Chris Wilkinson
Retail Expert, Futurist & Keynote Speaker
Consumer Trends and the Future of Retail
Thriving in a Competitive Marketplace
Chris Wilkinson is a leading retail expert, futurist, and keynote speaker who turns market complexity into clear, actionable solutions. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, Chris delivers high-impact presentations and workshops that enable business, NGO, and government leaders to navigate shifting consumer trends, unlock emerging opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.
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Experience-Led Insight and Direction
Igniting Innovation, Engaging Conversations
Keynote Presentations
Chris is a captivating keynote speaker with a unique blend of retail expertise and economic foresight. His insights inspire audiences to take action and drive positive change.
Expert Facilitation
Chris is a skilled facilitator with a knack for sparking engaging discussions. Event organisers value his ability to guide insightful conversations and maximise participation.
Workshops
Chris's workshops are sought-after for their practical insights into market trends and opportunities. Participants leave equipped and motivated to drive transformation.
Inspiring Confidence and Action
Rewarding Insights That Hit the Mark
"Forget boring industry talks! Chris brings the retail world to life as a keynote speaker. Our franchisees loved his down-to-earth style, where he mixes years of experience with a peek into the future. He cuts through the jargon and gives you real-world strategies to take your business to the next level. You'll leave his sessions feeling pumped and ready to win!"
— International Franchisor
Introducing Chris
Chris Wilkinson, a leading retail expert and futurist, is the Managing Director of First Retail Group Ltd – an award-winning retail consulting practice.
With decades of experience under his belt, Chris is an experienced strategist who has helped numerous brands, government organisations and NGOs navigate the ever-changing retail landscape.
He's not just about the present, though. Chris is a forward-thinker who translates complex trends and emerging technologies into actionable insights that propel organisations towards sustainable growth and success.
Background
Founder & Award-Winner
Chris Wilkinson, the Founder and Managing Director of First Retail Group Ltd, is a name synonymous with retail expertise and future-focused thinking. His career has included the development and sale of experiential retail and service brands. He has been recognised as Businessperson of the Year — a testament to his exceptional contributions to the retail sector.
Entrepreneurial Heritage
At 19, Chris launched a one-hour photo store and grew it into an internationally recognised multi-location chain. When digital photography disrupted film, he learnt firsthand what it takes for a business to successfully navigate sudden consumer shifts. That early trial by fire shaped his deep practical knowledge of consumer behaviour, market adaptability, and sector resilience.
Global Retail Strategist
Chris leverages his diverse background and proven track record to guide leading retail, healthcare, service, leisure and tourism brands through the complexities of changing consumer demands and economic challenges. He is adept at translating complex trends and emerging technologies into actionable insights, helping organisations unlock potential, drive performance and navigate risk.
Delivery Style
Igniting Minds — Keynote Presentations
Chris Wilkinson isn't your average keynote speaker. He enthuses audiences with his presentations, blending his deep retail experience with a keen eye for the future. He deciphers complex trends into actionable insights, leaving attendees energised and equipped with the tools to propel their businesses forward.
Productive Discussions — Event Facilitation
Chris excels as an event facilitator. He fosters productive dialogue among industry leaders with his insightful questions, sparking meaningful conversation and collaboration. His expertise ensures all voices are heard and a clear path is established.
Exploring Retail's Future — Workshops & Retreats
Chris's workshops and retreats are highly anticipated by attendees. He equips participants with the tools and frameworks needed to not only understand emerging retail trends, but also implement them within their organisations.
Areas of Expertise
Chris has cross-category expertise and speaks regularly on a variety of topics including:
- Retail trends and future
- Consumer trends and behaviours
- Leisure retail trends
- Experiential retail
- Customer experience
- Customer relationships
- City and town centre regeneration
- The evolution of consumer environments
- Developing edge and differentiation
- Seeking and developing opportunities
- Driving performance and building resilience
- Commercial community building
- Franchises, co-operatives and member groups
- Recovery strategies for impacted centres
Industry Knowledge
Chris has worked across a diverse range of categories including:
Home Improvement
Footwear & Apparel
Pharmacy, Wellness & Healthcare
Department Stores
Quick Service Restaurants
Technology Retail
Trade & Rural Supplies
Airport, Tourism & Resort Retail
Veterinary Services
Franchises & Co-operatives
City & Town Centres
Shopping Centres & Malls
Media Coverage
Regular Commentator
Chris Wilkinson is a regular media commentator on retail and consumer trends and is featured on the BBC, NZME, NBR, Stuff, Discovery and other channels.
To follow coverage please visit x.com/firstretail
Broadcast Media
BBC, Discovery and major TV networks
Print & Digital
NZME, NBR, Stuff and leading publications
Working with Leading Organisations
Contact Us
From igniting imaginations with keynote presentations to facilitating productive discussions and deep-dive workshops, our expertise empowers attendees and fosters collaboration.
Contact us today to see how we can help deliver a memorable experience for your conference, event, workshop, retreat, or roadshow.
First Retail Group Ltd
Wellington, New Zealand
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x.com/firstretail