Acceleration in the adoption of emerging technologies, ageing populations, and rapidly shifting consumer trends - set against Europe's complex macroeconomic landscape - are driving profound changes in consumer behaviours and needs. With current commercial pressures, retailers and consumer brands in Europe must remain laser-focused on understanding and adapting to their customers' evolving needs and preferences, and this session will feature two insight leaders presenting their new research to help you understand this.

This presentation session will cover:

- Why and how consumer needs and preferences are evolving
- Implications for retailers and consumer brands in this challenging landscape

Projected to reach €31 billion in Europe by 2028, Retail Media is the third wave of digital advertising, reshaping the traditional brand-retailer relationship. With significant investments being made, brands face critical questions: how to unlock value for themselves, deliver value to shoppers, and make strategic choices as the number and scale of Retail Media Networks grow.

Through a research presentation and panel, this session will cover:

- New research offering a benchmark of current Retail Media Network capabilities
- Insights from consumer brand leaders on prioritising and allocating spend, selecting partners, and identifying the capabilities that drive the most value for shoppers and brands alike

Customers shopping in-store today expect more than just a place to buy products - they seek unique, immersive experiences that reflect brand values and connect with them on a personal level. By blending digital and physical elements, from interactive displays to personalised service touchpoints, to community-focused experiences, consumer brands and retailers are transforming their physical spaces into vibrant destinations that inspire loyalty, foster community, and drive sales.

This Track Keynote session will cover:

- Strategies for blending physical and digital elements to elevate the in-store experience
- How digital tools can enhance personalisation, interactivity, and engagement
- Techniques for creating memorable experiences that build customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits

In this fast-paced, high-energy pitch competition, 12 early-stage startups will each have just three minutes to showcase how their groundbreaking technologies are solving critical challenges in retail. The judges and audience will rate each pitch, with the top six startups advancing to Round 2.

In the final round, our expert panel of judges will challenge each founder/CEO with pointed questions to dive deeper into their solutions. Once again, the judges and audience will cast their votes, culminating in the announcement of a Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice winner. This opportunity to witness the future of retail innovation and help crown the most promising startups is not to be missed.

In response to the shifting challenges and opportunities across the complex European retail landscape, retailers and consumer brands are innovating their strategies and structures to meet evolving consumer needs and expectations.

In a series of three research presentations, this session will cover:

- Economic Outlook: The key economic factors shaping the retail market in Europe, and how these forces are influencing commerce strategies
- Market Structure: A focus on the European ecommerce market, and how it is evolving

Retail Media has emerged as the primary adjacent revenue opportunity for retailers, yet to-date has focused on ecommerce. With over 80% of European retail still taking place in physical stores, the greatest opportunity for most retailers lies in unlocking the principles of targeted media with closed loop attribution in physical store environments. How to achieve this a key question for retailers, brand partners and technology providers.

Through a series of three short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- Examples of using in-store retail media to create value for shoppers, as well as a powerful tool to derive customer insights
- Insights into the tools and tactics that retailers and consumer brands are harnessing to create immersive in-store media experiences
- The digital tools, processes and hardware being experimented with to enable this

Optimising store operations is critical for driving efficiency, productivity, and a seamless customer experience. By leveraging technologies - such as RFID, digital shelf labels, robotic automation and more - and refining processes, retailers and consumer brands can eliminate bottlenecks, improve workflows, and enhance operational effectiveness across their physical stores.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- Strategies for identifying and eliminating bottlenecks to improve workflow and streamline operations
- Insights into the cutting-edge technologies and capabilities driving operational efficiency and store performance
- The role of technology in transforming store operations for long-term agility and resilience

In this fast-paced, high-energy pitch competition, 12 early-stage startups will each have just three minutes to showcase how their groundbreaking technologies are solving critical challenges in retail. The judges and audience will rate each pitch, with the top six startups advancing to Round 2.

In the final round, our expert panel of judges will challenge each founder/CEO with pointed questions to dive deeper into their solutions. Once again, the judges and audience will cast their votes, culminating in the announcement of a Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice winner. This opportunity to witness the future of retail innovation and help crown the most promising startups is not to be missed.

As the only constant in the European retail landscape, change is putting significant pressure on retailers and consumer brands across all sectors to stay ahead of shifting consumer needs while driving operational efficiency and productivity.

In this Track Keynote session, two senior executives will share:

- How they are evolving their businesses to align with shifting customer needs and behaviours
- The strategies and tactics they are using to position their businesses for sustainable growth and long-term success
- Insights into customer feedback on these initiatives and how it’s shaping their approach

Around 45% of large retailers globally are either running or are in the process of launching a Retail Media Network, and this figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as retailers look to capitalise on the potential for additional revenue streams and strengthen data-driven relationships with consumer brand partners. However, barriers to entry remain, including technological challenges, high investment costs, and the need to upskill teams to manage and optimise these networks successfully.

This panel session will cover:

- The key strategies and capabilities leading retailers are using to harness the full potential of their Retail Media Networks
- How retailers are overcoming challenges, future-proofing their networks, and fostering collaboration with consumer brand partners
- Challenges faced in launching and scaling Retail Media Networks successfully and lessons learned

From streamlining workflows to fostering collaboration and driving faster, data-informed decisions, equipping store teams with the right tools can fundamentally transform how they operate. However, the success of these tools relies on thoughtful implementation and upskilling to ensure adoption. When done right, they not only boost productivity but also improve employee satisfaction and enhance customer loyalty by enabling more meaningful and impactful interactions.

