World Department Store Forum 2019

TOKYO

The 2019 edition of the World Department Store Forum finished its two-day run in the Japanese capital Friday, after presentations and talks by more than 20 retailers, experts and industry leaders.

The event’s theme was the role of department stores in mega cities, but one topic came up more than any other over the course of the conference: the importance of experiences in the future of retail.

Other things touched on throughout the two days included the growth of mega cities and midsized cities, creating department stores that are destinations that offer something online shopping cannot, how to get customers into stores (and how to get them to stay), renovating and innovating historic buildings, infusing empathy into the retail experience and using department stores to anchor communities.

Click here to read some of the highlights