With less than seven days to go before this year’s Internet Retailing Expo (IRX) gets underway in Birmingham, the show’s Portfolio Director Stuart Barker explains why it’s important for the UK’s retail professionals to attend.
With the pandemic changing retail habits much sooner than had been anticipated, next week’s IRX at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham takes on a greater significance than ever. The show runs for two days (Wednesday, 13th & Thursday 14th) and there are numerous reasons why retailers should attend.
Because of Covid, the world of retail has changed considerably. Data analytics experts Kantar have discovered that shopping habits during lockdown, which changed dramatically because of the pandemic, are unlikely to return to what they were before.
Around one-third of households consulted by Kantar said their online purchasing habits will probably continue long-after social distancing and other restrictions come to an end. Therefore, the reason for businesses to attend Expo is more compelling than ever.
That’s why we’ve worked closely with industry partners to deliver a show that directly addresses the current needs of retail professionals. Our free learning programme has been designed to meet the latest skillset requirements, while helping retailers plan positively for the future.
Face-to-face meetings remain the focus of the IRX and we know that many retailers are using the show to help kick-start their business recovery. The purpose of IRX in 2021 is to provide the retail industry with the insight to remain one step ahead of their rivals, so that businesses can thrive in the ever-expanding digital age.
Here are five good reasons for being part of the Internet Retailing Expo show:
1 ‘ Gymshark, Lounge Underwear, Innocent Drinks, Oliver Bonas, Grenade and Notonthehighstreet.com are among big-name retailers sharing their advice and experiences during the conference.
2 ‘ Our experts will be hosting clinics where visitors are free to ask any business question they wish. These experts will discuss and advise on topics such as SEO, fraud, policy abuse, Amazon, marketing and advertising ‘ and much, much more. Those seeking one-to-one sessions can book these in advance.
3 ‘ Owners of fledgling companies should visit the Reveal Lounge, which is an area dedicated for independent retailers and brands needing insight, inspiration and advice for growing their businesses online.
4 ‘ Expo will be assessing current technology trends. These practical workshops will guide visitors through the quagmire of online technology, covering a wide range of topics. These will include automating advertising optimisation, brand loyalty, affiliate marketing, customer experience, algorithm orchestration, telecoms and tax regulations.
5 ‘ There will be more than 150 leading suppliers all under one roof. Within this list are Huboo, Trustpilot, WorldLine and RedEye. All of these companies offer cutting-edge technology and innovative services that will enhance customer experiences, increase sales and reduce slack both online and in-store.
Other information
Expo dates: Wednesday 13th (9:30-17:00) and Thursday 14th (09:30-16:00).
Birmingham International railway hub is close to Hall 3 at the NEC.
It is easy to reach by car via the M42, with the NEC providing over 16,500 parking spaces.
All attendees to prove they have been fully vaccinated or have had a recent negative lateral flow test.
To attend you can register for free by clicking here or by visiting www.internetretailingexpo.com.
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