The Origin Story: Building a Community-Driven Future
The Club of 369 began with a transformative idea: to create a community-led future for the retail and consumer goods industries. This journey started with the Poland & CEE Retail Summit—an event that brings together over 3,000 participants and 400 speakers annually. The summit quickly became a vital platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the region’s retail landscape.
To make the summit truly “for the community, by the community,” we established a unique advisory structure of 280 members across 25 focused circles, representing key industry roles and perspectives. This model empowered community members to shape the summit around their own needs and insights, creating an event that truly reflected the voices of the industry.
Through this process, we saw that what mattered wasn’t just an event but an ongoing journey—a platform where members could connect, grow, and lead together.
Our Transformation: From “For the Community” to “By the Community”
The Club of 369 evolved from an event-driven initiative into a member-led organization.
Initially, our approach was “for the community, by the community”—creating events that addressed the community’s needs, with members contributing insights. However, we soon realized that the greatest impact came when members took the lead themselves.
This shift became our new guiding philosophy: “by the community, for the community.” Today, our members are the architects of our journey, collectively determining which initiatives, events, and topics matter most. When the community leads, it builds a stronger, more resilient future for us all.
Message from CEO Casper Haring: Our Purpose and Path
“In today’s world, the choice is clear: grow or risk being left behind. But growth isn’t automatic; it requires intention, innovation, and the courage to make the right decisions.
At The Club of 369, we’ve created a space where industry leaders and innovators come together to shape the future of retail and consumer goods. Collaboration is the key to thriving in a complex world.
The Club of 369 breaks down silos, fostering an open exchange of experiences, ideas, and best practices. Together, we use the power of community to grow, innovate, and lead. Our vision is a Europe where we control our own destiny. Together, we drive the future.”
Core Values: The Foundation of The Club of 369
Our mission rests on three core values that define who we are and what we strive for as a community: Innovation, Community Impact, and Sustainability. These values guide our decisions, shape our events, and inspire our members to act.
Innovation
We believe in progress through fresh ideas, bold thinking, and pushing boundaries. The Club of 369 connects leaders who seek not only to adapt but to drive change. Our community is a hub for new ideas and a platform for groundbreaking solutions.
Community Impact
Our influence extends beyond individual businesses. We’re building a collaborative network that strengthens entire industries, improves communities, and positively impacts the consumers we serve. As part of The Club of 369, members contribute to something greater than themselves.
Sustainability
As leaders in retail and consumer goods, we believe that growth flourishes alongside responsibility to people and the planet. By fostering sustainable innovation, The Club of 369 promotes a future where economic success, community well-being, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Impact Areas: How We’re Shaping the Industry
The Club of 369 drives meaningful, positive change in the retail and consumer goods industries. Our commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability creates tangible impacts that benefit members, businesses, and society as a whole. At The Club of 369, we believe that active engagement within the community is key to strengthening each of our three core pillars—sustainability, consumer welfare, and economic vitality—which are interdependent and essential to our industry’s resilience and success.
"Research shows that professionals who engage actively as Club of 369 members experience greater growth and innovation than those who attend conferences alone."
This deeper level of involvement empowers members to apply new insights, form lasting connections, and drive real-world impact.
Pillars of Impact
Sustainability
We support initiatives that integrate eco-friendly practices with sustainable growth, setting a standard for responsible business. Environmental stewardship is essential to our industry’s strength and long-term viability.
Consumer Welfare
Our community-centered approach prioritizes consumer well-being, inspiring a market that serves people, profits, and purpose. Together, we shape a retail experience that respects consumer needs, placing them at the heart of industry change.
Economic Vitality
The Club of 369 brings together leaders to sustain a thriving industry through both prosperous and challenging times. By fostering connections and sharing best practices, we strengthen the economic foundation of our region, ensuring that progress supports people, businesses, and communities alike.