CANCELLED: Retail & Consumer Group
Covent Garden – a showcase for investment?
Wednesday 19 October, 18:00 for 18:30 – 21:00

This event is sponsored by Capital & Counties Properties PLC, The Nomad & Bow Street Museum

Covent Garden is a showcase for innovation in retail and leisure. Hosting an enviable mix of flagship stores, new retail concepts, performance arts and hospitality, it is a world away from its 17th century retail origins where London’s first coffee houses, illegal gin taverns and the bustling traders’ market were rife with inequality, prejudice, crime and corruption. Its evolution into a world class retail destination is due to an imaginative vision, careful curation and astute investment by landlords Capital & Counties.

In the fast-changing world of retail what makes a successful physical retail proposition? What does experiential retail mean in practice, or is it just a buzzword? What is a good return on investment for those seeking to ensure physical retail remains a profitable venture?

Our panel examine these issues in the unusual setting of the historic Bow Street Police Station, within the famous Bow Street Magistrates Court, which were home to such famous cases as Oscar Wilde, the Suffragettes and the Kray brothers. Now transformed into a fascinating small museum within the acclaimed new Nomad Hotel we will also look at how today’s retail compares with the past, from the developments in diversity and equality, to the gin masterclasses of Henrietta Street to cultural retail at neighbours The Royal Opera House and London Transport Museum.

Michelle McGrath, Executive Director, Capital & Counties Properties PLC is an experienced corporate broker, responsible for creating and growing value through a combination of creative asset management and strategic investments.  She will talk about how careful stewardship of the Covent Garden estate has delivered a world class retail district and will ensure it remains a global retail destination in years to come.

Vicki Pipe, Museum Manager, Bow Street Police Museum is a museum manager and engagement specialist producing cutting-edge programmes, activities and exhibitions. Her interests lie in the stories of people, social change and equality, and in advocating for under-represented and marginalised audiences.

John Sutherland, Director of Sales at The Nomad Hotel is responsible for the commercial development of The Nomad, London’s newest boutique hotel. He will explain how the Sydell Group rose to the challenge of creating a unique customer experience in a tough market, and the all-important aspect of location.

Teresa White (MBA 88D) Chair, Retail & Consumer Group and Trustee at Bow Street Police Museum is a retail and brand consultant who, having worked in premium retail, now focuses on supporting the burgeoning retail market in the arts, culture and hospitality sectors

CLICK HERE TO BOOK VIA MYINSEAD
(Members will need to enter a promo code to access discounted tickets – contact [email protected] for details)