Connecting people, policy and ideas to address retail’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities.

The RLC Global Forum tracks and unpacks the key drivers of change for global leaders with the power and influence to change the world, empowering decision- makers to create lasting impact through a global retail strategy that promotes sustainable growth and innovation.

2025 CEO Summit

Co-hosted by Wharton’s Baker Retailing Center and the RLC Global Forum, the 2025 CEO Summit is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering of the most influential minds in retail and brand leadership, held on October 16 in New York.

2026 RLC Global Forum

Held in Riyadh on February 3 & 4, the 2026 RLC Global Forum brings together the leaders shaping global retail—across business, policy, investment, and academia—for high-impact dialogue, actionable insights, and sector-shifting collaboration. 

What is
the RLC Global Forum?

What is the RLC
Global Forum?

We are dedicated to facilitating discussions that lead to impactful, actionable outcomes, propelling the retail sector towards sustainable growth.

Trusted
Community

We cultivate a network where trust, respect, and shared ambition drive progress, embodying RLC’s vision of meaningful connections and partnership-building among diverse stakeholders.

Innovative
Framework

We provide a platform for the emergence of bold ideas, addressing urgent challenges and uncovering emerging opportunities, in line with RLC’s approach to fostering innovation through cooperation.

Cross-Industry
Collaboration

Reflecting the RLC’s commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement, we encourage collaboration across the entire retail value chain, bridging retail with diverse sectors and creating partnerships that drive collective industry impact.

Global Reach,
Local Impact

We combine international expertise with local knowledge, providing a platform that fosters globally informed, locally relevant action-oriented strategies. By addressing key retail trends, we help businesses navigate an evolving landscape with confidence—supported by global market insights that inform strategic decisions.

Trusted
Community

We cultivate a network where trust, respect, and shared ambition drive progress, embodying RLC’s vision of meaningful connections and partnership-building among diverse stakeholders.

Innovative
Framework

We provide a platform for the emergence of bold ideas, addressing urgent challenges and uncovering emerging opportunities, much like RLC’s approach to fostering innovation through cooperation.

Cross-Industry
Collaboration

Reflecting the RLC’s commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement, we encourage collaboration across the entire retail value chain, bridging retail with diverse sectors and creating partnerships that drive collective industry impact.

Global Reach,
Local Impact

We combine international expertise with local knowledge, providing a platform that fosters globally informed, locally relevant action-oriented strategies. By addressing key retail trends, we help businesses navigate an evolving landscape with confidence—supported by global market insights that inform strategic decisions.

2025 Annual Meeting

Retail should never operate in isolation.

Navigating a polarized landscape, the 2025 RLC Global Forum will explore how to rebuild collaboration and cooperation among global retailers, policymakers and innovators, aiming to re-establish the foundational principles of trust and shared objectives.

Roster

The 2024 CEO Summit is a leading industry event of the year, gathering the most prominent figures in retail. On October 15, we bring together leaders from every corner of the retail industry to explore the forces shaping the future.

These are prominent CEOs, innovators, investors and industry insiders that take part in frank discussions and make news in real time. 

10+ Years of Leadership

For more than a decade, we have been a leading voice in shaping the retail sector, creating platforms that foster meaningful connections and collaboration among industry leaders.

Our commitment to facilitating global dialogues, addressing critical industry priorities, and shaping a comprehensive global retail strategy, has positioned Retail Leaders Circle (RLC) as a premier hub for industry partnership and insight. The RLC Global Forum marks the new chapter in our evolution.

Key Facts 2024 - 2025

3

Iconic Locations

2

0

+

Flagship Events

5

0

+

Countries

1

,

3

5

0

+

Industry Leading Speakers

The global gathering
for retail leadership

The global
gathering for
retail leadership

Held annually, the RLC Global Forum convenes senior voices from retail, investment, policy, and academia to exchange ideas, share strategic foresight, and drive collaboration that redefines the future of global commerce.

Ready to
Unlock Retail?

Download the 2025 post-event report and gain a comprehensive view of the high-caliber audience, discussions, and networking opportunities that the RLC Global Forum consistently delivers. Discover valuable retail trends, key takeaways, and future-forward strategies that will inspire your business’s growth and success.

The topics and the format of the Retail Leaders Circle Summit are terrific. Some really interesting speakers. I believe there’s a good amount of dialogues and the mix of content and participants is really quite good.
Steve Sadove
Principal at Stephen Sadove and Associates
This CEO Summit is all about quality: quality of the speakers and moderators and quality of the audience. The dialogue with them is very constructive and very inspiring. I am actually going to stay here the whole day because the line up is incredible!
Laurent Claquin

Chief Brand Officer, Kering

What the RLC Global Forum has built over the years is extraordinary — bringing us together, pushing us forward, and shaping the future of our industry.

Patrick Chalhoub

Executive Chairman, Chalhoub Group

The 2025 RLC Global Forum was outstanding. The fact that it’s held here in Riyadh also reminds us that the Middle East is an area of investment, an area of growth, an area of optimism.
Geoffroy van Raemdonck
Former CEO, Neiman Marcus Group and Luxury Retail Expert
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View all insights

The Personalization Myth: Why Retail Keeps Getting It Wrong

Every brand talks about retail personalization. But most stores still feel like they’re built for […]

Read more

Is ChatGPT the new frontier in online shopping?

As someone who considers “Add to cart” a lifestyle choice, I had to see what […]

Read more

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Sustainability is now a key driver of growth, profitability, and brand reputation. Businesses, especially in […]

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