Over the course of 12-14 April 2016, more than 1,000 CEOs, heads of marketing and e-commerce professionals from retailers representing 50+ countries will unite for the 10th edition of the World Retail Congress at the Madinat Jumeriah in Dubai.
In true tradition the Congress will close with the World Retail Awards, the only global industry event that recognises and honours retail excellence. Since launching in 2007, the Awards have seen retailers from around the world present their work on a global stage, allowing brands to showcase innovation and excellence across various segments of the industry.
Many of the WRC awards’ previous winners have gone on to enjoy heightened commercial success and global marketing coverage following their achievements. “We saw a lot more new retail coming to the store to ‘copy’ our idea”, noted Nicola Farinetti, CEO of Eataly USA who in 2014 scooped the winning spot for Best New Retail Concept. “Inspiration from other businesses and applying to yours is the best way to innovate.”
Past title-holders have also benefited from the global reach that both the congress and awards offer. BreadTalk, one of China and Singapore’s leading bakery outlets enjoyed new levels of publicity following their win with the Growth Market Retailer of the Year award, also in 2014. “As our business is predominantly in Asia and the Middle East, it was good exposure for other retail owners to get to know our brand and our business better”, said Joyce Koh, group senior vice-president, brand development for the group. Acknowledging the triumph at a time where retailers are keen on integrating online and offline models, Koh described the Awards as “the epitome of retail prestige”.
There are nine categories in total, including new additions for 2016 such as The Rodney Fitch Award for Innovation and Creativity. The luxurious Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai will play host to the glittering Awards Ceremony which runs hand in hand with the Gala Dinner on 14 April, the closing night of the Congress.
Entry for the Awards can be completed via the submission form here. Entries close 9 February.
