Sponsored by Broll Property Group this one-day, all under one roof conference features a power-packed line-up filled with cutting edge solutions, new ideas, and best practice for retailers, retail developers and investors, researchers, brokers and property managers.

“Innovation and adaptability is becoming all the more important in an ever evolving retail industry,” notes Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC. “This year’s conference is an ideal platform to share knowledge and gain valuable, practical insights.”

“The 2016 research conference programme is geared towards an enhanced understanding of modern shoppers and the technology driving new trends,” adds Stops. “Knowing how best to anticipate shifting consumer patterns and new technological developments enables the industry to stay ahead of the curve and make better, more informed strategic decisions.” 

Just some of the topics to be covered in finer detail include panel discussions on retail cannibalisation, led by MSCI’s Phil Barttram, as well as grocery retail trends. Amanda Cromhout, CEO of Truth & Emerce Commerce will lead discussions on the importance of placing the consumer front and centre in her presentation ‘The Power Of Customer Centric Retailing’.

The rise of geomarketing will also feature on the day’s programme as Greg Schneider, Head of Marketing for the Quirk group, explores the use of location knowledge to frame marketing efforts and ‘How we can go from 1 audience of 000’s, to 000’s of audiences of 1’.

Delegates looking to extend their footprint into the rest of Africa can look forward to a timely presentation by Francis McDonald, Senior Manager at Deloitte South Africa as she examines market entry strategies for various African countries.

In addition, John Cairns, Currency Economist at Rand Merchant Bank will tackle the subject of ‘The Relentlessly Weakening Rand’.

“The objective of the SACSC research conference is to offer delegates world class solutions to meet the needs of the modern day retail industry,” says Stops.

The 6th Annual SACSC Research Conference will take place on 13 April 2016, at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton Central.