage was set, the main event got underway, and the winners of the Global RLI Awards 2014 are...

Global RLI Award for Future Project - Sponsored by Thor Equities

This category rewards those future projects that are not yet under construction. Our panel have judged architectural excellence, innovation in materials, equipment, new techniques and the positive impact that each development will have upon the local community.

And the winner is, Izmit Town Centre, Turkey

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Multi-Channel Retailing Concept - Presented by ECE

Multi-channel retail lies at the heart of the new shopping landscape and this category, new for 2014, recognises those retailers or shopping centre developers that demonstrate excellence and innovation in the integration of all on- and off- line channels to enhance the customer experience.

And the winner is, Red Sea Mall, Saudi Arabia

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Retail & Leisure Concept - Sponsored by Leslie Jones Architecture

Celebrating the most outstanding contribution to retail and leisure conceptualisation over the past year, this category rewards the company that has taken a brand and created an extraordinary experience for the customer.

And the winner is, Level Shoe District, Dubai

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, KidZania, Kuwait

Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination - Sponsored by Marina Home

In this category, the judges will celebrate the most outstanding new international retail and leisure experience by awarding a special prize to the destination that has delivered the most customers, the best offering and the most dynamic approach to property development.

And the winner is, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

Global RLI Award for International Shopping Centre - Sponsored by MK Illumination

Recognising the contribution made by shopping centres in providing customer care, good presentation, maintenance and cleanliness, this award also pays particular attention to high levels of service, diversity of offer and design excellence.

And the winner is, Trinity Leeds, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Emporia, Sweden

Global RLI Award for Shopping Centre Renovation - Sponsored by Haskoll

This award will be presented to a centre that demonstrates innovation in its renovation through architecture and design, how it has contributed to the overall regeneration of the town, city or area, its contribution to the local community and the steps it has taken to improve sustainability.

And the winner is, Shoppes at Four Season, Macao

Global RLI Award for International Outlet Centre - Presented by Nicole Farhi

With many observers viewing the outlet centre as a possible spearhead for economic recovery, this award celebrates the increasing popularity of the outlet model with shoppers and developers alike. The aim of this category is to reward innovation and design-led excellence that offers both retailers and customers the very best in terms of brand and community cohesion.

And the winner is, Fashion House Moscow

Global RLI Award for UK Retailer - Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment

This award honours a UK retail business that can truly be described as having an exceptional year. Our judges will be looking for strong financial performance, in-store innovation and proven customer service.

And the winner is, Boux Avenue

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Blue Inc

Global RLI Award for International Retailer - Sponsored by TriGranit Management Corporation

This award offers the opportunity to honour the international retailer that has achieved great things in the past year. Our judges looked for innovation, brand values and store innovation. Strong financial performance and a clear development strategy were also essential.

And the winner is, Hamleys

Global RLI Award for Emerging Market Retailer - Sponsored by Red Sea Mall

This award will be presented to an emerging market retailer that best represents the essential retail qualities of entrepreneurship, originality and flexibility. Our judges looked for a business that can demonstrate that they have a robust and growing retail format whilst examining the part it is playing in the development of the emerging economies.

And the winner is, Parfois

Global RLI Award for Global Leisure Operator - Presented by Swire Properties

This award is a tribute to the international leisure operator that has shown the strongest performance, whilst offering the customer an innovative and exciting brand maintaining global recognition.

And the winner is, KidZania

Global RLI Award for Hospitality - Presented by BCSC

The number of restaurants, clubs and bars opening throughout the world is truly staggering and there is no shortage of choice. This category aims to reward quality, diversity and genuine global expansion. The nominee must be an operator with a minimum of six outlets and an international presence.

And the winner is, Trinity Kitchen, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Long Island Resorts, Seychelles

Global RLI Award for Developer - Sponsored by Design International

This award is designed to highlight the best new retail and leisure schemes from the most successful and exciting development company of the last 12 months, with an emphasis on diversity, innovation and, of course, the 'wow' factor.

And the winner is, TriGranit Management Corporation

Global RLI Award for Designer - Presented by SES Spar European Shopping Centers

This award is a tribute to the designer that consistently and accurately delivers the value of a brand to both business and customers. Our judges have examined both the design process, its objective and, most importantly, the results.

