The founder of Story and Macy’s brand experience officer will discuss the re-imagining of retail in an era of digital disruption.

Vegas Licensing Expo has announced that Rachel will take the stage for the keynote address on Wednesday 5th June from 9:15am-10:15am, as part of Licensing University, produced by International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). The keynote presentation – Agility at Scale: Rachel Shechtman Shares Insights from the Launch of Story at Macy’s – will explain how the Story retail model has come to life at the retailer and explore innovations that address evolving consumer expectations while driving foot traffic.

“Rachel’s proven brand experience expertise will be well-received by our audience,” said Jessica Blue, senior vice president, Global Licensing Group, Informa. “Licensing is playing a crucial role in today’s seismic shift toward experiential retail, offering retailers and brands a competitive advantage and establishing deeper connections with consumers.”

With brick & mortar accounting for over $206.4b in sales of licensed consumer merchandise, or 76% of all sales, according to the 2018 LIMA Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey, innovation is key to continuing retail success as consumer shopping habits continue to realign. Entrepreneur Rachel Shechtman recognised this eight years ago, when she launched the retail concept Story in Manhattan in 2011, focusing as much on customer experience and engagement as it did on sales. Now, those innovations are rolling out across the nation following Macy’s acquisition of Story last year, and Rachel being named as Macy’s brand experience officer.

“Rachel truly is one of the most creative and innovative minds in retail today, so we are honoured to be able to hear from her as she embarks on the next chapter of Story at Macy’s,” says Maura Regan, president, LIMA. “I look forward to the insight and inspiration she will share with us at Licensing Expo, as we all look for ways to adapt and thrive in this new retail era.”

To learn more about this year’s keynote, please click here. To register for Licensing Expo, which takes place 4th-6th June, click here.