Howard Saunders: Retail Futurist

Retail futurist Howard Saunders helps global brands reinvent customer experiences through visionary design leadership, consumer insight and twenty-five years shaping transformative retail environments.

  • Highlights:
    • Over twenty-five years in global retail design and brand experience
    • Former Creative Director at Fitch, London
    • Led multi-disciplinary teams shaping iconic, industry-defining retail projects
    • Expert in consumer behavior, customer experience and the future of retail
  • Formats:

    Retail futurist, keynote speaker and brand experience consultant

  • Audiences:

    Retail executives, brand leaders, customer experience teams, innovation units, developers and organizations navigating the future of physical and digital retail.

  • Outcomes:
    1. Strategic clarity on how retail spaces must evolve to meet shifting consumer expectations.
    2. Practical insights into the psychology of customer experience and design-driven engagement.
    3. Visionary guidance to help brands remain relevant, differentiated and future-ready.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Talent Short Bio

Howard Saunders is an internationally respected retail futurist and design thought leader whose career spans more than twenty-five years at the forefront of retail transformation. Formerly the Creative Director of Fitch in London, he built and led multi-disciplinary teams of architects, graphic designers, product designers and copywriters, steering some of the world’s most influential retail brands toward bold, customer-centric futures. His leadership at Fitch helped redefine the discipline of retail design, merging creative storytelling, spatial innovation and commercial strategy into cohesive brand experiences.

Saunders’ journey through the industry has been characterised by hands-on learning, sharp creative instinct and an unwavering drive to push the boundaries of what retail can be. His design philosophy blends functional clarity with emotional resonance, enabling brands to create spaces that connect deeply with consumers while supporting measurable business outcomes. His portfolio features landmark projects that have become case studies in effective brand experience design.

As a keynote speaker and consultant, Saunders brings penetrating insight into consumer behaviour, cultural shifts and the forces shaping the future of shopping.

With a career spanning over twenty-five years in the dynamic realm of retail design, Howard Saunders stands as a luminary figure in the industry. Formerly serving as the Creative Director of Fitch, headquartered in London, Saunders has left an indelible mark on retail design and branding. His tenure at Fitch was marked by his visionary leadership, where he spearheaded the creation of multi-disciplinary teams comprising architects, graphic designers, product designers, and copywriters. Saunders’s innate ability to orchestrate these diverse talents into cohesive units yielded groundbreaking results, revolutionizing the retail landscape.

Howard Saunders brings to the table a wealth of experience and expertise garnered over decades of immersion in the retail design sphere. His journey began with humble roots, where he honed his craft through hands-on experience and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Rising through the ranks, Saunders assumed pivotal roles that allowed him to sculpt the very essence of retail spaces, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal seamlessly.

As the former Creative Director of Fitch, Saunders was entrusted with the formidable task of shaping brand identities and retail experiences for a diverse array of clients. His visionary approach transcended conventional boundaries, breathing life into spaces that resonated with consumers on a profound level. Saunders’s portfolio is a testament to his ingenuity, featuring iconic projects that have set benchmarks in the industry.

Beyond his role as a design maven, Howard Saunders is a thought leader whose insights have reverberated across the retail landscape. His keen understanding of consumer behavior and emerging trends has positioned him as a sought-after authority, with engagements ranging from keynote addresses to consulting endeavors. Saunders’s ability to decode the intricate interplay between design and consumer psychology has empowered brands to forge deeper connections with their audience, driving sustained growth and relevance in an ever-evolving marketplace.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (9)
Lee Rubin

Lee Rubin is a dynamic keynote speaker, author, and team-building expert who leverages his unique background as a former captain of the Penn State Football Team to inspire and educate organizations on building high-performance teams. With over two decades of experience in leadership development and team dynamics, Lee has become a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporate […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Peak Performance
  • (55)
Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers is the visionary force behind Hello Seven, a thriving enterprise dedicated to empowering women to redefine their relationship with money. As the founder of this multi-million dollar company, Rachel has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. Her accolades extend beyond the business world, as she has […]

  • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
  • Business Speakers
  • (20)
Michelle Lee

Michelle Lee is a trailblazing AI keynote speaker, renowned technology strategist, and leadership expert who is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. As the founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies, she has carved out a niche in guiding organizations through the complexities of AI adoption, ethical implementation, and future-ready leadership. With a […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (52)
Leah Busque Solivan

Leah Busque Solivan is not just a speaker; she’s a visionary entrepreneur who has redefined the way we approach productivity and task management. As the founder of TaskRabbit, she revolutionized the gig economy, empowering individuals to outsource errands and tasks with ease. Leah’s journey from a software engineer at IBM to a pioneering businesswoman showcases […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM Speakers
  • (13)
  • (4)
Tom Kolditz-cover

Tom Kolditz is a distinguished leadership expert and keynote speaker renowned for his unparalleled insights into crisis leadership, resilience, and leading under pressure. With decades of experience in both military and academic spheres, Tom brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to the art and science of leadership. His dynamic presentations inspire individuals and organizations to thrive […]

  • Travels from:
  • Crisis Management
  • (8)
Josh Linkner

Josh Linkner is not your typical speaker. With over two decades of experience in igniting creativity and innovation, he stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Josh has left an indelible mark on the business world, having founded and led multiple tech companies that collectively […]

  • Travels from: Detroit, MI
  • Business Speakers
  • (41)
Stephanie Battaglino - Image 04 (January 20, 2026)

As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent […]

  • Travels from: Palm Desert, CA
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (5)
Carme Artigas - Image 01 (February 13, 2026)

Carme Artigas is a global expert in Big Data, AI, and technological innovations with over 25 years of experience in management, executive, and technological positions. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Synergic Partners, which was acquired by Telefonica in 2015. She is currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Centre and an Ambassador for ‘Women in […]

  • Travels from: Madrid, Spain
  • Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.