The 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE), held at the SMX Convention Center Manila from July 31 to August 1, 2025, successfully showcased leadership, legacy, and vision as central themes in the evolving landscape of Philippine retail. Under the compelling theme “Retail Game Changers,” the event gathered industry pioneers, innovators, and trailblazers committed to shaping the future of retail through bold actions and forward-thinking strategies.
A highlight of the conference was the engaging PRA Podcast NRCE Edition Live, featuring Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe. As a second-generation leader, Gokongwei-Pe brought invaluable insights on navigating legacy, fostering innovation, and maintaining relevance across generations. Her candid discussion emphasized the importance of authenticity, strategic transformation, and resilient leadership in a rapidly changing retail environment. Her perspectives underscored how established brands can evolve while honoring their heritage, ensuring sustained growth and relevance.
Opening Day 2 saw Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Roque deliver a keynote address on the state and future of Philippine commerce. Her speech underscored the government’s commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-wide collaboration, setting a positive tone for ongoing retail transformation. Her leadership highlights the critical role of policy and governance in empowering retail businesses to adapt to technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations.
As digital transformation continues to influence global and local retail sectors, PRA emphasized innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and leadership resilience as key drivers of sustainable growth. Notably, Dominic Ligot, founder and CEO of Cirrolytix, delivered a pivotal session titled “Demystifying AI for Retail,” guiding participants on harnessing AI’s potential without falling prey to hype or complexity. Ligot’s expertise offered practical insights into integrating data-driven technologies to improve operational efficiency, elevate customer experiences, and boost profitability.
Leadership resilience and agility were also prominent themes, exemplified by Coach Charles Tiu, renowned for transforming setbacks into success on the basketball court. His session, “The Game-Changer’s Mindset,” provided valuable lessons on building resilient teams, overcoming adversity, and cultivating a high-performance culture—principles that resonate strongly within the retail context.
The NRCE 2025 served not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a vital networking hub, connecting stakeholders from mall operators and tech firms to logistics and marketing professionals. The event reaffirmed the Philippine retail industry’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and legacy-building, paving the way for a resilient and future-ready retail ecosystem.