Summits

The 2009 WWD Apparel/Retail
CEO Summit

The 13th annual WWD Retail/Apparel CEO Summit was held this year at the St. Regis Hotel in New York on November 9 and 10. Topics at the conference ranged from the urgent need to change the fashion system and building a hot brand to the outlook for holiday sales and evolving U.S. trade policy. Round table discussions, talks and Q+As were held with leading CEOs and experts including Martha Stewart, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Sir Martin Sorrell and more.

See all exclusive WWD video highlights, here >>

See full coverage below:

Marc’s Mark

Marc Jacobs concluded the WWD summit with a jolt of glamour, candor and unabashed enthusiasm for fashion as he discussed his creative instincts, celebrity designers, the CFDA — and stopping time.

Chief executive officers Wesley R Card Emanuel Chirico and Eric Wiseman at the roundtable discussion

The CEO VIEW

Three top executives, Eric Wiseman, Wesley R. Card and Emanuel Chirico, talk shoppers, cash and the economic outlook.

Responsible Chic

Calling herself “an infiltrator” in the world of fashion, Stella McCartney, in a wide-ranging Q&A that touched on a variety of topics, offered insight into the challenges facing a nascent luxury brand.

Donna Karan’s Song of the Season

Karan delivered an impassioned reminder of the seasonality campaign: Not only the idea of dressing for the calendar, but the now-ancient practice of shopping for clothes during the season for which they’re intended.

Martha’s World

Martha Stewart doesn’t sleep much. She blogs, tweets, hosts her own daily television show, oversees a magazine business, writes best-selling books and seems to unveil a new partnership every month with a megaretailer like Home Depot.

Growth Curve

Sir Martin Sorrell doesn’t believe the economy is recovering just yet, but said growth in China, on the Internet, and Western governments’ increasing role as a top advertiser is impacting corporate business and will be key in driving growth.

From left to right Ron Frasch Mindy Meads Karen Katz Betsey McLaughlin and Bonnie Brooks

Reinventing Retail

A town hall meeting discusses lower inventories, fewer markdowns — and the changed consumer.

Celebrate – Just Not Too Much

“You don’t necessarily want to be popping Champagne,” said Michael McNamara, vice president of MasterCard Advisors. “Maybe you have a beer, but not any Champagne yet, in terms of celebrating where we are.”

The Customer Connection

Executives from Gilt Groupe, Wal-Mart and Lululemon discuss how retailers who take the time to listen, respond, engage and ultimately connect with their customers are more likely to succeed in this new economy.

Clarify and Focus

The future of the apparel industry may resemble its past in some ways, said Bruce Rockowitz: The president of Li & Fung talks China, carbon limits and speed.

The Obama Agenda

The Obama administration understands the importance of trade as an engine for economic growth and is committed to brokering sound trade agreements, said Gail Strickler, assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the office of textiles.

Financial Forecast

The economy may be improving, but it’s still not clear when, or even if, consumers will get back to their old shopping habits. Industry analysts see hope — and potential.

Opportunity Knocks

Disputing naysayers who predict the current gains in stocks are just a blip before a possible second slip, an optimistic James E. Glassman says to bank on a recovery.

This Sporting Life

A big fan of aggressive dictums, Under Armour’s founder Kevin Plank on the brand’s keys to success.

Micro-Macy’s

Macy’s may be the nation’s largest department store, but the $25 billion chain is trying to think like a mom-and-pop retailer with its MyMacy's program.

Everyone Talks

Social media panelists — consultant and author Marc Gobé and author Lee Eisenberg — discuss how the social media revolution means brands have to communicate more than ever.

About Our Sponsors

Find out about our sponsors: Companies and categories of business that work with the apparel industry, providing consultation, service, supply or solution.

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CEO Summit

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