MEETING OF THE WORLD’S RETAIL LEADERS POSTPONED BY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHAOS
- Global debate on the future of the retail industry postponed until October –

Retail industry leaders from across the globe set to congregate in Berlin this week will no longer meet, as the cloud of volcanic ash originating in Iceland continues to bring unprecedented international travel chaos.

The World Retail Congress, the biggest annual gathering of the global retail industry, has today been postponed until October, as the truly international programme of speakers and participants struggled to reach Berlin ahead of the scheduled first day on Wednesday.

As the world begins to emerge from the effects of the global recession, the Congress was expected to welcome more than 50% more participants than in 2009, as retailers gathered to debate what the future holds for the industry.

Organisers are already in discussion with more than 100 industry experts who were set to speak, and are hopeful that most will be able to participate when the Congress convenes later this year.  Drawn from a diverse range of industry sectors and international markets, scheduled speakers included Dr Eckhard Cordes, Chairman & CEO, Metro Group, Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry, Hans Schmitt, Senior Vice President, Hugo Boss, Philipp Schindler, Vice President, Google, Sarita Nayyar, Head of Consumer Industries, World Economic Forum USA, Mindy Grossman, CEo, HSN Inc and Laura Wade-Grey, CEO, Tesco.com. 

The World Retail Congress is the only truly international meeting of the global retail industry, with leading figures from across the sector drawn together to resolve the most crucial global issues.

As previously planned, the Congress will take place in Berlin, with confirmed dates for October 2010 to be announced shortly.  The Congress is organised by Emap Communications, in association with key sponsors, Deloitte, MasterCard and Oracle.

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For further information, please contact FD:
Victoria Wallin, + 44 (0)20 7269 9360
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Notes to editors:

WORLD RETAIL CONGRESS 
Created in direct response to the demands of retailers, and supported by major international players including Tesco, Carrefour, Ikea, Alshaya, and Best Buy, the World Retail Congress will once again bring together the world’s retail leaders for high-level debate with international policy makers.

The aim is to drive growth in the global retail economy, promote the benefits of global retail excellence and gain sustainable, competitive edge in domestic and international markets. With thousands of key retail professionals and politicians expected to attend, the focus will be on discussing and influencing the issues for change.  Further details are available online at www.worldretailcongress.com or by emailing info@worldretailcongress.com.