The calendar is marked, the buzz is building—and this October 29, 2025, Karachi will serve as the epicenter of a transformative conversation in commerce. The 5th Pakistan ‘Future of Retail’ Business Summit & Expo (FOR25) is set to take place at the Mövenpick Karachi, and it promises to be one of the most consequential gatherings yet. Organized by the Chainstore Association of Pakistan, the summit signifies a pivotal moment for the nation’s retail landscape (chainstore.pk/for2024-1).
In recent years, Pakistan’s retail scene has undergone a dynamic evolution. The fusion of traditional bazaars with digital innovations—buoyed by fintech, logistics, and a discerning consumer base—has reshaped every level of the supply chain. But such shifts don’t come without growing pains: inefficiencies, fragmented regulations, and limited financing still pose significant barriers to scalability and sustainability. FOR25 emerges at this critical inflection point with a clear mission, delivering not just rhetoric but meaningful routes forward.
Set against the backdrop of accelerating e-commerce and shifting consumer behaviors, FOR25 is designed as a directional summit—an arena for dialogue that leads to strategy. Expert panels will showcase a blend of local visionaries and global thinkers exploring topics such as AI-driven customer experience, omnichannel stability, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain optimization. Attendees will gain access to both high-level perspectives and actionable insights shaping the retail ecosystem’s future.
Beyond the stage, the summit’s networking environment will serve as fertile ground for forging alliances across the retail value chain—from emerging startups to established chains, technology innovators, logistics providers, financial institutions, and policymakers. Previous editions held in cities like Lahore and Karachi demonstrated a track record of tangible impact—accelerating store formalization, retail digitization, and collaborative solutions across the ecosystem.
What sets this edition apart is its timing. As Pakistan’s retail sector increasingly outpaces broader economic growth, driven by digital platforms and evolving customer expectations, FOR25 shifts the dialogue from adaptation to innovation. This is not about preserving the status quo—it’s about envisioning the next chapter of how Pakistan shops and sells.
From policymakers eager to craft enabling yet responsible regulations, to entrepreneurs looking to scale disruptive ideas, to legacy players redefining operations with advanced tech—everyone has a stake in this summit. The Mövenpick Karachi may host the event, but the summit’s real stage echoes across marketplaces, smartphones, and storefronts nationwide.
As October draws near, anticipation is mounting—not just for another industry event, but for a potential turning point in Pakistan’s retail evolution. FOR25 invites stakeholders across the board to join a conversation that has the power to define how commerce, technology, and consumer culture coexist and converge for years to come. For full details, schedule, and updates, visit the FOR25 page on the Chainstore Association’s site: www.chainstore.pk/for2024-1.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.