RetailSpaces 2026

An invite-only retreat for retail store development, design and construction leaders, run by influence group, part of CloserStill Media. Peer sessions are combined with pre-scheduled one-on-one vendor meetings, with retreats in the fall and spring.

RetailSpaces 2026

RetailSpaces runs September 27–29, 2026 in Palm Springs.

What it is

The organizer calls RetailSpaces "a retreat for store development + design leaders." It brings together leaders in store development, design and construction from across retail, including apparel, grocery, specialty and convenience, with vendors who serve them. It is produced by influence group, which is part of CloserStill Media and describes its events as "invite-only leadership retreats." There is no exhibit floor. The organizer says retailers can meet "80+ top vendors through pre-scheduled 1:1s."

Listed topics include:

• AI in retail construction
• renovating versus building new
• cutting through permitting
• designing for Gen Z
• lean, smaller-footprint builds
• smart store infrastructure
• sustainable store design

Who attends and how

• Qualified retail executives attend at no cost. The invitation covers accommodation for two nights, full meals and all networking excursions.
• Vendors take part as partners. The organizer limits the number of partnerships.
• The Monday afternoon deep-dive sessions are for retailers only.

Schedule shape

Sunday, September 27 opens with registration and orientation from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Afternoon options include golf-cart polo at the Empire Polo Club and a mixology challenge at the hotel. The evening has a welcome reception, a networking dinner and a game show.

Monday alternates panels with sourcing-meeting blocks, ends with a casino-themed dinner party and has karaoke after hours. Tuesday is a half day that ends with lunch from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

The next RetailSpaces retreat after this one is in Carlsbad, Calif., on March 7–9, 2027. influence group's other event brands include MarketSpaces, RestaurantSpaces, HotelSpaces, HealthSpaces, WorkSpaces and BankSpaces.