IRX 2013 PREVIEW Thousands set to converge on IRX 2013

More than 5,000 people have now registered for Internet Retailing Expo (IRX 2013), which starts tomorrow.

Multichannel and ecommerce retailers drawn from across the UK industry and from overseas are converging on Birmingham’s NEC to attend the event, which runs tomorrow (March 20) and March 21.


Organisers say that there’s still time to register for those who have yet to claim their place. And while the 12 workshop sessions are now fully booked, the six conferences that are being held over the course of the two-day event will be open to all comers on the day – space allowing. The conferences feature a wide range of experienced and expert speakers, from retailers including M&S, Debenhams, Boots, Amazon and Asda.

More than 150 suppliers to the industry will be showcasing their wares at the event, while the Innovation TV Studio will the focus for those unveiling new products and services at the event – and for those who want to catch the latest trends as they emerge.

Conference organiser Mark Pigou said: “Once again the education programme has proved hugely attractive with every session booked to capacity and sending a clear message to the industry that IRX is simply the place to be for thought leadership and learning opportunities.

“The unique focus of IRX gives it the edge over the myriad generic ecommerce events that clutter the calendar and shows that if you want to genuinely deliver relevant content and to a targeted audience then you have to know your industry back to front and inside out. IRX is online and multichannel retail, and if you are one or both then there is no other place to be on the trade show calendar.”

The event comes at a time when ecommerce growth in the UK, one of the most advanced markets in the world, continues to far outpace that of retail sales on the high street. Forward-thinking retailers, realising the need to offer their customers the ability to shop wherever and whenever is most convenient, are investing in reshaping their businesses around their customers. IRX 2013 provides an opportunity for the industry to get early insights into the latest trends and developments, see the latest technology in action, and to network with many other senior retailers.

Internet Retailing editor-in-chief Ian Jindal said: “There’s a real buzz about IRX this year. Our industry is used to working at a pace and growing quickly, but there’s a new level of urgency to grow simultaneously in every dimension. The store’s renaissance is fuelling a new interest in logistics and the round-trip experience (from web and mobile through store and staff to home), while mobile and mobility are even hotter topics than last year (as is clear from the early voting in our ’13 trends for 2013′ research being unveiled at 4pm on 20 March).

“The energy and enthusiasm of old is matched by a steely commercial imperative to remain an engine of growth, competitiveness and profit in an otherwise flat sector.”

Find out more about IRX 2013 and register for your free place by clicking here.