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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Fashion Retail Reimagined


    Online retail sales for textiles, clothing and footwear reached an unprecedented peak of 31% in 2020, as reported by UKFT, and in the UK alone the fashion and textile sector boasts a staggering 34,045 businesses. Now in 2023, the industry of fashion retail is witnessing the emergence of several exciting trends that are revolutionizing the shopping experience.

    TikTok's live shopping experience, the growth of omni-channel retail, the increasing importance of second-hand fashion, supply chain innovations, and the rise of diversity and inclusivity are reshaping the fashion retail landscape. With these emerging trends, traditional brick-and-mortar shops have been reimagined, giving way to a new era of shopping experiences that seamlessly blend the physical and digital realms.

    Our panel of five inspiring fashion experts and entrepreneurs will explore how these changes are influencing the industry and share valuable insights on leveraging these shifts to your advantage – leaving you inspired, informed, and ready to conquer the future of fashion retail.

    Quotes: https://www.ukft.org/business-advice/industry-reports-and-stats. and Top Fashion Retail Trends of 2023: Innovations Shaping the Industry — Femestella.

    On the day, expect to:

    • Discover the intersection of high-end fashion and sustainability that is reshaping the market through consumer-to-consumer shared economy models
    • Explore the latest business models in fashion retail, from traditional high street to cutting-edge online platforms
    • Learn about the world of pop-up shops, offering not only unique shopping experiences but also sales opportunities for start-ups
    • Dive into the thriving market of live shopping, from social media live videos to online shop ecommerce platforms
    • Understand how small businesses are establishing successful retail and ecommerce identities to grow their brand
    • Learn how the power of innovative concepts, combined with community support, can revolutionise shopping in key locations.


    For those joining us in person, the event will be followed by a networking reception with drinks, canapés, meeting with other attendees, as well as the speakers. For those joining us online, the panel and talk will run from 18.30 – 20.30

    This event is tailored to those who are just thinking about starting a business, are already a business owner who wants to learn more, or perhaps simply wish to establish a stronger network. Attendees will leave this event feeling inspired and engaged.

Speakers

Winnie Akadjo

Founder of LVS Hub

Josephine Philips

Founder of Sojo

Kojo Owusu Marfo

Founder My Runway Group

Maruta Velša

Senior Community & Brand Manager at By Rotation

Roger Wade

Founder of BOXPARK

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Fireside Chat

Swiss is the founder of Black Pound Day, the UK's biggest economic movement that supports Black-owned businesses. He is a cultural influencer, business leader, author, and highly acclaimed musician and member of So Solid Crew. Alongside his passion for music, Swiss founded the Black Pound Day movement to support awareness and growth of the Black businesses and economy in the UK and global diasporic communities. Recently, Swiss opened the first permanent retail store at Westfield London, Europe's biggest shopping centre, and continues to actively support hundreds of businesses across the country.The chat will be moderated by Jacqueline Brown, BIPC Business Support Programming Manager, serial entrepreneur and founder of businesses Africa Fashion Guide, Wax and Wraps and M.O.R.Empire. Since 2011, Jacqueline has helped start-ups to build and launch sustainable fashion businesses from scratch with coaching, digital tools, community and connections.

Michael Cashman

Speaker Position

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