The Role of Department Stores
in Megacities

The establishment of a new and wild competitive landscape, in part due to the online revolution, has triggered a profound structural transformation in retailing and, in particular, for department stores. These changes are driven by increasing urbanization, with a rise in megacities, and by fast-changing customer behaviours and spending patterns, supported by the speed of new technologies in all fields.

The Forum will address the rising trends of urbanization and how cities are becoming the power centres for brick-and-mortar retailing. It will also analyse how people are going to live, work and enjoy their lives - and what they might expect from retailers in the future in terms of service. Thankfully, these developments are set to offer many new business opportunities and challenges.

Delegates from across the world - including Board Members, Presidents, CEOs and Managing Directors of leading department stores, specialty retailers, brands, suppliers and business partners - are expected to attend the Forum. In Tokyo, they will discuss and share their experiences, while the event will also provide time and space for people to compare notes and foster networks.

Tokyo is a city of cities and epitomizes the big trends to be tackled at the Forum including metropolis, demographic changes and ultimate customer expectations. Our 6th World department Store Forum will include key sessions such as The Cities of Tomorrow, The Many Lives of Customers, Service & Hospitality, Footfall & Traffic and Town Square Strategies. As ever, a line-up of world-class international speakers and experts are due to inspire and energise delegates with fresh insights and different perspectives.

To immerse our delegates in the world of Japan retailing and make their stay in Japan as beneficial as possible, WDSF 2019 is also proposing an optional Store Tour Programme in Tokyo.

Simultaneous translation into Japanese, Chinese and Korean will be provided during all sessions.