In response to rapid developments in digitalization and sustainability, the employment landscape is undergoing significant changes. The Retail Academy, established under the coordination of Istinye University Connectome to provide academic and professional development for the retail sector—an essential part of the Turkish economy—held its inaugural meeting on August 20, 2024, at Campus H. The meeting was attended by our Dean, Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım; Connectom Coordinator; Assoc. Prof. Okan Yaşar; and members of the Retail Academy Board.