What: The first in-person FIRA gathering after two years of videoconferencing.

Why it is important: Although not all members were present, it was a first glimpse of a return to normality, as well as the opportunity for IADS to meet other federations, including the IGDS which joined the FIRA back after several years of not being a member.

After almost two years of impossibility to meet due to travel restrictions, a part of FIRA Members were finally able to gather in New York on the day prior to the NRF Big Show opening. It was a good way to meet, often for the first time, other FIRA members. Also, this meeting was the opportunity for the IADS GM to finally meet the IGDS GM, as the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores joined again the FIRA this year, after having left the organisation a few years ago.

15 members were present, and 2 guest speakers were invited to share their views on retail trends and opportunities.

• In his introduction remarks, FIRA Chairman Jacques Creyssel shared his 4 topics of concerns: the long-term consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the digitalisation of commerce and its implications, the sustainability topic and impact on margins, and the potential effects of a long-lasting inflation.
• GDR CEO Kate Anquetil exposed the 5 retail trends she sees for 2022: “come to me retail”, the store as an extension of the smartphone, “meta-vending”, sustainability and the Metaverse, which she sees as a third sales channel,
• Kearney shared the conclusions of their annual Global Retail Development Index, showing that for international retailers, Africa is probably the most promising market now.
• The NRF VP of CSR and Sustainability shared provocative thoughts on sustainability and the fact that no one really know what is encompasses. He came up with an interesting definition: sustainability is all about “creating net positive, environmental, social and community benefits”.
• Finally, the FDC (French Federation du Commerce) shared the result of their collaboration with the French government into trying to make retail jobs more glamorous, by providing more information to employees and employers through new dedicated online platforms.

Full Report FIRA Meeting Jan 2022 NY

The 2021 Global Retail Development Index™ - Kearney

Fira Jan 22 meeting participant list

Top 3 Priorities in retail worldwide by Jacques Creyssel

Global Retail Development Index by Mike Brown

Sustainability in retail by Scot Case