Shop talk: Forum shows what's in store in retail

The day began with a global market overview presentation from The Future Laboratory co-founders Chris Sanderson and Martin Raymond. This was followed by Big Idea Retail and the Power of Culture, a discussion between Chris Sanderson and Alannah Weston, creative director at Selfridges. Weston explored ways in which culture can be used to drive sales and satisfy consumers’ hunger for experiences that matter. This was followed by a discussion between Martin Raymond and Peter Fitzgerald, country sales director at Google UK. Fitzgerald examined how Google, the multi-channel mega-system, turns its vast enterprise into hard sales.

The insights continued after a break for hi-lo tea. Andrew Robb, COO of Farfetch, in conversation with LS:N Global editor Lucie Greene, led a discussion about how Farfetch is not simply an online boutique, but a revolution in content. 

The day finished with Chris Sanderson in conversation with set designer Gary Card, who shared his insights on how to put theatre back into retail. 

Guests and speakers were also treated to a viewing of The Future Laboratory’s camera obscura. Guests were placed in an immersive world of captivating lights and sounds, evoking the sounds of 10 interior designs displayed. 

For more on the Retail Futures Forum, buy a copy of our Retail Futures report, now available in our shop.