And the winner is, Design International

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, 5+design

Global RLI Award for Contractor - Presented by National Association of Shopfitters

Honouring innovative and trail-blazing companies, this award acknowledges the importance of the contractor's role in the successful completion of any retail and leisure development. The judges have examined project portfolios, safety records and site presentation, amongst other factors.

And the winner is, Portview

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Clements Retail

Global RLI Award for Interior Excellence - Presented by 5+design

This award acknowledges the importance of the shopfitter's role in the successful completion of any retail or leisure development. The award also recognises the company's understanding of a client's needs, their contribution to the design process and their innovative use of the space and materials.

And the winner is, Umdasch for Doha International Airport, South Terminal, Qatar

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Beck Interiors for Selfridges, Denim Studio

Global RLI Award for Rising Star of the Year - Sponsored by Sands Retail

This award recognises the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements and long-term ambitions of smaller up-coming retail businesses.

And the winner is, Charming Charlie

After all the awards had been handed out and all the pictures taken, all that was left to do was surprise everyone by saying where the after party was. The night then continued into the small hours at Boujis, where everyone enjoyed the complimentary drinks.

All that's left for me to say is that I won't be a stranger on here, and for everyone to keep an eye out for details about next year's 10th annual Global RLI Awards which will take place in a secret location, with details to be announced soon.

See you on my travels...

To view the gallery from the awards, please visit http://www.rli.uk.com/awards/2014/awardsgallery/

The Return of the World's First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum - RLI Connect 2014

First off please allow me to say, I have not been ignoring you all I promise!

People who know me will understand that time has simply not allowed me to be more frequent with my posts. My apologies for this, hopefully these next two posts will make up for the lost time.

There is only one place to start however, and that is Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club...

The scene was set, not for a football match though, if they had attempted to play a match it would have been like playing on the beach, as the pitch was in the process of being re-laid. Instead, the stage was ready for the launch of RLI Connect 2014, the registration table was set, the attendees' badges were laid out ready to be collected, the meeting rooms were prepped and the networking lounges were prepared.

RLI Connect is the perfect platform for conducting business and building value through strategic partnerships. The purpose of the event is to give YOU face-time with the key players and decision-makers in the retail and leisure sectors. After multiple requests from attendees at our inaugural event, our second event was expanded to take place over two days, allowing delegates even more time to network, connect and close deals.

We arrived in plenty of time on the morning of the first day, eager to get started, and we were not the only ones as people turned up before the official 8am start, this was excellent to see and the day took off from there. The event was planned out well in advance, with the online database having been set up for months prior to the event assisting people with their meeting schedules, making sure everyone knew what was happening from start to finish. Every aspect of the event had been designed to allow the attendees to get on with business and make the most of their time at the event. To ensure everyone got a chance to meet people who they did not have pre-arranged meetings with, we had regular coffee and networking breaks and lunch in the RLI Connect networking lounge, one of the two dedicated networking lounges at the event.

To close the first day of the event, there was a cocktail party that, like last year, over-ran as people caught up with friends, colleagues and associates, and discussed the event and general business in a more informal setting with free beer, wine and soft drinks. Throughout the day we filmed delegates on camera as they talked about their perspectives of the event, highlighting what it is RLI Connect does for so many retailers and developers. As the cocktail party over-ran, the staff at Chelsea began cleaning up for the day around us, a productive day had been had by all. After the days activities we went out for dinner with clients and friends from the event and had a fantastic meal in Novikov, which doubled into a nightclub for those that still had energy to burn after a thoroughly exciting day. I finally crashed at about 2am, still wired, and ready for day two of RLI Connect and the evening that would bring with it the 9th Global RLI Awards.

After the quick start to the first day, none of us were surprised when people turned up on day two as soon as the clock hit 8, ready for coffee, breakfast, networking and meetings. The second day, despite finishing earlier at 2pm, had all the verve and vigour of the first day, as certain people could only attend on the Thursday there were lots of meeting requests and meeting rooms were in constant use. As the event drew to a close, we had one final hour between 1pm and 2pm where there was an informal lunch and networking session to conclude RLI Connect 2014.

As RLI Connect 2014 closed its meeting room doors at 2pm, many people went off to relax for a few hours before getting ready for the evening's activities, but for me and my colleagues, our day was just beginning...

As MIPIM Approaches...

