"The pace of change in retail is lightning fast and we are seeing some very polarised performances between those retailers that are putting customer needs at the heart of their strategy, leveraging technology and embracing change to grow, and those that are being left behind. Additionally, there is global disruption and retailers must keep one eye permanently on the bigger picture, whilst focusing in on the detail of their strategy plans."

However much retailers plan ahead, the recent past shows us how global events and geopolitics can wreak disruption. As we enter the key peak trading period in 2024 and look ahead to 2025, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges for retailers and what is keeping retail leaders awake at night? 

Lisa will take a big picture overview on topics including consumer sentiment, industry trends, technology and the economic outlook.

Despite the Covid pandemic being firmly in the rear view mirror, the retail sector is once again facing a barrage of challenges, some old and some new.

Our expert guest panel selected from the worlds of financing, agency, landlords and asset managers, will share their thoughts on the outlook for retail real estate and navigating the challenges and opportunities of politics, capital, law, technology and the ever-changing whims of the consumer.

Join FRP's Financial Advisory experts as they delve into key strategies for successful cashflow management, essential retail financial modelling, and due diligence practices. The session will explore the evolution of value within the retail sector, focusing on both foundational principles and changing drivers.

They will cover how to make accurate value assessments that support transactions, strategic decision-making, and compliance. Additionally, the team will share key considerations and insights on supporting retailers in distress, including the latest trends in Special Situations M&A within the sector.

This deep-dive session will explore the key challenges facing the retail sector. A panel of industry experts including Camille Perry (Tove Studio), Rob Feldman (Brand Alley), Huw Crwys-Williams (WH Smith) and Tony Wright (FRP), will discuss retail in the current economy, examining difficulties they’ve worked through and the impact of these experiences. Discover how each case has shaped their individual journeys and the tools they used to overcome these challenges.

You’ll also learn what each expert anticipates for the future of retail, and what firms should look out for to avoid pitfalls and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

Gain essential insights from a team of experts in the lending field who will uncover the current trends in retail lending. This session will provide legal perspective on retail lending, valuation themes, current market trends and recovery themes and trends.

This interactive workshop will look at practical considerations of fraud risks and management in light of the new ‘Failure to Prevent’ offences in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) which gives rise to potential corporate liabilities where the organisation has benefited from fraudulent activity.

Organisations should be considering the immediate actions they can be taking in advance of the release of guidance surrounding ‘reasonable’ fraud prevention procedures.

Join Steven Cook and our retail sector specialists, as they discuss recent landmark cases, including BHS, Clintons, Debenhams, and The Body Shop, which have shaped and continue to influence the future landscape of the retail sector.