Where retail is headed next: Insights from IGDS the World Department Store Summit

More than 320 delegates from the world’s leading retailers, luxury brands, and industry organizations gathered in Mexico City for the 15th World Department Store Summit, hosted by El Puerto de Liverpool.

As cocktail reception sponsor, NuORDER was proud to participate in an event that brought together some of the industry’s most influential voices, including leaders from Central Group, Nordstrom, Galeries Lafayette, and other globally recognized retailers.This year’s theme, “Paving the Way to New Heights”, set the stage for a series of forward-looking conversations about the forces shaping modern retail. Across keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking events, one message emerged clearly: the retailers and brands best positioned for long-term success will be those that can deliver exceptional customer experiences while building greater agility, efficiency, and collaboration behind the scenes.

Several speakers offered compelling perspectives on what that future looks like.

Dimosthenis Boumis of Attica Department Stores shared insights into the company’s growth journey and strategic vision, while Andrea Dini of Paul & Shark reflected on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with leading a heritage brand in a rapidly evolving market. Sam Lobban of Thom Browne discussed the importance of maintaining a distinct creative vision, and Jacques Demont of Devialet highlighted how immersive experiences can deepen customer engagement and strengthen brand affinity.

Another standout moment was the Liverpool store tour, which showcased the breadth and sophistication of the retailer’s offering. The experience highlighted how thoughtful merchandising, operational excellence, and customer-centric design can coexist at scale.

For NuORDER, events like the IGDS are an opportunity to engage in the conversations that matter most—those taking place among the leaders shaping the future of retail. The themes discussed throughout the summit closely reflect the conversations happening across wholesale today: the need for stronger brand-retailer partnerships, greater transparency, more connected workflows, and smarter ways to share data and make decisions.

As retail continues to evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: growth will be driven by retailers and brands that can pair exceptional customer experiences with stronger collaboration, better visibility, and more connected ways of working.

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