Independents are the future says retail guru

Retail guru Mary Portas told 100 independent practitioners at a Luxottica hosted seminar in Italy that independent shopping was the future.

Luxottica launched its new initiative at the five-star Villa D'Este, Lake Como, where 100 top independents were invited to hear about a dedicated partnership programme from Luxottica led by specialist marketing support.

Portas, creative director of the Yellowdoor consultancy and former creative director at Harvey Nichols, gave advice on luxury and the future of independent retailing. She presented five recommendations to independents - to maximise the window, edit and focus product range, navigate, inspire and inform, act like a specialist and connect with the local community.