Singaporean Delight and a Shopper'S Dream

28th December 2012

Well it's extremely warm in Singapore which beats the Manchester cold weather a couple of heavy showers but so far so good! Visited the Shoppes at Marina Bay sands...what an impressive development! I can see why it won our International Retail & Leisure Destination of the year at this years Global RLI Wards. Stunning shop Designs and interiors, the Louis Vuitton store is an iconic landmark on the water epitomising imagination and innovation in its design. An impressive array of global brands, Celebrity Restaurants, Casino, Theatres, Open spaces all add together to make this a must visit worldwide destination. I have visited many shopping centres around the world but this has to be one of my favourites if not the top of my list.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

I’m Jayne Rafter, Publisher of RLI, the world’s only global retail & leisure magazine and I’m here to wish you all a very merry Christmas from the RLI Team!

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all you who have helped make 2012 another successful year for RLI and we look forward to even greater success in 2013 with the launch of ‘The World’s First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum’, under its networking brand RLI Connect. Taking place on the 5^th June in London, the world’s retail capital for International retailers, the thinking behind it is simple… face-time with key global retail & leisure decision makers. This will be held alongside the renowned Global RLI Awards on the 6^th June, which in its 8^th year attracts key industry figures, on a global scale.

So until the new… heres wishing all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year!”

RLI Connect announces Silver Sponsor

RLI Connect, is pleased to announce Red Sea Mall, Saudi Arabia as a 'Silver Sponsor' of the first Global Deal-Making Event to be held in London, the world's retail capital, on 5th June 2013. The thinking behind it is simple face-time with key global retail & leisure decision makers. The event will be held alongside the renowned Global RLI Awards taking place on the 6th June at the prestigious Natural History Museum in London - two dates that should be at the very top of everyone's social calendar for next year… two events where 'Business Meets Pleasure', across the globe.

"Red Sea Mall" is the largest shopping center located on the famous King Abdul Aziz Road which is in the northern suburbs of Jeddah city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosting a bouquet of global brands under one roof. With major anchors like the Danube Supermarket, Pottery Barn, Mother Care, H&M, Paris Gallery, Al Sawani Department Store, Oceania FEC and Pizza Italia, Adolfo Dominguez, Burberry, Ferrari, Dunhill, Juicy Couture, to name a few, Red Sea Mall is the major attraction for all members of the family.   The mall also hosts more than 14 cafes, 8 casual dining restaurants and 24 food court outlets with more than 400 seats and a pleasant atmosphere.  Other facilities include 3400 car parks, a Five Stars Hotel and 6 floors offices building. For Further information visit: www.redseamall.com

Ensure you do not miss out on these must-attend events of 2013, for further details please click onto www.rliconnect.com or www.rli.uk.com/awards/2013, Other sponsorship opportunities available.

Retailers sign up for your complimentary registration now, giving you that all-important opportunity to meet the right people face-to-face through effectively organised, pre-arranged meetings with international developers, all under one roof, allowing you to present your brand expansion plans, form new partnerships and conclude deals, saving you both time and money… it won't cost you a penny, but could save you thousands!

The event is organised by Retail & Leisure International, 'the world's only global retail & leisure magazine'. Dedicated to the retail & leisure markets, the magazine incorporates global news, specialist features, profiles and regular sections including property, legal, design, investment & technology, all combined to offer the reader an insight and analysis into the impact of retail & leisure property development on the industry as a whole.

15th November

15th November

The sun was shining and everyone seemed to be in bright spirits as they poured into the Palais for the day ahead I was surprised at how busy it was so early...the focus this year definitely seemed to be on more work and less partying! I had a busy schedule today with two panel sessions:

First,  “The path to discovering Arabian Gold”, with Maninder Gill, Head of the Retail, Fashion & Franchising Group-Simons Muirhead & Burton, Simon Marshal, CEO-Fawaz Al Hokair & Co, Nick Gowens, Chairman & Business Development Director, Hiro Harjani, Founder & CEO Aftershock London and Helen Barnish, Head of International Real Estate, Hamleys. The session went well with lots of great feedback.
 
The second was "Outlet retailing: secrets for success", with Iestyn Roberts, Chief Executive-Freeport Retail; Phil Cottingham, Head of Retail, Quintain Estates & Development PLC, Sebastian Sommer, Neinver; Carmine Rotondaro, Worldwide Real Estate Director, PPR Group; John Devine, President Subway and Chris Kan, Subway. Another success with Developers queuing to hand out their cards to Subway and Gucci.


Another successful day of meetings finished with cocktails with the Benoy girls Valerie and Amy, followed by a Fashion Show hosted by PTAK Outlet at the Majestic Hotel. 

MAPIC 2012 opens its doors...

14th November

After a beautiful opening cocktail at the Majestic, participants woke early in eager anticipation for the days events. I had meetings from 8.30 am and didn't leave the Palais until after 7pm but all in all a very productive day. 

Exhausted and in need of a little relaxation I abandoned a couple of party's in favour of a few cocktails with friends Mike and Lea...naughty but nice!

A relaxing dinner and an early night...Midnight! Well for Cannes that is!

Lets Party...

13th November

I arrived in Cannes early afternoon and checked in at the Carlton Hotel before enjoying a leisurely lunch with Chris Lord. 

We were all set for MAPIC, the magazines once again had pride of place in all the Delegate bags, Principal hotels and Business lounge at the Palais Des Festivals...so all that was left was to have a productive 3 days of meetings.

Each year, MAPIC kicks off in style with a high-profile cocktail party, giving all Delegates the chance to engage with key industry players in a lively social setting. This year was no exception held at the Majestic Hotel, the opening cocktail, sponsored by Russian Developer Tashir, was a huge success. The Russian country of honour logo was all aglow on the facade of the building, emphasising their important presence here this year. Their was much buzz about the Diamond Party hosted by Tashir, as they distributed glasses of champagne with a ‘sparkling diamond’ inside. Participants then hurried to diamond experts to verify the authenticity of the sparkling gem. There were 8 lucky winners who walked away with the real deal!

Sadly I wasnt one of the lucky ones...but hey I had the next 3 days to look forward to!

RECon MENA awaits...

12th November

Enlivening and thought provoking sessions adorned the first day of RECon MENA. I especially enjoyed the discussion between Derek Barker and Phil McArthur...lots of banter and audience participation

We had a wonderful lunch at One & Only The Palm having taken the luxurious boat across from One & Only Dubai...sheer opulence with cream leather captain seats for all guests..thanks again Ishwar, if there was an award for entertaining you would win hands down!

After the conference it was a quick change for the awards dinner followed by drinks with industry friends and colleagues.

Sadly I will miss the second day of RECon MENA as I fly to MAPIC so it's goodbye for another year.

Until 2013...