Bengaluru Retail Summit charts the growth path for a tech-led retail future

"The future of retail lies in seamlessly blending technology with the human touch. Using data-driven insights to understand consumer preferences and deliver tailored experiences will drive growth and foster deeper customer loyalty," said Rajneet Kohli, CEO & Executive Director, Britannia Industries Ltd said, and the words capture the essence of the second edition of the Bengaluru Retail Summit held at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore on July 23 by the Retailers Association of India (RAI). 

Speaking about the summit, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, “India's retail sector stands at the cusp of profound transformation. The dynamic discussions on strategies for retail success, the seamless integration of digital innovations, and the latest retail ideas have highlighted how industry leaders are navigating this constantly evolving market.” 

Highlights of the Bengaluru Retail Summit 2024 by RAI included the keynote address on ‘Revolutionize Retail with AI Everywhere’ by Ganesan V P, Consulting Business Leader for Retail, CPG, Travel, Transportation, Pharma & LS Industries – India South Asia, IBM. The summit also hosted two stimulating Fireside Chats with Rajneet Kohli, CEO & Executive Director, Britannia Industries Ltd, and Nirupa Shankar, Jt Managing Director, Brigade Group. 

Hari Menon, Co-Founder & CEO, Bigbasket said, "The retail industry is at a pivotal point where digital transformation is crucial. Integrating online and offline channels is essential to meet evolving consumer demands. Innovation in logistics and personalized services will be the key drivers of future retail success." 

Karan Mehta, CEO, Easybuy, Landmark Group said, "Understanding and responding to diverse customer needs is more important than ever. By harnessing advanced analytics and staying ahead of emerging trends, retailers can create personalized and engaging shopping experiences, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness." 

The summit also had interesting discussions on topics such as ‘Strategies for Retail Success: Navigating a Constantly Evolving Market’, ‘Tech Adoption: Integrating Digital Innovations with Physical Presence’, ‘Retail Technology: Powering Business, Enabling Growth’ & ‘Mastering the Market: Transforming Insights into Growth Opportunities.’ 

Industry leaders speaking at the summit included: Johnson Verghese - Managing Director - Fossil Group India Karan Mehta - CEO, Landmark Group Rajneet Kohli - CEO & ED, Britannia Industries Ltd V Muhammad Ali - CEO, Retail, Prestige Group Manohar Chatlani - MD Retail India Pvt Ltd, Soch Apparels Pvt Ltd Subhash Chandra - MD Sangeetha Mobiles Mrunmay Mehta - CEO, WOW Skin Science Ashim Ashok Patel, MD & CEO, i – TEK RFID Hari Menon - Co founder & CEO - Big Basket Dr Shashank Sinha, CEO, Drools India Pvt Ltd Chandru Kalro, Managing Director, TTK Prestige Chintan Mehta – Founder, Italian Colony David R Stanley – Founder & Managing Director, Healux International Pvt. Ltd Deepak Singh - Director & CEO Saturo Technologies Sumit Jasoria,Co-Founder & CEO, NEWME .