We were thrilled to welcome five fantastic panellists to our second BGP Presents… event last week.

Our discussion, How ‘Well’ is Retail?, explored the growing impact of the wellness sector on the retail landscape. BGP hosts Harry Elliott and Lizzie Knights were joined at Brityard by Chris Miller of White Rabbit Projects and founder of Arc in Canary Wharf Group; Jack Lewis, founder of plant care brand SOWVITAL; Magnus Ronning, founder of RONNING; Amber Davies-Oakley, founder of award-winning salon Supply 91; and Eloise Ladkin from Cadogan Estates.

Key Takeaways:

Community spaces are more vital than ever
As more people—especially younger demographics—embrace digital detoxing and seek out alcohol-free social experiences, hashtag#wellness and retail brands are turning to community-driven spaces to deepen customer relationships

Wellness is here to stay—and attracting investment
Despite tighter funding conditions in hospitality, wellness concepts continue to attract significant attention from investors – Venture capitalists are eager to back standout wellness-driven brands

Use your space creatively
Hosting community events that aren’t sales-driven builds long-term brand loyalty. Marcus Ronning shared how Ronnings wine nights offered customers a welcoming space without the pressure to purchase. Amber Davies highlighted the importance of drawing inspiration from the local environment/ beyond your sector when designing retail experiences.

Offline retail requires patience and experimentation
Establishing a loyal local customer base takes time. Jack Lewis emphasized the value of A/B testing, explaining how Sowvital tested eight pop-ups over three years to find the right formula.

Landlord collaboration is key
The right landlord can significantly influence a concept’s success. Chris Miller noted how Canary Wharf Group supported their venture with access to the local office population and powerful social media promotion. Eloise from Cadogan Estates also explained how they are committed to attracting a variety of operators through specific assets and ‘placemaking’ through their public space to attract a variety of customers – including a mixture of vibrant independent brands and international firsts.

A huge thank you to our brilliant panel for sharing their insights and experiences. We’re already looking forward to the next BGP Presents event!