First, there was the decade-long economic crisis. Then came the pandemic crisis. In the past year, commerce has faced an inflation crisis, primarily triggered by disruptions in the energy market and the war between Russia and Ukraine. In essence, the market is experiencing a “Charlie Foxtrot,” a term referring to a situation where multiple global crises (war, pandemic, natural disasters, and economic recession) occur simultaneously. History has shown that such crises always accelerate what are known as “megatrends.” The 14th DIY & Home Improvement Conference, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 29th, at the historic Benaki Museum (138 Peiraios Street, Athens), will focus on these megatrends in the retail industry.
Trend analyst and consumer psychologist, Herman Konings, Herman Konings will shed light on new and smart trends in retail, such as explainable AI (artificial intelligence) and the Internet of Behaviors. Additionally, he will emphasize the importance of an authentic tech-free customer experience,as consumers are beginning to feel discomfort with the overwhelming power of algorithms and are seeking a more “conscious and authentic” interaction with retailers.

While technology plays a critical role in enhancing the consumer experience and operations, it is equally important for retailers to balance these developments with human-centered approaches. Although these pressures affect the entire retail spectrum, the DIY & Home Improvement sector must act more promptly to ensure the continued success of business performance, even during a pandemic. This includes attracting a new generation of consumers who are more demanding than ever before.

The DIY & Home Improvement Conference is the largest B2B meeting in the Home & Garden market, covering tools, machinery, paints, varnishes, and construction materials. The presence of large and significant companies involved in home and garden technology and equipment is noteworthy. Prominent Greek and foreign speakers, original presentations, exclusive research, and face-to-face interaction with key decision-makers in the Greek market further enhance the 14th DIY & Home Improvement Conference, making it of higher quality than ever before.