Bangladesh Retail Forum initiated the 7th edition of SHWAPNO presents Bangladesh Retail Congress 2024 powered by Singer | beko (Singer Bangladesh Limited); Konka and Gree (Electro Mart Limited) in Association with MINISO, IDC Bangladesh PLC, with this year’s theme, with this year’s theme, “Retail Renaissance: Inspiring Innovation.” Held at Le Méridien Hotel Dhaka on 05 October 2024 Saturday, the day-long summit focused on the transformative changes in the retail industry driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and a heightened emphasis on sustainability. The summit aimed to empower retail leaders with insights and strategies to lead this renaissance, creating a future where retail is more connected, sustainable, and customer-centric.
Bangladesh Retail Congress 2024 brought together a host of industry leaders, brand pioneers, and retail experts for a day-long exploration of the evolving dynamics in retail. Through a blend of 03 Keynote Sessions, 01 Leaders Dialogue, 02 Panel Discussions, 01 Insight Session, and 01 Case Study, and 01 Founders Talk, the summit encouraged an open dialogue on resilience, innovation, and the transformation of customer journeys in the retail landscape.
Opening the summit, Shariful Islam, Founder and Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum and Bangladesh Retail Forum, remarked, “In today’s market, retailers must adapt to trends like the rise of e-commerce, personalized customer experiences, and the demand for sustainability. Innovation and agility are essential to staying competitive, as businesses balance digital transformation with traditional in-store experiences. Those who embrace change and focus on evolving consumer needs will thrive in this rapidly transforming retail era.”
The keynote sessions were led by MHM Fairoz, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Singer Bangladesh Ltd.; Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Ltd. (SHWAPNO), and Ian F. Wade, BBS, Commandatore, Founding Member, Waterhouse Wade. With the sessions, the speakers explored how retailers can leverage AI, AR/VR, and omnichannel strategies to enhance customer experiences, personalize offerings, and adopt eco-friendly practices.
The Leader’s Dialogue, titled “Future-proofing Retail: Strategies for Resilience in a Changing Market,” was moderated by Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University; Chief Advisor, Bangladesh Brand Forum; President, Asia Marketing Federation. The panel featured an esteemed group of business leaders, including, Mohammad Abdul Momen, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka; and Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman & CEO, PRAN-RFL Group.
The first panel discussion based on “The Role of Experience-Driven Retail: Creating Memorable, Multi-sensory Shopping,” was moderated by Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Founder & Managing Director, RTS Enterprise. The panel featured Surayya Siddiqua, Sales and Marketing Director, Grameen Danone Foods Ltd.; Shahriar Zaman, Head of Marketing, AkijBashir Group; Zakeea Nowrin Husain, Emerging Business Lead, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd.; Abu Obaida Imon, Country Head of Marketing, Domino’s Pizza Bangladesh as speakers.
A standout feature of the summit was the case study Miniso: Fostering Brand Affinity through Innovation, presented by Jason Yan, Country Manager, Miniso Bangladesh. His session examined the brand’s journey in creating a memorable and unique shopping experience for Bangladeshi consumers, offering key takeaways for retailers looking to enhance their own customer engagement strategies.
The second Panel Discussion, titled, “The Omnichannel Imperative: Integrating Digital and Physical Retail for a Seamless Customer Journey.” was moderated by Ashraf Bin Taj, General Sacretary, Asia Marketing Federation; Co-Founder & Managing Director, IDC Bangladesh PLC. The panel featured notable industry leaders, including, Ahmad Ferdous Md. Asif, Chief Executive Officer, Bengal Meat Processing Industries Ltd.; Rezaul Kabir, Chief Operating Officer, Sailor; Sami Ashraf, Director, Home & Personal Care, Remark HB Ltd; Shamim Kabir, Managing Director, Step Footwear Limited; Zaraif Hossain, Head of Strategy & Transformation, Transcom Group. In an insight session that followed, Tanzeen Ferdous, Chief Executive Officer, Delhivery Ltd., shared his insightful perspectives on Why Omnichannel is Essential for Retailers.
The congress concluded on a high note with Kazi Jamil Islam, Managing Director of Express Leather Products Ltd. (Lotto), conducting a Founders Talk session, expressing the pathways of his journey as a successful founding retailer.
The summit offered hands-on insights into omnichannel retail and customer experience enhancement, addressing challenges in merging digital and physical spaces. Attendees explored emerging retail trends and collaborative opportunities, receiving positive feedback for the actionable strategies discussed to future-proof their businesses and elevate the shopping experience.
SHWAPNO presents Bangladesh Retail Congress 2024 powered by Singer | beko (Singer Bangladesh Limited); Konka and Gree (Electro Mart Limited) were held in association with MINISO, IDC Bangladesh PLC. Knowledge Partner – Marketing Society of Bangladesh; Technology Partner – aamra Technologies Limited; PR Partner – Backpage PR. The Summit is an initiative of Bangladesh Retail Forum and was organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum.