Berlin, October 15, 2024: Together with theBerlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Berlin) , the Fashion Council Germany hosted the "Talk at Brunch - The Future of Fashion Retail" event at the FCG's premises. Representatives from the retail, design, business, and real estate sectors participated in the discussions. The event aimed to explore current challenges and future developments in the retail and fashion industries. The focus of the discussion was the comprehensive transformation process facing the retail sector.

The event took place as part of a convivial brunch and a stimulating panel discussion, providing decision-makers and experts from the fashion and retail sectors with a valuable platform to exchange perspectives and strengthen existing networks. Against this backdrop, the brunch talk served as an important starting point for a joint discussion about the future and relevance of city centers as retail hubs.

Robert Rückel , Vice President of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Berlin), emphasized in his speech: “I am convinced that Berlin's city centers will continue to be important meeting places and shopping hubs. It is therefore all the more important to actively ensure attractive centers. The mix of offerings must be right: shopping concepts need to reinvent themselves, and more dining and entertainment options are needed to make shopping an experience.”

Following Robert Rückel's speech, a lively discussion ensued in which participants explored the challenges and opportunities for brick-and-mortar retail in the age of digitalization and changing consumer behavior. The importance of innovation, technology, and sustainability for ensuring the continued attractiveness of city centers was particularly emphasized.

Among the participants were Anne Bernecker (designer), Fiona Bennett (designer), David Sebastian Kastner (PentaNex), Diana Bennewitz (danpearlman), Wiebke Deertz (designer), Björn Gottschling (COMFORT Berlin GmbH), Jana Heinemann (IMPARI), Mela Bauer (Melagence), Niklas Jansen (Chainbalance), Nico Kittelmann (Amazon Fashion), Andreas Kogge (COMFORT Berlin GmbH), Natascha Lorenz (Juwelier Lorenz), Torsten Rutz (BID Kudamm) and Sevil Uguz (PLATTE Berlin).

(Photo credit: Ines Hasenau Photography)