MADRID SUCCESSFULLY CLOSES THE FIRST EDITION OF ACADEMIA RETAIL: BOOSTING YOUNG TALENT

2025/06/24

The Spanish Retail Association (AER) and Madrid City Council today concluded the first edition of Academia Retail , a pioneering professional training program designed to introduce the world of retail to 36 young Madrid residents . For 16 weeks, these students trained alongside leading industry professionals, combining theory and practice to gain firsthand knowledge of the retail industry.

The graduation ceremony included an inspiring masterclass led by Miki Fernández , Head of Retail at Nude Project , who shared the brand's expertise with the participants. Fernández highlighted the value of communication, technology, and brand values, encouraging the students to "not be afraid of success; retail is cool and offers great career opportunities."

The event was attended by representatives of the City Council : Olga Ruiz Castillo , Director General of Commerce and Hospitality; and Óscar Romera , General Coordinator of Economy, Commerce, and Consumption. Also present were key figures from the AER , such as Alfonso Sebastián , Vice President, and Susana Gilabert , Director General.

During the course, students explored the sector's main challenges, from department management to logistics and product distribution. According to the AER, "retail is not dying; it is evolving and remains present in our daily activities."

According to the AER, retail represents one of the largest industries in Spain, encompassing everything from hotels and supermarkets to museums, bars, and department stores. "Any product or service sold or rented to an end customer is retail; a large part of private employment in Spain is generated in this sector."

With this first edition, Academia Retail lays the foundation for a sustainable project that will integrate specialized training and connections to the workforce , seeking to foster young talent and support the development of the retail industry in the Madrid region.