Bangladesh Retail Forum initiated the 7th edition of SHWAPNO in Association with MINISO, IDC Bangladesh PLC at Le Méridien Dhaka on Saturday, a press release said.
The day-long programme focused on the transformative changes in the retail industry driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and heightened emphasis on sustainability.
It was also aimed to empower retail leaders with insights and strategies to lead this renaissance, creating a future where retail is more connected, sustainable, and customer-centric.
The congress brought together a host of industry leaders, brand pioneers, and retail experts for a day-long exploration of the evolving dynamics in retail.
Shariful Islam, Founder and Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum and Bangladesh Retail Forum, said, “In today’s market, retailers must adapt to trends like the rise of e-commerce, personalized customer experiences, and the demand for sustainability. Innovation and agility are essential to staying competitive, as businesses balance digital transformation with traditional in-store experiences.”
The keynote sessions were led by MHM Fairoz, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Singer Bangladesh Ltd.; Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director, ACI Logistics Ltd. (SHWAPNO), and Ian F. Wade, BBS, Commandatore, Founding Member, Waterhouse Wade. With the sessions, the speakers explored how retailers can leverage AI, AR/VR, and omnichannel strategies to enhance customer experiences, personalize offerings, and adopt eco-friendly practices.
The Leader’s Dialogue, titled “Future-proofing Retail: Strategies for Resilience in a Changing Market,” was moderated by Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University; Chief Advisor, Bangladesh Brand Forum; President, Asia Marketing Federation. The panel featured an esteemed group of business leaders, including, Mohammad Abdul Momen, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka; and Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman & CEO, PRAN-RFL Group.
The summit offered hands-on insights into omnichannel retail and customer experience enhancement, addressing challenges in merging digital and physical spaces.
