Generating domestic consumption, being able to identify and target a consumer, the willingness of global brands to act local and achieving operational excellence are going to be critical during this period of change. This is an important period for reflection and IFF is the perfect vehicle for the industry to share their views.

‘Charles Darwin gave us the most appropriate analysis of the Indian retail industry way back in 1859 – namely, only the fittest will survive. The fittest players in Indian retail will not only survive, but also thrive. In any marketplace, survival and prosperity are always the result of foresight and planning. No success story is written in isolation, and the industry depends on shared information and experiences. This is why forums like IFF are important... these are opportunities to congregate, celebrate success, meditate on setbacks, deliberate on strategies – and, most importantly, anticipate the future.’

IFF is the perfect ground to relearn some of the lessons of the past and form wisdom for the future.

The IFF comes just in time to rejuvenate the retail sector with fresh ideas for the decade next.

Last year, the Tommy Hilfiger booth at IFF led to strong enquiries, which facilitated our expansion into tier II cities across India.

IFF will be the ideal platform to brainstorm and develop a collaborative platform that can help every stakeholder in the industry take advantage of value creation.

We have been closely associated with IFF since its beginning ... and it was also around the same time that we began dreaming of Pantaloons as India’s favourite fashion chain. Every year, IFF reiterated our confidence in the true potential of the Indian fashion market. Looking back, I recollect how at every IFF, I was pushed to make some bold statements –mostly quite unachievable by any standards and then how hard I had to work with my teammates and associates to get my uttering to bear fruit!