THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) is set to host the 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31-Aug. 1, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, gathering industry professionals to explore the future of retail driven by innovation and digital transformation.
The event comes as the Philippine retail sector anticipates robust growth this year.
The PRA forecasts a 10 to 15 percent increase in revenue for the Philippine retail industry in 2025, projecting total revenues to reach around P5.4 trillion. This growth is expected from both in-store and online retail transactions, driven by healthy remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), a growing population and continued infrastructure development.
In 2024, the industry is estimated to have generated P4.7 trillion in revenue.
PRA president Roberto Claudio previously said that the industry is looking forward to 2025 being a “banner year,” noting increased foot traffic in malls and sustained online shopping activity.
The upcoming NRCE will spotlight how retailers can embrace innovation and digital transformation to stay ahead in a competitive market. The two-day event will feature thought leaders and subject matter experts offering actionable insights and strategic guidance across key areas of retail growth.
Among the headline speakers is Grace Vera Cruz, head of Regional Corporate Strategy at Grab. Known for her bold leadership and impact-driven strategies, Vera Cruz will lead a keynote titled “Transforming Lives and Communities Across Southeast Asia with Grab’s Social Impact.”
When asked what it takes to be a true game-changer, Grace shared, “To be a true game changer in any industry, the most important mindset is ‘constructive dissatisfaction’—a relentless drive to challenge the status quo, paired with the discipline to transform challenges into opportunities.”
She added, “Industries do not change by accident; they change when someone sees what others accept as ‘normal’ and asks, ‘Why not something better?’ But being dissatisfied alone is not enough. What differentiates a real game changer is the ability to channel that energy into decisive action—whether it’s through innovation, policy shifts, or business model reinvention.”
As former country head of Grab Philippines, Vera Cruz spearheaded the company’s expansion into over 100 cities, transforming the platform into a vital digital infrastructure that supports daily life and economic inclusion for millions.
Tech leader Dominic Ligot, founder and chief executive officer of Cirrolytix, will address “Demystifying AI for Retail: Unlocking Its Potential for Growth and Innovation,” providing strategies on how retailers can adopt artificial intelligence to enhance operations, customer engagement and scalability.
Also speaking is Charles Tiu, head coach of the College of St. Benilde Blazers and Strong Group Athletics. In his session, “The Game-Changer’s Mindset: Transforming Setbacks into Breakthrough Success,” Tiu will share lessons on leadership, resilience and building high-performance cultures by drawing parallels between sports and business.
The NRCE is expected to draw hundreds of retail executives, decision-makers and innovators as the industry positions itself for a transformative year. / KOC