What: The IADS attended the 2025 edition of the World Retail Congress, held in London from May 13 to 14. According to the organisers, attendance reached a record level compared to the previous session in Paris. In any case, there was a palpable sense of excitement among the crowd, which has been interpreted by some as the joy of meeting peers and exchanging with them in a world increasingly uncertain for retailers. The spectacular guest line-up also contributed to the energy of the event.

Why it is important: During this edition, the IADS had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable between IADS member Juan Carlos Escribano from El Palacio de Hierro, along with Jennifer Woo, Chairwoman of Lane Crawford, and Leonie Foster, COO of Selfridges. Also, Patrick Chalhoub was inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame. Finally, Peter Ruis from John Lewis took part to a roundtable on Retail Media, while Enrique Ostalé, Chairman of Falabella, discussed his group forays in AI.

World Retail Congress 2025 IADS report