APRCE 2024: Transforming retail in APAC through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth

The Asia Pacific Retailers Conference and Exhibition (APRCE) 2024 will take place on 4 to 6 September at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, under the theme “Redefining Retail in APAC: From Transactions to Transformation.” 

Expected to draw over 1,250 delegates from 18 countries, the conference will feature high profile speakers from leading international organisations across the spectrum of retail, highlighting how, by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact, retailers are becoming agents of change and innovation.  

APRCE’ 2024 Convenor Murali Prakash said: “APRCE 2024 is designed to be a confluence of intellectual and commercial exchange, featuring distinguished speakers and insightful sessions aimed at enriching knowledge and business acumen.”

The expert line-up of speakers will take participants through four thematic sessions, each designed to address the most pressing issues and opportunities facing the retail sector. 

In the realm of technology, the ‘Technology and its Impact on Retail’ session will focus on topics such as tech-infused retail innovation, the transformative power of data analytics for consumer engagement, and the disruptive impact of AI on the industry. 

The broader context of the global economy and retail ecosystem will be explored through sessions on navigating economic challenges, expanding retail frontiers into emerging markets, and the uncertainties and opportunities of retail e-commerce in Asia.

Sri Lanka Retail Association President Charitha Subasinghe said: “The retail industry and Sri Lanka as a whole have overcome significant challenges in the last few years and the cost of living crisis that is impacting global retailers alike no doubt has brought with it a unique set of challenges. APRCE 2024 offers a timely opportunity to explore avenues to navigate the retail landscape, harnessing the power of technology, sustainability, and consumer-centric approaches to drive growth.”

‘Consumer Engagement in Retail’ will also be a key focus, with sessions dedicated to omnichannel excellence, consumer-centric retail transformation, and the future of retail store formats. Additionally, the APAC region’s retail context and supply chain dynamics will be examined, with discussions on the region’s global market potential, the changing dynamics of retail processes and inventory, and the role of transparency and technology in last-mile delivery.

Beyond these core themes, APRCE 2024 will also explore aspects such as ethical retailing, the interplay between tourism and retail, and the synergies between financial services and retail evolution. 

As industry leaders and stakeholders gather at APRCE 2024, the conference promises to be an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, setting the stage for the future of retail in the Asia-Pacific region. Registrations are now open at https://aprce2024.com/aprce-2024-registration/ or contact Shehara on 011558882/[email protected] for more information.