The 13th Annual Executive Forum brought retail leaders to Austin, Texas for three days of candid, closed-door conversation about the state of retail and where it’s heading. True to form, the invitation-only gathering paired thought-provoking keynotes, ROI-driven case studies, and a technology innovation showcase with the connection and community that keep this group coming back year after year — this time against a backdrop of Texas barbecue, live music, and South Congress charm.
A highlight was an in-store visit and activation at Kendra Scott on South Congress Avenue, where attendees saw firsthand how a standout store environment shapes the way customers feel — a reminder that experiencing great retail in person opens eyes in a way no slide deck can. Across every session, one message rang clear: for all the change ahead, the heart of retail is still taking care of the customer — and the leaders who keep evolving the store experience for the next generation of shoppers are the ones who’ll win.
