Retail Conference brought together innovators, leaders, and visionaries who challenged us to think differently about the future of retail in Aotearoa.
A huge thank you to our incredible speakers, our generous sponsors, and to our retail committee for curating a programme that informed, inspired and pushed our industry forward.
Here are a few of the big themes that carried through the day:
AI’s acceleration is reshaping retail
Opening keynote speaker Justin Flitter reminded us that AI isn’t changing what we do, but how we work. From predictive demand to digital twins and AI agents, the message was clear:
AI is now a fundamental capability, not a future nice-to-have. Those who build their “AI muscle” will deliver more value faster and those who don’t risk being left behind.
IKEA: Global brand, locally rooted
Fabian Winterbine from IKEA shared how deeply understanding local lifestyles is shaping their New Zealand launch.
More than 500 Kiwi homes visited, 7,500+ products curated for how we truly live, and a flagship store designed for sustainability, accessibility and omnichannel ease.
A powerful reminder that great retail meets customers where they are, and how they live.
Retail as identity, community & connection
Anna Strzelczykowski, Head of Property & Retail Development at Lorna Jane, reframed what modern retail really means as shopping centres are no longer just transactional, they are places of community and identity.
Physical stores still matter because people crave connection, tactility and shared experience. Her message is that “stores are stages for community, connection and creativity.”
Retail’s next chapter will be written by brands that listen deeply, act intentionally and remain relentlessly human.
Finding the stretch – What makes a brand ‘cool’
Closing keynote speaker Reid Nakou, Chief Experience Officer at The General Store, took us on a global tour of the coolest retailers of 2025, reminding us that “cool” is simply a reflection of what customers value today. It’s the 1% moments, the brand DNA, the experiences that make people stop, smile and feel something.
Reid says that to see the future, look east — Seoul is leading the world in boundary-pushing retail culture.
As the day wrapped up, one message echoed across every session: retail is transforming faster than ever, and the brands that will thrive are those willing to experiment, to listen, and to lead with purpose. Thank you again to everyone who joined us — your insights, questions and energy continue to push our industry forward.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event, where together we’ll continue shaping the future of retail in Aotearoa.
See all the highlghts from RECON 2025!
Events
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TPC26 Site Tour | Sydney City Highlights Tour
SOLD OUT - to be added to the waitlist email us at natevents@propertynz.co.nz Discover the layers of Sydney’s urban story on this engaging pre-conference walking tour through the CBD. Blending history, […]
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TPC26 Site Tour | Sydney Infrastructure & Development Tour
Spaces are limited - act fast! Gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on the projects transforming Sydney’s CBD in this insightful pre-conference walking tour. Focused on infrastructure, adaptive reuse, and integrated development, this […]
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RECON26 | Pre-conference Site Tour
Limited tickets available!Join us for a walking tour of the Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau CBD! Kick off your conference experience with an exclusive guided tour exploring the transformation of Auckland CBD — […]
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RECON26 | Retail Conference 2026
New Zealand International Convention Centre 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland, New ZealandBookyour tickets!We're heading to the NZICC this October The retail sector is being tested like never before — by economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behaviour and the evolving shape of our cities […]
