As the world in which retail has to operate becomes even more uncertain, this year's World Retail Congress comes at a critical time for the global retail industry. 

In an interconnected, globalised world, the unleashing of tariffs is forcing retail leadership teams to examine every aspect of their business. 

With this year's World Retail Congress already focused on the challenge of how to deliver "faster, bolder, smarter" growth, it will be an unmissable gathering of retail leaders. 

The agenda will bring together top retailers like Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco sharing their insights in keynote speeches. Main stage panels of retailers from across many sectors and geographies will discuss how they will navigate through tariffs and turmoil to deliver growth. 

Hear from one of the most respected global economists and most popular Congress speakers, Dr Ira Kalish, the Chief Global Economist at Deloitte, giving his very latest summary of how economic factors will impact retailers' decision-making. 

Learn from our 2025 Knowledge Partners who will deliver critical new research studies that go to the heart of the challenge of delivering growth by looking at the consumer; your teams; the retail business model and how AI and technology will transform the industry. 

Across two days, learn and discuss with over 130 top retail industry speakers. But it will also be an unprecedented opportunity to meet and network with fellow retailers from around the world to share experiences, build relationships and partnerships. 

The 2025 World Retail Congress will also provide so much more: 

Flagship Store tours: 
The World Retail Congress has brought together and unmissable selection of flagship stores and retail destination visits. Delegates choose which tour they want to join and will be met by the CEOs and senior leadership teams at some of London's most iconic and important stores. 

Alongside expert insight from Deloitte, these tours will give you a truly unique look at the stores defining London: 

• Selfridges and John Lewis
• Primark and Sports Direct
• Gymshark 
• Tesco
• Savile Row - the world famous and world-leading heart of fine tailoring and bespoke craftmanship

Woman in Retail: 
The annual meeting of the International Women in Retail Group. One of the most popular events taking place during the World Retail Congress which this year will be hosted by Burberry and their London flagship on Bond Stress. The networking event will begin with the presentation of the 2025 Woman of the Year award sponsored by Altrua. 

Accelerator Programme for Future Retail Leaders
Launched in 2024, the Accelerator Programme is aimed at those senior leaders ready to move to Executive or Main Board level. The Programme will build a powerful community of future leaders who can learn from each other but also from a tightly curated programme of content lead by retailers and experts to provide "money can't buy" tutorials. There are still a few remaining places available. 

Opening Reception
The unmissable curtain-raiser for the 2025 Congress hosted by London's oldest store and one of the most iconic in the world - Fortum & Mason. The perfect way to meet fellow delegates and to enjoy the retail experience that is totally unique. 

Future Retail Challenge and Gen Z Session 
A key feature of the World Retail Congress since 2009, the Future Retail Challenge brings together teams of students from retail, design, fashion and business colleges from around the world including, for the first time, a University from Saudi Arabia. 

Hear the students present their ideas for tackling of today's biggest challenges for all retailers - how to attract, recruit and retain Gen Z into the industry! 

Delegates can also learn more about Gen Z - and Gen Alpha - in a special session on the Congress that brings together all the students to hear the results of exclusive research and to be part of an open discussion in this special interactive workshop. 

International Directors Group
Responding to the renewed focus on international expansion to help deliver new and exciting growth, the World Retail Congress has worked closely with an advisory group of international directors to build special sessions and networking opportunities on the agenda. The aim is to provide detailed help and knowledge exchange on the key countries and regions that retailers and brands are focused on with particular emphasis on the specific challenges and common mistakes made. Open to all delegates, these sessions will provide both knowledge, insight and invaluable meetings with potential partners and advisors. 

Closing reception and exclusive tour at Gieves & Hawkes 
A special new event for 2025 - a closing reception taking place at one of London's oldest stores, Gieves & Hawkes at No 1 Savile Row, the bespoke tailoring capital of the world. Enjoy drinks and canapes with fellow delegate but also enjoy a special tour of the archive room to learn Gieves & Hawkes has been dressing royalty, the rich and famous for 250 years. 

World Retail Hall of Fame
Celebrating and honouring this year's inductees into the World Retail Hall of Fame at a special dinner on the closing night of the Congress. Taking place at the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, home of some of the UK's finest works of art and in 2025, celebrating its 200th anniversary. The 2025 inductees: Brian Cornell, President and CEO, Target, Charlotte Tilbury and group CEO, Demetra Pinsent and Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of the Chalhoub Group. We will also be announcing the recipient of the Retail Entrepreneur of the Year.