Insights from the 'Six Degrees and Grant Thornton 2024 Retail Trends Forum'

Six Degrees Executive continues to foster meaningful conversations and connections among industry professionals. Our recent '2024 Retail Trends and Insights Forum,' co-hosted with Grant Thornton Australia, was no exception.

This Thought Leadership event brought together influential leaders from across Australia’s retail sector to explore the latest trends and strategies for thriving in an ever-evolving market. The morning was filled with thoughtful discussions, strategic insights, and invaluable networking opportunities.

The event was expertly hosted by our very own retail experts, Sarah Cox and Lucy Garrido, whose dedication and industry knowledge have cemented Six Degrees Executive as a key player in the retail space for the past 20 years. 

Our guest speakers, Wi Liem Chua, Partner and National Head of Retail & Consumer Products at Grant Thornton, and Tam Goldin, Director of Corporate Finance at Grant Thornton, shared their expertise on the key trends shaping the future of retail.

We asked Sarah - "What inspired you to host the 'Six Degrees Executive and Grant Thornton 2024 Retail Trends and Insight Forum' event, and what do you hope attendees will take away from it?"

Key trends and insights discussed 

Thriving amidst economic challenges
Retailers are facing ongoing economic pressures that require a shift in how they communicate with customers. Aligning messaging with the current economic landscape is crucial to maintaining relevance.

Embracing the AI and tech revolution
The integration of AI and technology is no longer optional; it’s essential. Retailers must adopt these tools to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Balancing sustainability with value
As conscious consumerism rises, retailers must offer sustainable options that don’t sacrifice value. This balance is key to meeting evolving consumer demands.

Strategic adaptation in a dynamic landscape
The retail market is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt quickly is critical. Retailers need to be agile, continuously adjusting their strategies to stay competitive.

Download our Key Takeaways document for examples of companies incorporating the latest technology and AI to stay ahead

We asked Will - "What have you found to be the biggest impact on the Retail space in the last year and why?"

Continuing to drive industry conversations

“Such a great session! My biggest take out was that building trust, truth and transparency with consumers will be increasingly important as AI becomes more prevalent in everyday life. Therefore, the opportunity is to reinvest labour cost saving from AI back into the human art of retailing." - Belinda Fry | State Merchandise & Marketing Manager, Metcash

The '2024 Retail Trends and Insights Forum' offered valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for navigating the current retail landscape. For many attendees, the event was not only an opportunity to gain insights but also to connect with other leaders in the retail space and reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Looking to hire professionals in the retail space? Reach out to our Retail team here.