As you can probably tell by the lack of blogging, it has been a manic start to the year. We were in full swing straight away in the RLI office after the Christmas break, getting the first issue of the year to the printers, but then we immediately had to start work on the March issue as we are once again in all the delegate bags at MIPIM 2014, on show in the principal hotels along the Croisette and last but not least in the press racks in the Palais Des Festivls, as such we had to send the magazine to the printers much earlier than usual.

However, I can now say that we have sent the March issue to the printers, and I have just stepped off the plane returning from EuroShop 2014 in Dusseldorf, where RLI joined ISO's Meeting Point (International Shopfitting Organisation) whose hospitality never ceases to amaze, thank you to Preben and Anna Bailey. The February issue of RLI was on show in front of 2,200 exhibitors from 57 countries. The event took place in a huge area of more than 115,000sq m of net exhibition space across 16 halls, and again the event gave the retail industry the basis for ideas, innovations, solutions, contacts and business.


Our MIPIM issue is as always bursting with all kinds of features, insights and profiles this year ready for the 25th Anniversary of MIPIM. The cover story for the issue is Arcus Real Estate, as we look into the many exciting retail and leisure destination projects they are currently working on. We also take a look into the forward-thinking plans Paris Gallery has to take its premium collections into new and exciting markets. The Voyager section for this magazine is a special MIPIM Insight, where we bring you an overview of the best of what is coming up in the areas of international retail, leisure and mixed-use developments. On top of this there is our annual focus on the global outlet sector, where we outline how the outlet centre is evolving and where in the world these outlets are opening. With all of this, plus all the usual retail and leisure insights, event previews, design profile and galleries, the MIPIM issue will be you best guide before and after MIPIM 2014.


As we build up to MIPIM 2014, I will be heading to London at the beginning of March to be present at the ICSC Retail Connections event, which takes place on the 4th March in London at the Business Design Centre, where the RLI March issue will be present. Following this event I have less than a week in the office before I head out to Cannes for the special 25th edition of MIPIM, taking place at the Palais Des Festivals between the 11th and 14th, it is shaping up to be the biggest ever with all the anniversary celebrations that appear to be in place. With an incredible 40,000sq m of exhibition space expected for the 2,000 exhibiting companies attending from over 80 countries, the event promises to bring together the most influential players from all international property sectors.

As MIPIM draws to a close on the Friday I will be heading home, but not for a weekend to recharge, obviously, but to pack as I'm then off to Dubai on the Saturday. Flying to Dubai is however, always worth it and I will be attending the UKTI GREAT Week UAE, as it takes place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Taking place between the 16th and 20th of March with the RLI magazine on show, the event, which is one of many GREAT Week events taking place across the calendar year, will give UK-based businesses the opportunity to join government-led trade missions to meet major buyers, potential partners and influential opinion formers in the UAE market.


Before all this kicks of however, I have a couple of weeks in the office to catch up on emails, get started on the next issue of RLI, and of course work on the upcoming RLI Connect 2014 event and the Global RLI Awards 2014, which seem to be coming around even faster than last year. Lots to look forward to this year for me and for you!

See you on my travels...

RLI hits the 2014 Ground Running

Welcome back everyone, I hope you have all had a fantastic break catching up with friends and family, eating too much, drinking too much, and have now returned fully energised for the exciting year that lies ahead!

We have been back in the office for just a couple of days now but we are already hard at work on several upcoming projects and focused on the immediate task of getting the RLI magazine back on your desk.

The February issue is coming along well and we have lots of exciting features for you to look forward to in our first issue of the New Year. The features include a close look at Twice Fashion, China's earliest and most influential fashion accessories brand in the Chinese market, retailing a wide range of accessories. The February issue will also highlight the Ipekyol brand, which is run by the Ayaydin-Miroglio Group, which operates 160 stores in Turkey and six stores overseas across its brands Machka, Twist and Ipekyol. Also in the magazine there will be a feature on a leading luxury retailer in the Middle East, Paris Gallery. This is the eponymous flagship brand of Paris Gallery Group, with over 1 million sq ft of luxurious shopping space and 40 stores located in prime retail addresses spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. We are also looking at One and Only Resorts, whose remote island retreats offer some of the most unique experiences in the world's best destinations. With a special feature on shop-fitting and a voyager section focused on the best developments Russia has to offer as well, the first magazine of 2014 will be worth the wait.


