Department Store Forum Stresses Importance of Retail Experiences

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. Some of the highlights included: • Naomi Yamakawa and Jean-Baptiste Coumau’s presentation on granular growth through cities. The two McKinsey & Co. partners in the company’s Japan office said a sense of optimism has returned to Japan over the past four years, and that the numbers of inbound tourists to the country continue to grow — projected to reach 30 million this year, 40 million in 2020 and 60 million by 2030. Among

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWDWWD http://bit.ly/2WzWB0S