#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Retail Innovation #RLC Global Forum

RLC Global Forum 2026: A Significant Event for Retail and Consumer Markets

The upcoming RLC Global Forum 2026 is poised to play a pivotal role as it returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 3-4, 2026. The forum is strategically themed “Growth Crossroads,” reflecting the current transformation in global commerce and consumption patterns. After a record-breaking 2025 edition that attracted over 2,000 senior leaders from 42 countries, the Forum aims to further advance discussions and drive initiatives that shape the future of retail.

The 2026 program promises an engaging agenda, including a variety of sessions focused on public-private leadership, addressing critical cross-industry and policy priorities. It will also feature tracks dedicated to future lifestyle destinations, emphasizing the intersection of retail, real estate, and infrastructure. Notable showcases will spotlight innovations across multiple sectors, including luxury, fashion, grocery, and fintech, creating a rich environment for knowledge sharing and collaborations.

Among the highlights are cross-sector working groups targeting trade, labor, and regional integration. This approach is especially relevant as the Gulf region emerges as a significant hub for retail innovation and investment. It aims to create avenues for dialogue and collaboration, linking growth centers in the Global South with established economies to forge a more resilient, inclusive future for the industry.

Some distinguished speakers at RLC 2026 include:

• - Sam Kim, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Lotte Retail, South Korea
• - André Maeder, CEO of Selfridges Group, UK
• - Marco Bizzarri, Co-founder and CEO of Forel, Italy
• - Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, KSA
• - Sima Ved, Founder & Chairwoman of Apparel Group, UAE
• - Geoffroy Van Raemdonck, Independent Director at Moncler Group, USA

The diverse line-up emphasizes the Forum's commitment to fostering insightful discussions and partnerships that can steer the retail sector towards sustainable growth strategies.

The Chairman of the RLC Global Forum, Panos Linardos, remarked, “In a world that's being rewired, the pursuit of growth has never been more strategic. By selecting Riyadh once again, we are placing the Forum at the center of a region driving new forms of growth and exploring how these emerging hubs connect with established markets to shape the future of retail and trade.”

The timing of the Forum is critical as the retail landscape continues to adapt to changes driven by technology, globalization, and shifting consumer behavior. The themes and discussions that will unfold during this key event in Riyadh will enable stakeholders to better understand how to navigate these complexities and harness emerging opportunities. As the global economy faces various challenges, the insights shared here will undoubtedly contribute to shaping innovative practices and strategies across retail and consumer markets.

As industries gather in Saudi Arabia for this prestigious event, it sets the stage for a vibrant exchange of ideas and initiatives aimed at redefining the future of retail in a dynamic global context. By focusing on collaboration and innovation, the RLC Global Forum 2026 aims to be a cornerstone on this journey, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous retail environment for all participants.