USA. A memorable set of retail-dedicated sessions concluded on Wednesday (9 April) at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, with speakers addressing travellers’ changing tastes and demands, the future of onboard and port shopping and the evolving role of technology.
The Retail Days – a series of conference sessions dedicated to retail at sea – ran over 8-9 April at the Miami Beach Convention Center, co-organised by The Moodie Davitt Report. Seatrade Cruise Global is the premier annual gathering of the cruise industry worldwide and runs from 7-10 April, with around 10,000 delegates in attendance in the event’s 40th year.
Opening the second day of retail sessions on Wednesday was a heavyweight leaders’ panel, including Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Guest Commerce & Onboard Revenue Luis Terife, Diamonds International Chief Commercial Officer Elchonon Shagalov, Starboard SVP Fine Jewelry & Watches Caryl Capeci Cossart and Avolta Senior Vice President Caribbean & Cruises Gian Botteri.
They addressed their respective companies’ focus on a new generation of travellers, including Millennials and Gen Z, the challenge of engaging with them via multiple communications channels and of ensuring they are exposed to relevant retail experiences onboard.
A further session explored how digital technology is influencing both the guest experience and the management of the retail offer from sourcing through operations, and addressed the opportunities technology offers. Speakers included MSC Cruises Head of Retail Suzanne Mahoney and Harding+ Chief Technology Officer Mikos Taylor.
The day closed with a discussion of port and destination retail with a focus on balancing local authentic ranges in the mix with a relevant global brand offer, with an added focus on some of the biggest port projects coming to life around the world. Addressing these topics were Global Ports Holding VP, Business Development, Retail & Ancillary Andres Villalever, Carnival Corporation Director Destination Partnerships & Business Development Bertrand Piller and Hematian Family Group Media Senior Director Commercial James Dill.
Platinum Partners for the event were Effy Jewelry, Starboard Group, Harding+ and Diamonds International, with Global Ports Holding a Gold Partner.
Click here for our round-up of the first day of retail sessions. We will bring you a full event report with further images soon.
