Theresa Schleicher

Theresa Schleicher is one of the outstanding experts and thought leaders in the field of business and retail in Europe.

With her extensive experience as a former manager of the Hirschen Group and her background as a Data Scientist, she offers exclusive consulting services as a Retail Advisor for DAX corporations in Asia and Europe, including the VW Group and leading retail companies. She also plays a crucial role as a pioneer and advisor for the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection in the development of forward-looking retail strategies.

In her position as a leading expert on the future of trade, including at the renowned Zukunftsinstitut, Theresa Schleicher publishes annual forecasts for upcoming developments in the trade sector and presents them to the public.

As a keynote speaker and data scientist on stage, Theresa Schleicher provides fascinating insights into a sustainable, data-driven global economy. She also acts as an investor for innovative retail start-ups, focusing on economic resilience in fast-moving markets and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence to promote more environmentally and economically sustainable trade.

Theresa Schleicher lecture topics

• NEXT ECONOMY: WHAT MIGHT OUR ECONOMY IN EUROPE LOOK LIKE IN 2040?

This talk is different. The insights have been gathered over several months. They paint a picture for both businesses and society of what our economy might look like in 10–14 years’ time, which issues will become important, and what opportunities and innovations lie ahead in Europe. Well-researched and forward-looking.

• THE BIG PICTURE: THE REAL AI TRENDS FOR 2035

There is a lot of talk. But what are the key areas and truly progressive developments in AI agents, robotics and AI applications in retail companies? The presentation showcases the findings in collaboration with renowned robotics scientists and retail executives who want to make progress in Europe – and are asking the right questions.

• CONSUMER TRENDS 2027: THE UPCOMING CHALLENGES FOR FASHION, FOOD RETAIL, DIY AND OTHER SECTORS

The new future trends and customer expectations for 2027: What do consumers want on the shelves, which AI trends are playing a role, and what new innovations await in the coming year? Book pioneering insights tailored to your specific retail sector now.

• WHAT WILL REMAIN? TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS FOR RETAIL

How will future business models in retail be transformed by technology, what is coming in 2027, and how can a company stay ahead of the curve? Which approaches can gain momentum with the new tech trends
and where should we draw the line? A look at what is coming and what will remain.

• GROWTH IN CITY CENTRES BY 2035? WHAT WILL THE CONCEPTS FOR SUCCESSFUL CITIES IN 2035 LOOK LIKE?

What specific approaches and innovations are needed to revitalise city centres across Europe? A visionary yet practical outlook on the future that encourages implementation.

• SUSTAINABILITY 3.0. THE REAL SOLUTIONS FOR RETAIL ARE ONLY JUST BEGINNING

Only those who understand what is possible can bring real solutions and the economy together. The fascinating developments and innovations in retail – from better materials, sustainable
procurement, regenerative business models and the markets that will dominate the future. Created with renowned scientists, from Green AI to Sustainable Procurement 2.0.

Theresa Schleicher is one of the most renowned experts on the future of retail.

Since 2015, Theresa Schleicher has published the most defining retail trends annually in the Zukunftsinstitut’s Retail Report, whose findings are regularly published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, WELT, Spiegel, ZEIT and Handelsblatt.

She has been a jury member of many retail innovation awards since 2015 and is a driver of new inner city concepts with retailers, politicians, associations and urban developers.

Theresa Schleicher works as a retail advisor with the leading groups in Germany to shape the retail landscape. In addition to retail companies, this includes retail-driven corporations such as brands of the VW Group. She is a former strategy director and manager in the Hirschen Group, the 3rd largest creative and consulting network in Germany.

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