CANNES, France – Headwinds and tailwinds keep converging and buffeting the travel – retail industry as it navigates confused seas.

The $70 billion-plus retail channel, led by fragrances and cosmetics, is on the front line of geopolitical and socioeconomic change, including swiftly shifting consumer demographics, desires and buying patterns.

“You’re sitting right on the nervous system of globalization,” said Rudolph Lohmeyer, senior partner at Kearney Foresight, addressing attendees at the opening of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. That took place in Cannes from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 and was fittingly themed “Explore New Horizons.”

“There is no doubt that we are in a moment of profound disorder,” said Lohmeyer, who foresees it lasting three to five years.

“We are as an indus

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