The Khumo Property Asset Management retail team recently had the privilege of attending the South African Council of Shopping Centres Annual Congress 2024. The event, which brings together industry leaders and innovators, was an enlightening experience that provided invaluable insights into the future of retail.
Day 1 Highlights
Rethink and Unlearn
Graeme Codrington, a renowned futurist, delivered a powerful keynote on the necessity of rethinking and unlearning. He challenged us to overcome our biases and embrace strategic imagination to gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing world.
Inspire, Innovate & Transform
Jacques Nienaber, the esteemed rugby union coach, inspired us with his session on developing high-performance teams. He emphasized the importance of shared goals, collaboration, and trust to achieve exceptional results.
Day 2 Highlights
A New Beginning
Jeremy Gardiner from Ninety One shared his insights on the post-election economic landscape in South Africa. His analysis of the market's response to recent events was both insightful and thought-provoking.
Collective Individualism
Jurgen Gaiser and Erik Schimkat from Blocher Partners discussed the dynamic interplay of individuality and collective experience in modern retail environments. Their session highlighted how strategic design and co-creation can create vibrant, engaging spaces.
The Changing Roles of Stores
Jack Stratten from Insider Trends explored how digital commerce is reshaping the role of physical stores. His presentation showcased innovative brands that are redefining the retail experience beyond traditional sales models.
Revolutionizing Retail: Generative AI Unleashed
ShiSh Shridhar from Microsoft for Startups delved into the transformative power of Generative AI in retail. His session demonstrated how AI is enhancing customer experiences and optimizing business operations.
Day 3 Highlights
Retailing in a Post-Digital World
Giuseppe Stigliano of Spring Studios discussed the evolution of retail in the post-digital age. He introduced groundbreaking concepts like AI-to-AI exchanges and emphasized the need for new frameworks to navigate this complex landscape.
Why Retail Needs to Rethink and Reshape
Sharon Yourell Lawlor from Think Plan Do Consulting examined the latest retail trends and technological advancements. Her session provided actionable insights into how retailers can adapt to the rapidly changing market.
Leading the Charge for Direct-To-Consumer South African Brands
Léan Boezaart, co-founder and CEO of Freedom of Movement, shared the inspiring journey of their brand. Since its founding in 2013, FOM has grown to 26 stores across South Africa and a significant online presence. Léan highlighted their partnership with Siya Kolisi and their future plans for the direct-to-consumer retail space.
A Story of Storms & Trends
Jorg Snoeck, an international keynote speaker, explored the evolving customer journey. He emphasized the importance of new business models and partnerships, showcasing innovative retail concepts that adapt to the changing landscape.
Think Again
Vusi Thembekwayo closed the event with an empowering session on innovation and performance. He encouraged attendees to challenge the status quo, embrace change, and align innovations with core values to transform their organizations.
The SACSC Annual Congress 2024 was an enriching experience for the Khumo Property team. We are excited to implement the innovative ideas and strategies we learned to drive our retail operations forward. Stay tuned as we continue to lead the way in transforming the future of retail!