How have some shopping districts and neighborhoods not only survived but thrived in this time period that many people call the “death of retail”? Come and find out how cities, neighborhood alliances, and shopping centers are working on creative ways to bring shoppers in, encourage them to stay, and get them to spend by attending this event sponsored by the City of Tukwila and Port Jobs Center for Onboarding and Advancement in Retail (COAR). Attendees will gain insight from industry experts, such as the Alliance for Pioneer Square, Nordstrom, Ben Bridge, Starbucks, the Washington Retail Association, and the University of Washington School of Business. Discover answers to questions such as “What brings people to retail centers?” and “What are retailers doing to integrate brick and mortar and e-commerce?”

Speakers include:

• Sandeep Krishnamurthy - Professor and Dean, University of Washington School of Business 
• Renee Sunde - CEO, Washington Retail Association
• ​Lisa Bridge - COO, Ben Bridge
• Jason Dyer - General Manager, Westfield Southcenter
• James Thomas - Senior Manager Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility U.S. Retail, Starbucks
• Karen True - Director of Business & Community Development, Alliance for Pioneer Square
• ...and more to be announced!