TECHNOLOGY will play a key role in expanding the food-retailing industry around the globe, which, according to the chief executive of a London-based think tank, will make or break a business.
In the next 10 years, a boom in technology will happen, Joanne Denney-Finch, CEO at British food and consumer goods research and training group IGD, predicted. And this trend, she added, will cause a large shake up in the global food-retailing industry.
āWeāre going to see a lot of market turbulence over the next 10 years as some retailers, unable to adapt in time, are replaced by those that can,ā she predicted.
The use of modern technology in improving services, Denney-Finch noted, is inevitable. This, she said, are part of the āseeds of the future that have already been planted.ā
āBut for all the changes brought about by technology, the eternal virtues of good retailing will remain. People will always want an enticing range of safe, reliable products delivered in a friendly environment, offering good value for money whether buying shopping online or in stores,ā she explained.
Shopper behavior, the executive added, has evolved and will continue to evolve at paces āfaster than ever before.ā
āEmpowered by technology and information, they are better able to evaluate their choices and track down best value and quality. This is encouraging a new wave of retailers and service providers and represents a big challenge to established, mainstream food retailers,ā Denney-Finch said.
Hence, an unprecedented level of experimentation will occur in food retail worldwide.
āItās fascinating to consider which of these experiments will succeed and be part of the next generation of stores,ā she said.
Denney-Finch is one of the over 30 speakers who will share their insights on the trends and updates on the global retail and marketing industries during the Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (APRCE) this coming October.
The APRCE is organized by the Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers Association, the regional organization of 17 recognized national retail associations in Asia Pacific. The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) will host the prestigious event, which is slated forĀ theĀ 28th to the 30th of OctoberĀ at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The three-day program aims to discover new approaches to issues facing the regionās retailers and highlight innovative solutions that can help retailers differentiate themselves from competitors, and to deliver greater value to consumers.
For inquiries on sponsorships, booths and registration, contact the PRA secretariat at 687-4180,Ā 687-4181,Ā 687-4985, or e-mailĀ aprce2015@philretailers.com,Ā ebbs@philretailers.com,Ā asecgen@philretailers.com, or visit its web siteĀ www.2015APRCEMANILA.com.phĀ andĀ www.philretailers.com.