Houlden’s new MD reflects on successful first event

Houlden is reflecting on a successful three days at Windsor’s Fairmont hotel earlier this month.

The ‘Leaders in Luxury: Moments that Matter’ event, which ran from 9–11 March, brought together the buying group’s independent retailers and suppliers. Collaboration, buying, and shared insight were at the forefront of the agenda.

It also marked the first Houlden event under the stewardship of recently-appointed managing director Denise McLaughlin, whose sunny disposition and open demeanour help with the flow of communication and feedback within the group’s members.

Reflecting on her first event, McLaughling said: “Leaders in Luxury has always been about bringing exceptional people together, and our theme, Moments that Matter, reflects those points where meaningful conversations take place — where members share experiences, challenge thinking and inspire one another.

“This year’s discussions were particularly valuable in sharing the future focus of Houlden’s strategy: strengthening Member profitability, deepening collaboration with our Supplier Partners and continuing to evolve the insight and data-led support that helps our community of independent luxury retailers thrive in an increasingly dynamic market.

What consistently stands out within the Houlden community is the openness with which ideas and experiences are shared. When retailers are willing to learn from one another, it strengthens the entire network and reinforces the principle that while our members operate independently, the collective strength of the community enables everyone to succeed.”