Consumers now employ an arsenal of smartphones,mobile and social applications and tablets,while retailers utilize converging sales channels and touch points to influence and enhance the customer experience.
As a result,retail executives should rethink their approach to business challenges,from hiring and training the next generation of talent,to engaging the always-connected consumer,and finding innovative ways to make inventory and merchandise accessible from anywhere.
At the National Retail Federation's(NRF)102nd Annual Convention&Expo,Deloitte's Alison Paul will present on the projected influence of digital channels on purchase behavior,and address the importance of an omni-channel strategy in today's competitive marketplace.
During the session,Thomas M.Belk Jr.,chairman and CEO,Belk,Inc.and Susan Jurevics,senior vice president,Global Retail CRM and Brand Marketing at Sony Corporation of America,will provide a glimpse into their organizations'digital and cross-channel strategies and share their vision for the future of retail.
WHAT:"The Great Convergence"keynote address at the NRF Annual Convention&Expo 2013
WHO:Alison Paul,vice chairman and U.S.Retail&Distribution leader,Deloitte LLPThomas M.Belk Jr.,chairman and CEO,Belk,Inc.Susan Jurevics,senior vice president,Global Retail CRM and Brand Marketing,Sony Corporation of America
WHEN:Tuesday,January 15,201310:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
WHERE:Jacob K.Javits Convention CenterNew York,NYNorth Hall
Also during the NRF Annual Convention&Expo,Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited(DTTL)will release its annual"Global Powers of Retailing"study,produced in conjunction with STORES media,which ranks the world's top 250 retailers and provides insights and outlooks for the industry.
The 16th annual edition of the study will examine several massive changes most likely to have an impact on retailers in the coming year.That analysis will be augmented by a discussion of the global economy and this edition will again include the annual Q ratio rating of retailers.Deloitte's Dr.Ira Kalish will share insights into the report's findings.
WHAT:"Global Powers of Retailing 2013--Toward Consumer-Driven Retail"
WHO:Dr.Ira Kalish,director of global economics,Deloitte Services LP
WHEN:Monday,January 14,20133:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
WHERE:Jacob K.Javits Convention CenterNew York,NYHall E,1E 07-10
About Deloitte's Retail&Distribution Practice
Deloitte is a leading presence in the retail and distribution industry,providing audit,consulting,risk management,financial advisory and tax services to 80 percent of the Fortune 500 retailers.With more than 1,400 professionals,Deloitte's retail&distribution practice provides insights,services and solutions assisting retailers across all major subsectors including apparel,grocery,food and drug,wholesale and distribution and online.