Description
We at IMAGES are proud of functioning as a catalyst for retailers, shopping centre developers and retail support companies in the country. We do this by creating platforms of sharing, learning and gaining from each others experiences and insights. And we have just wrapped up the second edition of South India Retail Summit and the debut version of North India Retail Summit.
SIRS was held on December 13, and NIRS was held on December 15 at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru and JW Marriott, Aerocity, Delhi, respectively.
These one-day forums were important regional knowledge platforms for discussions on key issues facing the retail fraternity and exchanging best practices within the industry. This issue carries detailed features on SIRS and NIRS 2016.
Also in this issue we have tried to study how retail and entertainment are two important pillars of success for any shopping centre and how they are ‘beyond separation’. The smartest retailers and shopping malls have recognised the value of experiential retailing: putting the shopper in an immersive environment and offering options that meet their lifestyle aspirations. In the cover feature of this issue, we have tried to examine this further and explore the possibilities of embedding‘retailtainment’ aspect in Indian malls.
Mall developers who understand design, ethnography, technology and relationship-building and have created a collaborative organisation, have created successful projects by segmenting themselves accordingly. In this issue, we have taken the perspectives and views of industry experts on what they have to say on the emerging science of ‘retailtainment’ and how by adding the perfect dose of entertainment to retail, they have prepared a perfect concoction for their patrons.
On this note, I wish all my friends and associates from the extended retail fraternity a very happy and prosperous new year ahead.
