Michael J. Berne
Retail Futurist Extraordinaire
Through the spoken and written word, Michael Berne offers a forceful, compelling, often heretical take on what’s actually happening in retail today, where it is – and is not – headed in the future and what it all means for your corner of the world. He’s the retail contrarian you didn’t know you needed!
Meet Michael J. Berne
Michael Berne is one of North America’s leading retail experts and futurists. A coveted speaker, he has delivered keynotes at industry conferences as well as lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley. He has also written for publications ranging from ULI’s Urban Land, CNU’s Public Square and Dow Jones & Co.’s MarketWatch.
Articles & Essays
Michael’s writing shines a light on counterintuitive findings and insights about the retail industry. It takes aim at those breathless headlines that morph into entrenched narratives, eventually becoming established fact — even though they never quite seem to stand up to closer scrutiny or data-driven analysis. In so doing, it seeks to generate the kinds of “wow-I-never-thought-of-it-that-way” moments that shift one’s framework of thought and basis for action. It is meant for anyone with a stake in such narratives and a need for clear-eyed guidance.
Speaking Engagements
Michael brings an impassioned speaking style that pulls no punches while also lifting spirits. He wields a cross-disciplinary perspective that weaves together findings from economics, finance, psychology, sociology, history and various other fields. His presentations will challenge your biases, scramble your preconceptions and ultimately leave you with a better understanding of — and a more upbeat take on — both where we are and where we’re going.
What People Are Saying About Michael:
“Michael Berne is a dynamic and impassioned speaker who will take something that you thought you understood (or that you had never even considered) and recast it in a entirely new light, so that when you’re leaving the ballroom, you’re looking at things in a very different way than when you entered.”
“Aside from being a real pleasure to work with, Michael Berne’s chapter in our edited volume synthesized decades of history in consumer psychology, retail real estate development and socio-cultural trends into a narrative that is every bit as illuminating as it is engrossing.”
“Michael Berne is among our favorite experts in helping us better understand how to facilitate more vibrant Main Streets. His presentations and studies are carefully researched and superbly presented. Mike weaves together retail and land use policy, which helps local officials better understand how they can create an environment where businesses are encouraged to thrive.”
“I was reading his report last night [on a retail strategy for Downtown Pittsburgh], and it was so interesting that it even tore me away from watching American Idol!”
“Not only is Michael incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and insightful, but he always seems to connect with his audience by contextualizing data, trends and examples within a deep and authentic understanding of our local retail landscape – it’s almost as if he lives here with us in Vancouver!”
Michael J. Berne is available for
speaking and writing engagements.
Seeking fresh insights into retail’s future for your publication, conference or lecture series? Whether you’re an editor craving compelling and thought-provoking content or an event coordinator seeking a dynamic and captivating speaker, Michael delivers clarity and confidence in navigating the complexities of today’s ever-changing landscape.
Michael J. Berne is available for
speaking and writing engagements.
Seeking fresh insights into retail’s future for your publication, conference or lecture series? Whether you’re an editor craving compelling and thought-provoking content or an event coordinator seeking a dynamic and captivating speaker, Michael delivers clarity and confidence in navigating the complexities of today’s ever-changing landscape.
