Global Retailing Conference 2012: Innovating Customer Engagement

Paula Rosenblum, Managing Director, RSR Research

The University of Arizona's Global Retailing Conference has jumped to the top of my "must see" events. Where else can you hear the likes of Terry Lundgren (CEO, Macy's), Frank Blake (CEO, Home Depot), Rick Darling (President, LF USA), Michelle Goekler (SVP Walmart, GMM Home), Bob Moran (Chairman and CEO PetSmart), David Calhoun (CEO Nielsen), and others speaking candidly about the state of their companies and the retail industry at large in a single 48 hour program? Well, those folks and more were what I saw last week. The Terry Lundgren Center for Retailing subtitled the event "Innovating Customer Engagement" and pretty much everyone talked about some aspect of innovation and engagement.

Yes, I spoke too, about what a larger swath of retailers perceive their challenges to be in stores. But this was one of those events where you mostly just sit back and enjoy the ride listening to everyone else. I know I probably sound like an awe-struck little kid here, but honestly, this was one great event. It's a chance to learn from some real masters. Anyway, you get the point. Mark your calendars for 2013. A must-see event for retailers and vendors alike.