Now less than five months away, the momentum surrounding RLI Connect 2014, the must-attend deal-making event of 2014 continues to grow and we have new retailers and developers signing up on a regular basis.

On that note, I am also delighted to reveal that Red Sea Mall have retained their Silver Sponsorship package for the second RLI Connect event. This now means that all the sponsorship packages have been taken, so get in touch now via jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com to snap up a Meeting Room package before they too are all gone.

The Global RLI Awards 2014 is also in the works. Scheduled to take place on the 5th June following the completion of RLI Connect earlier in the day, the awards will offer a unique networking opportunity, 17 award categories, a three course meal, an excellent evening's entertainment and of course the infamous after party! For those who have attended RLI Connect the awards will also allow previous discussions to continue in a relaxed environment and offer even more deal-making opportunities.

After all the celebrations of the last few weeks, 2014 will see RLI celebrate its 100th issue, and it just so happens to fall on our yearly Mapic issue in November, so be sure to mark that one out in the calendar as it promises to be the biggest issue we have ever done.

Till next time...

Getting in the Christmas spirit

Phew... the last few weeks have been a frenzied mix of hotels, events, planes and very little sleep. That means only one thing - it has been the travelling season!

November was a month where hectic would not do the schedule justice. Upon returning from South Africa near the beginning of the month I had a weekend to pack before I headed off to MAPIC. Quickly following this I had to prepare for three weeks away from the office. My first stop was Dubai in the UAE for the REcon Middle East and North Africa event. Then I was onto Beijing in China for the REcon Asia Conference, and then I was back to Dubai for the Future Retail event. It may be the most tiring time of year but the people, surroundings, events and opportunities make it more than worthwhile.

Now, after those three weeks and three events, two countries and two cities, I am back on home soil for the festive celebrations, although a build up to Christmas at home can be just as manic as travelling around the world I'm sure you'll agree.

The travelling really began with what was for me a short trip across the channel to Cannes for the MAPIC showcase, which this year took place in an atmosphere of growing optimism amongst the 8,300 delegates from over 70 countries. The huge event this year focused on omni-channel retailing strategies, the importance of leisure facilities in shopping malls, which was emphasized with the common use of the phrase retailtainment during the event, and the growth of retail real estate opportunities in prime locations and certain second-tier cities. Other highlights at the event included the MAPIC awards where this year the UK won big, and the highly anticipated opening cocktail party which offered a high-profile networking event which was open to all MAPIC participants.

After a couple of days at home following MAPIC, I was on the move again and heading off to Dubai for the REcon MENA event, which was the preeminent educational and networking conference for shopping centre industry professionals, retailers and owners in the region for 2013. The event examined how shopping centres in the MENA region remained resilient during the recession amid a changing financial climate. The conference also featured intense pre-conference workshops, conference sessions and panel discussions by industry experts and professionals that know the business inside and out.

After this event I was back on the plane and off to Beijing for the REcon Asia event which saw the largest gathering of industry professionals in the fastest-growing retail market in the world. The conference gave the ideal venue to discuss leasing opportunities, make deals and network with key decision makers. The program featured speakers from four continents who spoke about the pertinent issues affecting the futures of our business. The event also saw the 6th annual Asia-Pacific Shopping Center awards.

My final stop took me back to Dubai for the Future Retail event. In only its 2nd year the Future Retail event focused on the challenges faced by retailers looking to expand within the Middle East and North Africa. The event, after doing extensive research prior to the conference, focused on four main streams - 'Business Models', 'Location and Traffic', 'Customer Experience' and 'Marketing and E-tailing' to maximise the potential of this event.

Looking ahead into the New Year, the deadline for nominations for the Global RLI Awards 2014 expires on the 31st January 2014. Ensure you send your nomination across by then and don't miss out on the esteemed Global RLI Awards, which next year will be in its 9th year and will take place on the 5th June in the grand setting of the Natural History Museum. To book a table at this must-attend award ceremony just visit www.rli.uk.com/awards/2014/ and guarantee you and your company's seats NOW.

On the topic of RLI in 2014, let me take this opportunity to announce the newest additions to the RLI Connect 2014 event, Saburrito's, Ralph Lauren and Alshaya are the most recent retailers to have signed up to the ever increasing list of attendees. Expanded to take place over two days on the 4th and 5th June at Chelsea Football Club, with an early finish on the 5th to allow you to get ready for our awards, RLI Connect 2014 promises to be bigger and better than our inaugural RLI Connect event which took place this year. Take this chance to book your place now by visiting www.rliconnect.com and sign up to the must-attend deal-making event of 2014.

