Retail Scene

Close to 100 retail industry executives gathered at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, September 10 to 13 to interact and learn at the RIS News Retail Executive Summit titled "Roadmap to Consumer-Driven Retail."

During the four-day event, participants attended workshops, panel discussions and sessions led by industry experts. The opening keynote, titled "Innovation in Retail and Beyond," was led by Lisa Bodell, founder and president, futurethink. Bodell discussed what she refers to as the "seven angles of innovation," shared retail examples and gave attendees tips on how to be innovators.

Also on day one, executives from The Home Depot and Charlotte Russe shared their insights into merchandising in a panel discussion, and Larry Freed, president and CEO, ForeSee Results, talked to the group about customer satisfaction. Topics on day two ran the gamut from multi-channel loyalty to shopper trends. Greg Buzek, president of IHL Consulting, led a panel discussion on "Providing Associates with Better Tools," along with executives from Northern Group Retail and Canadian Tire.

Retailers also were treated to a Topic Table lunch discussion and an interactive workshop moderated by AMR's Rob Garf. On the final day, Bob Buchanan of AG Edwards shared predications and analysis around Wall Street trends, and Party America's president Marty Allen wowed the crowd with tales of phenomenal retail growth.