Page 3 - RLIJune2026

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S
FOREWORD

With everything set in stone for RLI Connect Global
2026 in Newcastle, it is an exciting time in the RLI COVER STORY SPECIAL FEATURES
office as the countdown to September is definitely
on. Before we move fully into event mode though,
we are delighted to present to you our June edition, 22 16 ETAM
featuring all the news, interviews, views and reviews Ahead of With more than 100 years of love for
you could want to keep you on top of everything that RLI Connect women and a passion for beautiful
is going on across the sectors of retail and leisure. Global 2026 lace, expertise and innovation, Etam
was born in France and built around
in Newcastle a deep understanding of femininity.
Till next time... in September,
James Quinn, Editor RLI Owner & 18 A BATHING APE

The company is a Japanese fashion
Publisher Jayne
Rafter explores brand founded by Tomoaki Nagao
(Nigo) in Shibuya, Tokyo in 1993.
how experience-led environments are It has been leading the scene in
reshaping the future of destination the more than 30 years since.
development on a truly global scale.
PUBLISHER’S 20 JA RESORTS & HOTELS
COMMENT A proud hospitality brand founded
in Dubai in 1981, the company
As we move further into 2026, one thing is abun- 16 offers a distinctive collection of
five-star resorts and hotels across the
dantly clear: the boundaries between retail, lei- UAE, the Maldives and the UK.
sure, hospitality, entertainment and culture con-
tinue to blur, creating exciting opportunities for 24 BLOOBLOOM
those willing to embrace change and think beyond A French designer eyewear brand
traditional models. founded in 2017 by brothers Abbas
Our Summer issue celebrates the businesses, and Fares Manai, bloobloom is
an eye care brand created to alter
brands and destinations leading that transfor- the way people buy glasses.
mation. From our Cover Story previewing RLI 18
Connect Global 2026 in Newcastle, to exclusive 26 ZEN DIAMOND
interviews with industry leaders from Etam, A Zen Diamond’s vision has
Bathing Ape, bloobloom, Zen Diamond and JA always been focused on making
Resorts & Hotels, we explore how innovation, fine diamond jewellery more
authenticity and customer experience are driving contemporary, accessible and relevant
to evolving consumer lifestyles.
growth across sectors and continents.
Our Special Features highlight two of the most 34 SPECIAL FEATURE -
dynamic areas shaping the future of destinations INTERNATIONAL OUTLETS
today: the continued rise of international outlet 20 International retail outlets have
centres and the growing demand for immersive evolved into global fashion
attractions and experiences. Both demonstrate destinations, offering consumers
the importance of creating places that engage access to luxury brands, premium
experiences and year-round value.
consumers on a deeper emotional level and deliv-
er reasons to visit, stay and return. 44 SPECIAL FEATURE - IMMERSIVE
We also turn our attention to Latin America, ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
where ambitious retail real estate projects are re- The immersive attractions and
defining urban environments and creating new experiences industry places visitors
opportunities for investment and expansion. 24 at the centre of engaging stories,
As always, I hope this issue provides inspi- activities and adventures and
ration, insight and valuable perspectives from combines creativity and technology.
across our global industry. 50 SPOTLIGHT ON LATIN AMERICA
The Latin American retail real estate
Enjoy the Summer read! market is expanding steadily, driven
by urbanisation, rising consumer
Jayne Rafter, Publisher spending and growing demand.

REGULARS

04 RLI MEETS - SUNG-JOO KIM 12 MIDDLE EAST NEWS 32 LEISURE INSIGHT - WILL ODWARKA
06 UK NEWS 14 ASIA NEWS 56 EVENT REVIEW - IGDS WORLD
08 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 28 RETAIL INSIGHT - CHRIS FLETCHER DEPARTMENT STORE SUMMIT
10 AMERICAS NEWS 30 FOOD FOR THOUGHT - JONATHAN DOUGHTY 58 EVENTS PAGE

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