World Department Store Summit 2026, Mexico

Join The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) delegation, to explore Mexico and connect at the annual World Department Store Summit 18th – 21th May.

This is a unique opportunity to access the Mexican market AND connect with multiple global Department stores. DBT is bringing a cross-sector delegation to the summit showcasing premium omnichannel, store design, digital commerce, retail tech and Gen AI opportunity.

About the World Department Store Summit 

Organised by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores, this annual summit of C-suite leaders takes place in Mexico City, South Mexico in 2026. 50+ of the Worlds leading department stores will attend alongside premium brands and partners.

WDSS is the world’s thought-leadership and innovation forum for Department store CEOs, senior executives and brands, suppliers and service companies, to meet, network and exchange ideas.

This year’s IGDS World Department Store Summit explores what is at stake and spotlights successful strategies, growth models, case studies and fresh perspectives for retailing.

Key themes to be addressed will include the rise of unified commerce; how AI is evolving and unlocking opportunities for customer-centricity and operational excellence; the imperative of strengthening the ‘human factor’ and developing the workforce, as well as the importance of attractive physical retail environments in an increasingly digital world.

Speakers include, Kurt Geiger, Nordstrom, Paris Department Stores, DFS Group & Moët Hennessy.

Costs:

DBT have negotiated a 20% discount on the summit ticket price of €1,460 lowering it to €1168 for UK delegates.

To confirm your place, a DBT participation fee of £250 will be required, payable on acceptance, alongside the €1168 summit fee, Total: €1420 (subject to Euro exchage rate)

Participants must cover their own travel/accommodation/insurance and other expenses.

Whats included?

The programme for successful applicants include:
 

• Pre-departure webinar on doing business in Mexico with subject matter experts covering regulation, regional consumer insights key partners, and go to market strategy.
• Discounted ticket for entry into the World Department Store Summit, including the awards dinner.
• Market entry Briefings for Mexico and meetings with key partners including El Palacio de Hiero/Amazon/Walmart
• Networking reception at the British Embassy Mexico City.

• Pre-delegation support from DBT.

Draft programme
 

• Monday 18th - Market entry advice and meetings with Amazon & Walmart including a visit to El Palacio de Hierro Department store.
• Tuesday 19th - World Department Store Summit launch and Awards Dinner.
• Wednesday 20th - World Department Store Summit and networking reception at the British Embassy, Mexico City.
• Thursday 21st - Optional visit to Liverpool logistics centre.

Why Mexico?

Mexico’s market is about the same size as the whole of western Europe with a population of over 120 million. It is a young nation, with 50% of the population under 28 years old (World Bank, 2020; World Population Review, 2020). The expanding population means demand for imports is set to grow. British brands are popular with demand already well established.

Mexico is part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) a major free-trade bloc comprising 12 economies across the Asia-Pacific and Europe, including the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, and Vietnam, representing roughly 12% of global GDP. It reduces tariffs, streamlines trade rules, and fosters digital commerce, adding the UK as its twelfth member in December 2024.

Mexico is a strategic gateway, to both the US and Canada and the Americas. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on 1 July 2020. Replacing NAFTA, this new agreement widens Mexico’s corridor of commerce with the largest consumer market in the world.
 

Who is this delegation for?

Companies interested in accessing the world’s leading Department stores for design, retail tech and retail partnerships alongside Mexico as a market entry opportunity.

We welcome applications from the following:
 

• UK companies from retail, beauty, food and creative industries.
• Retail tech providers and solutions.
• Creative Industries - Store and interior design companies, and architects.

How to register

To register your interest, please complete the online form by using the 'Register Here' button below by 13th March 2026 17.00pm.

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