Leeds has long enjoyed a fantastic reputation for it’s shopping and retail offer, the business of fashion has been an important one to the city’s economy, not just in the recent years since Harvey Nichols opened shop here. Marks and Spencer and Burtons are successful high street brands with their origins in Leeds. Indeed the marketing of Leeds as a retail mecca has resulted in a great many visitors over the years. We have not been shy at the Culture Vulture in referencing what the current economic downturn means in terms of our empty shops, and what part culture could play in the regeneration. Does the recession give us a much needed breather to think about what the retail offer in Leeds could and should look like?
During Leeds Shopping Week (15-25 October). Marketing Leeds and Access & Community Engagement at the University of Leeds are inviting a reader plus guest to attend a thought provoking debate at The Corn Exchange entitled ‘The Business of Retail‘
The 90-minute Question Time-style debate will be held in front of 200 people and is being chaired by Eileen Connolly, Chair of the British Council of Shopping Centres Retail Marketing Committee.
The panel will feature nationally significant retailers and experts including Mary Portas, arguably the UK’s foremost authority on retail and brand communications and who was instrumental in opening the Leeds branch of Harvey Nichols, the first outside London, in 1996.
Tim Whitworth, Chief Executive of high street retailer Republic, which has 100+ stores across the UK, will be joined by property developer Gerald Jennings, Land Securities’ Retail Portfolio Director for the North and Scotland, alongside retail skills expert Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail.
Mary Portas said of her involvement in the event: “Having been very involved in the opening of the Leeds store of Harvey Nichols, the first outside of London, I am delighted to be returning to the city for this event which will celebrate retail excellence.”
Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds added: “In Leeds we believe in tackling issues head on and are proud of our positive, no nonsense ‘Yorkshire approach’ and I look forward to welcoming participants from around the UK to debate issues and share best practice.
“Fashion retailers are facing uncertain times and the debate will encourage thought leadership and demonstrate our city’s positive approach to tackling important issues.”
The Business of Retail will explore the current issues surrounding fashion retailing, including the impact of online retail and the importance of brand development and will give you a unique opportunity to ask a panel of experts for their views.”
The event is by invitation only so don’t be turning up on the off chance!
To win just use the comments box and tell us what question you would pose for the panel…the best answer will get picked on 16th October 2009.
NB: Please be sure to read our terms and conditions which you are deemed to have accepted by entering! Closing date: 16th October 2009
The Business of Retail will form part of the fourth annual Leeds Shopping Week. As well as the debate, the week will include fashion shows, promotions and events across the city to celebrate the city’s retail offer.
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