NAJ Retail Congress 2026 Delivered Actionable Insight for a Changing Retail Landscape

NAJ Retail Congress 2026 Delivered Actionable Insight for a Changing Retail Landscape

03 Jun 2026

Jewellery retailers from across the UK and Ireland gathered at Drayton Manor Resort on Tuesday, 2nd June, for a vibrant and forward-thinking Retail Congress 2026, marking a 20% increase in attendance.

Designed specifically for retail jewellers navigating a rapidly evolving sector, this year's Retail Congress, supported by headline sponsor Goodman Bros, focused on equipping delegates with a clearer view to navigate the current climate. The event brought together business owners and industry experts in a supportive environment centred on knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and actionable takeaways to implement immediately in-store.

The 2026 theme, "Growth amid a discretionary spending squeeze," addressed the realities facing jewellery retailers in today's economic climate, offering insight into how businesses can strengthen performance, adapt to consumer behaviour and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Delegates travelled from all corners of the UK and Ireland to take part, reflecting the event's growing importance as a central hub for collaboration, innovation and professional development within the jewellery retail community.

A programme built for today's retail challenges

Retail Congress 2026 featured a dynamic speaker line-up spanning economic insight, leadership, customer experience and retail performance. Sessions were carefully curated to ensure attendees left with practical tools and ideas to strengthen their businesses.

Highlights included:

• Glynn Jones, Bank of England Midlands Agent, opened the day with a clear overview of the economic landscape and its implications for independent retailers.
• Liz Barclay, former UK Small Business Commissioner, provided guidance on accessing support to enable sustainable, profitable growth.
• Roisin Hurley-Gondim, former Global Director of Retail Excellence at Burberry, shared expert insight on creating client-centric cultures and using 'on-the-spot' feedback to elevate performance.
• Sports psychologist Dr John Pates provided a practical session on how leaders can elevate team performance by shaping mindset, behaviour and emotional culture.
• Olivia Duvall, from Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
  delivered an insight-led talk on creating emotionally engaging customer experiences that drive loyalty, repeat business and long-term advocacy.

Together, the speakers delivered a powerful mix of strategic thinking and practical application, ensuring retailers could translate insight into measurable business impact.

A supportive environment for learning, sharing and growth

A defining feature of Retail Congress remains its collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Through group activities, structured networking, and open discussion, delegates were encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another.

This community-driven approach reinforces the NAJ's commitment to supporting independent retailers not only with expert insight but also with a trusted network of peers facing similar challenges.

Headline sponsor support

The NAJ extends its thanks to headline sponsor Goodman Bros, whose continued support helps strengthen the Retail Congress and the wider independent retail jewellery sector.

As a family-owned distributor and wholesaler, Goodman Bros plays an important role in helping retailers enhance service, drive footfall and deliver stronger customer experiences, values that closely align with the goals of Retail Congress.

Ben Massey, NAJ Chief Executive, concluded,

"Retail Congress 2026 demonstrated the strength, resilience and ambition of our independent retail community. With significant growth in attendance, it is clear that jewellers are seeking practical, trusted guidance from invited expertise as well as from each other. The quality of insight shared throughout the day, combined with the openness for delegates to share and support one another, ensures that attendees leave better equipped to succeed, make confident decisions and build stronger businesses for the future."

Retail Congress 2026 reinforced its position as a must-attend event for independent jewellers seeking clarity, confidence and commercially focused inspiration. The event continues to grow as a cornerstone of the NAJ's support for the retail community.

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Source: National Association of Jewellers