This year the conference is themed 'Surviving and thriving in the future'. It brings the complex relationship between retailers and consumers into the spotlight, with its knowledgeable programme of speakers facilitating a better understanding of consumers.
SACSC research committee chairman and research conference chairman, Dr Dirk Prinsloo, explains that retail success takes a combination of research, innovation and intuition. "The conference highlights research to enable conference-goers to better understand the market in which shopping centres and retailers operate," says Prinsloo. "We hope that this knowledge will also inspire retail innovation."
Natalie Berg from Planet Retail in the UK will provide a global perspective on key retail trends and what may affect South Africa in the future. Berg points to private label, multi-channel and customer endorsement as key trends to watch.
Colin Buxton of Toolbox Marketing, in the UK and Europe, will discuss how on the fittest retailers survive, even with multi-channel retailing and marketing.
Tapping into the wealth of homegrown knowledge, Chris Moerdyk of Moerdyk Marketing and Media will introduce delegates to the consumer of the future.
Professor John Simpson of UCT Unilever Institute will bring South Africa's most affluent consumers into the spotlight to achieve a greater understanding of the top-end consumer market.
Magnus Rademayer of Afrigis will explore new technology, such as geographic information systems (GIS), as a tool for better retail decision making.
Drawing from his own experiences, retired retailer Brand Pretorius will look at ways of surviving and thriving in tough times - a topic which will resonate with many retailers in the current challenging economic climate.
Hein Wagner will give a surprisingly different perspective on retail - a blind man's shopping experience. Blind adventurer and motivational speaker Wagner will leave delegates with something to think about as he introduces them to "A blind man with vision."
"South Africa's retailers and its shopping centre community will engage with and learn from the best at the conference and put research into action," notes Prinsloo.
"Based on the inaugural success of this focused, interactive event, it will become an annual feature on South Africa's retail calendar," says Amanda Stops, general manager of the SACSC. "It creates a much-needed opportunity to learn about and discuss the latest in sound retail tactics."
For more information, go to www.sacsc.co.za.
