Retail in a post COVID world: reflections and future directions

This Panel debate will be led by Dr Sarah Montano (University of Birmingham) and will include industry experts: Patrick Winters (Director, Consumer products and retail, Baringa) and Fiona Glen (TheRedTree); and academics: Prof. Heiner Evanschitzki (University of Manchester); Prof. Ronan de Kervenoael (Rennes Business School); Dr Erdal Şen (Istanbul Aydin University); Dr Inci Toral (University of Birmingham).

COVID-19 was the catalyst for many retailers closing down and has accelerated the consumer adoption of online shopping. As we move towards a “New Normal” with “Social Distancing” enabled by new technologies; it is essential to discuss what this will mean for the consumer and the retail sector. Do we need to redefine who we are as consumers and how we behave or can we embrace this “New Normal”?