As we all make the final preparations for the Christmas holidays, myself and the RLI team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year which will include the 100th issue of RLI, the world's only global retail and leisure magazine. I hope you all enjoy the break and come back re-invigorated for the year ahead.

Till next year...

Travelling to France, Brazil and South Africa - And that's just the magazine...

It's been a manic few weeks here at the RLI office, and the same for me juggling work with attending numerous events which have taken me around the globe in the past month. Back in the office, we have just put the finishing touches to our biggest magazine of the year, our MAPIC special, and we have sent it off to the printers ready to go in all the delegate bags at MAPIC 2013.

I have been back in the UK for over a week now, and it has been strange to sleep in the same place for more than one night at a time, with the recent travelling I have felt like I have been on a worldwide retail tour! My first stop took me to the CNIT La Défense Conference Centre in Paris for the World Retail Congress, which took place between the 7th and the 9th of October. At this years event, the first World Retail Congress event in a flurry of them worldwide, the October issue of the RLI magazine was on show throughout. Immediately following a day at this event I was back on a plane and heading to the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in, well you guessed it, Munich. The event was one of the largest on the real estate calendar and it was of course Expo Real, which this year took place between the 7th and the 9th of October. This year the RLI magazine enhanced its presence at this premium event with distribution racks in between all the exhibition halls giving unrivalled coverage to our advertisers and readers globally. Then from here I was on the move again, and this flight was not a quick hop over to another European country but a flight to Dubai for the Cityscape Global event. Held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre over the 8th, 9th and 10th of October, it is a must-attend industry event that also had the RLI magazine on show. As you can tell, where I go, the magazine tends to follow! The only downside to this hectic schedule of visiting three countries in just five days was the fact that I could not spend as much time as I would have liked at each event, as all of these events coincided with one another, this arranging of events is hopefully something that organisers can improve upon for next year.

Once I arrived back at the office it was all systems go on the MAPIC edition of RLI, our biggest issue of the year. Included in this bumper magazine is a wide array of features, including a first for RLI, a gate-fold for Marina Home Interiors with an additional profile on pages 4-5. The cover for this MAPIC issue is Fashion House, as we discuss with the Managing Director Brendan O'Reilly how the recently opened Fashion House Moscow has been performing, and what is next in the pipeline for Fashion House. The magazine then opens with a who's who page featuring Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot. The huge MAPIC magazine has several lead interviews, including Bloomingdales, Blue Inc and Mothercare. Also in the magazine we have a 2-part special feature on Shopping Centre Management with opinion pieces by Eileen Connelly, and one from Richard Bailey of intu. With this issue being the MAPIC issue, it would not have been right to complete the magazine without an event feature on MAPIC 2013. There will be a MAPIC insight and a detailed 2-page conference schedule included. 

Having completed the magazine and sent it off to the printers, the finished product will be on show at more retail events across the globe. The magazine will be at two huge World Retail Congress events that are taking place for the very first time this year. The first of these events is the World Retail Congress Latin America, which takes place at the WTC Sheraton in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the 31st October and the 1st November. The second event is the World Retail Congress Africa which is taking place at The Maslow in Johannesburg, South Africa over the 4th to the 6th of November. After these events the magazine will then be placed in all of the delegate bags at MAPIC 2013 as well as being on show throughout the biggest retail real estate event on the calendar. Taking place from the 13th to the 15th of November at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, MAPIC 2013 is going to be a cracking event, and it is one I am very much looking forward to. I have booked my diary out so it will be a whirlwind few days. I am looking to hold several meetings at MAPIC with developers and retailers for next years RLI Connect which is already receiving a lot of enquiries, feel free to make an appointment by sending me an email. I am also holding a panel session on the opening day of MAPIC on Wednesday 13th November from 14:30 to 15:15 entitled "Middle East Miracle", and the session will focus on how the Middle East has emerged as a key market for retailers across the globe.

As for me, I'll soon be heading out to South Africa to be present at the first World Retail Congress Africa event, then I have the weekend to pack for MAPIC where I will hopefully see and catch up with all of you.

See you on my travels...