RLC Global Forum Unveils NextGen Retail Challenge in KSA

RLC Global Forum has launched the NextGen Retail Challenge, a national, industry-led initiative designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s retail sector through talent development, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative responds to the growing need for future-ready leadership as the retail sector expands across physical, digital, logistics, and data-driven models.
Developed in partnership with Monsha’at and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the program brings together industry leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, and emerging Saudi talent to address real-world retail challenges. Participants will develop practical, scalable solutions across key areas such as digital transformation, customer experience, supply chain resilience, and SME enablement.
The NextGen Retail Challenge positions retail as a strategic national economic system and supports the development of a sustainable leadership pipeline for the sector. Culminating in a national competition and showcase in Riyadh in February 2026, the initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a globally competitive, innovation-driven retail ecosystem through industry-led collaboration.

To know more, Please visit https://rlcglobalforum.com/glo....bal-events/2026-annu

Global Holiday Shopping Across Three Key Markets

As Christmas approaches, global holiday shopping is unfolding unevenly across major markets, reflecting starkly different consumer moods and economic realities. A comparison of Hong Kong, Germany, and the UK highlights how local conditions are shaping festive spending this year.
Hong Kong is entering the season with renewed momentum, supported by rising retail sales, recovering tourism, and increased spending on gift-led categories such as jewelry and watches. In contrast, Germany’s holiday outlook is defined by caution. While consumer confidence has softened and store footfall has declined, Christmas remains culturally significant, sustaining modest growth as shoppers become more deliberate and price-conscious. The UK presents the most subdued picture, with falling footfall across all retail formats, pressured by tight household budgets, poor weather, and delayed purchasing in anticipation of discounts.
Together, these three markets illustrate how global retail spending is increasingly fragmented, driven as much by sentiment and tradition as by economic fundamentals.


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2026 RLC Global Forum: Defining the Future of Global Growth

The 2026 RLC Global Forum will convene in Riyadh on February 3–4 under the theme “Growth Crossroads”, outlining six global themes that reflect major shifts in trade, technology, consumer behavior, and leadership. The framework explores geopolitical realignment, AI as a force multiplier, the rise of the Global South, the convergence of experience-driven economies, the emergence of a new consumer order, and the transition from resilience to regenerative leadership.
This year’s agenda is reinforced by new strategic partnerships with Cenomi Centers and Panda Retail Company, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in shaping global retail and consumer industries. As an invitation-only event, the Forum gathers more than 2,000 senior leaders, including CEOs, founders, investors, policymakers, and innovators.
Designed as a highly curated environment, the gathering positions Riyadh as the epicenter of a global conversation on growth, collaboration, and the future of the commercial landscape.

To know more, please visit https://rlcglobalforum.com/glo....bal-events/2026-annu

Global Retail in a Polycrisis Economy: What Drives Change

Global retail is being reshaped by a polycrisis economy in which geopolitical shocks, supply chain instability, and shifting consumer expectations collide. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, trade tensions, climate disruptions, and inflationary pressure are altering how retailers source, price, and plan. While impacts vary by region, the result is consistent: consumers are becoming more value-driven, with many trading down, delaying purchases, or switching retailers altogether.
Physical retail, once predicted to decline, is finding new relevance as stores evolve into multi-use hubs supporting omnichannel behavior. APAC leads this shift, with strong in-store growth projected alongside digital expansion. Meanwhile, rising logistics risks are pushing retailers to diversify suppliers, nearshore production, and redesign supply chains for resilience rather than efficiency.
Together, these dynamics signal a long-term realignment. Retailers that adapt to volatility—and anticipate it—will be best positioned to compete in the polycrisis economy.

To know more, Please visit https://rlcglobalforum.com/ret....ail-insights/retail-