Shoptalk Luxe 2026 Recap
The global retail conference headed to the U.A.E. for their first ever conference focused on the luxury market.
Over the years, Shoptalk has become a mainstay in the world of retail. There are dozens of retail conferences around the world every year of varying sizes but Shoptalk is always one of the best. They have a penchant for bringing some of the best speakers together to create a seamless experience that captivates everyone involved. ShopTalk Luxe’s inaugural conference was hosted in Abu Dhabi and they brought out all the stops to ensure a successful event.
The conference kicked off with a brief sizzle reel and introduction from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Plenty of consumers think Dubai when they hear about luxury in the middle east, but one could argue that the U.A.E’s capital is not to be underestimated. Below are some of the most memorable insights from some of the best speakers in the house.
Keynote Insights
Michael Chalhoub is the CEO of the Chalhoub Group and a third generation leader of the company. What began as a humble silver shop has morphed in to a well-known luxury player that grew 8% while most of the industry took huge losses in almost every geography. He reminded the audience that change is the only status quo. That mindset allows him to push his employees to constantly think outside of the box because he’d rather disrupt his own business before a competitor does so.
Amouage’s CEO Marco Parsiegla graced our presence after that and spoke about leading one of the industry’s hottest fragrance house. Yes, all of the normal business metrics you’d think about are always important, but he prioritizes the bridge building of cultures: modernity and tradition, the east and the west, etc. 85% of their customers are under the age of 45, meaning they are constantly marketing toward an audience that craves a real narrative. They’ve managed to come up with something really special that people can count on in a time where the fragrance market is flooded with amazing products and everyday becomes harder and harder to hold your position within the market. Their boldness within clarity is the reason they saw revenue increase by 70% in the first half of 2025.
One of the last keynotes was given by the infamous Vera Wang. Throughout her entire career and the length of her company, trying out new things has been a constant. She stressed that fashion was never meant to remain the same or repeat the same things season after season. Novelty is what keeps the industry thriving.
Cultural Fluency through International Growth
It’s always been mandatory for brands to localize when launching in international markets, but consumers around the world are showing an increased desire to see brands lean into cultural fluency as a prerequisite to buying their products. Alice Wong is the CEO of ImagineX, a firm dedicated to helping premium and luxury brands launch within China. They’ve partnered with brands like Hermes and Brooks Brothers to take care of their holistic GTM strategy (from the store locations to the brand messaging). Every brand (domestic and international) has always struggled with the Chinese consumer because they don’t display nearly as many patterns of loyalty as consumers in other countries, so her firm is crucial to try and give incoming companies any advantage they can get. More than understanding culture, brands need a crystal clear value proposition and to educate customers on the products themselves. The return rate in China can be as high as 70%, so not paying close attention to how you show up can lead to catastrophic results.
Aspirational Yet Accessible
Some luxury brands think high-priced pieces are representative of what luxury is, but that can’t be farther from the truth. Albin Johansson and Noura Sakkijha, the co-founders of Axel Arigato and Merjuri, respectively, spoke about how they’ve been able to create highly successful brands without price gouging. Albin says Axel Arigato’s tagline is “exist to connect” and has constantly tried creating a sense of community. During the most recent Paris Men’s Fashion Week, while everyone was hosting similar feeling parties with celebrities, they hosted a relaxed chess event that resonated very deeply with its customer base. They aren’t trying to be everything for everyone, and that’s inherently what has made them stand out. Noura has been leading the charge among female retail executives who preach that women 1) no longer need to wait on men to buy them jewelry and 2) don’t have to wait until a “special event” to treat themselves. She, too, has ensured Mejuri is steeped in community and is building a two way relationship with the brand and its customers. In her eyes, this feedback loop is the easiest way to reduce friction and give rise for more innovation.