This panel session will cover:

- Strategies for selecting and implementing tools that drive operational efficiency
- Best practices for upskilling store teams to confidently adopt and use new technologies
- How technology can enable store teams to deliver outstanding service and foster stronger customer relationships

In this fast-paced, high-energy pitch competition, 12 early-stage startups will each have just three minutes to showcase how their groundbreaking technologies are solving critical challenges in retail. The judges and audience will rate each pitch, with the top six startups advancing to Round 2.

In the final round, our expert panel of judges will challenge each founder/CEO with pointed questions to dive deeper into their solutions. Once again, the judges and audience will cast their votes, culminating in the announcement of a Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice winner. This opportunity to witness the future of retail innovation and help crown the most promising startups is not to be missed.

Today’s customer journeys span a multitude of touchpoints, both digital and physical. As those touchpoints multiply further, consumer brands and retailers must find ways to provide consumers with a consistent experience that seamlessly connects their journeys across channels.

In this Track Keynote session, two senior executives will share:

- The technologies and human expertise driving best-in-class seamless customer experiences
- How unified customer experiences are exceeding customer expectations, delighting shoppers, and fostering purchase and loyalty
- The key building blocks - tools, strategies, and cultural shifts - required to create and sustain unified customer experiences

Boundaries between generations are blurring. While age groups may differ, consumers are increasingly united by shared behaviours and values rather than generational labels. The rise of digital-first experiences, social commerce, and personalisation means that successful marketing strategies must address the unique needs of each individual while recognising generational nuances. Consumer brands must strike a balance between targeting multiple generations and creating personalised, flexible marketing strategies.

This panel session will cover:

- How retailers and consumer brands are redefining their marketing strategies to reflect shifting cross-generational behaviours
- How to use data to understand and personalise marketing, blending generational insights with psychographics and behavioural patterns

The pandemic forced retailers and brands to rethink their supply chains, sparking transformations that continue to evolve. While the immediate shockwaves have passed, disruptions persist, making resilience and agility critical. Today’s leaders are focused on boosting efficiency and profitability, adopting AI-driven tools, and fostering innovation to future-proof their supply chains.

Through a research presentation and panel, this session will cover:

- A framework of tools, tactics and structures to enhance supply chain resilience
- How consumer brands and retailers are upgrading their people, processes, and technologies to navigate disruptions and mitigate risks effectively
- Strategies to embed innovation and continuous improvement in supply chain operations

Despite a challenging startup funding landscape across Europe, and an increased focus on profitability from VC firms, European retail tech startups continue to innovate and provide solutions to existing and emerging industry challenges. From breakthroughs in AI and data analytics, to cutting-edge technologies for reducing online returns, Europe remains a thriving hub for retail technology innovation.

This panel session will cover:

- The VC perspective on retail technology innovation today, highlighting key trends and untapped opportunities
- Insights into the most exciting emerging retail technologies and the evolving outlook for startup funding in the sector

Today's retailers and consumer brands benefit from an expanding array of sales channels that go far beyond traditional direct-to-consumer and wholesale options. Marketplaces, resale platforms, B2B, social media, and others all present opportunities for growth. However, selecting the right mix of channels requires careful consideration, ensuring a balance between business goals and brand positioning.

This panel session will cover:

- How to identify and assess new and emerging sales channels for growth
- Strategies for selecting the right channels and aligning them with business goals and brand positioning
- Practical examples and lessons learned from multi-channel strategies that balance reach with brand integrity

Consumer brands are increasingly leveraging creative and unconventional partnerships to break through the noise and capture consumer attention. By collaborating with unexpected industry partners or embracing cross-sector opportunities, consumer brands can reach new audiences, inject fresh excitement into their offerings, and elevate their appeal. From exclusive product drops to experiential pop-ups to limited-edition collaborations, successful brand partnerships engage consumers in ways that are both authentic and innovative.

In a series of three fireside chats, this session will cover:

- How to identify the right partners that complement and align with your brand's core values
- Real-world examples of collaborative campaigns that have captivated and engaged diverse audiences
- Building successful collaborations that go beyond driving short-term excitement, open up new markets and foster long-term customer loyalty

With 90% of consumers valuing the post-purchase experience as much as product quality—and 80% unlikely to return after a negative experience—this stage of the customer journey is now a critical battleground. Customers demand reliable delivery, seamless returns, and clear, personalised communication. Meeting these expectations while managing costs requires smart planning and innovation.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- The internal processes and structures required to deliver exceptional post-purchase experiences
- The tools and technologies that drive loyalty and repeat spending through consistent, standout post-purchase interactions
- Key lessons from retailers and consumer brands successfully optimising delivery, fulfilment, and returns to exceed customer expectations

Omnichannel customers spend more than single-channel customers and deliver a 30% higher lifetime return on investment than single-channel shoppers, making a seamless, consistent shopping experience across online and offline channels critical for retailers and brands. Unified commerce is no longer a competitive advantage - it’s a necessity for driving customer engagement, loyalty, and revenue growth.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- Insight into the capabilities of four groundbreaking solutions designed to equip retailers and consumer brands with the tools to create a truly unified shopping experience
- Each speaker’s unique approach to facilitating unified commerce
- A collaborative discussion on how retailers and consumer brands are achieving seamless experiences today and how unified commerce solutions are set to evolve in the future

Balancing data-driven insights (the science) with creative curation (the art) to stock the right products, in the right place, in the right quantities has long been a challenge but is especially so now in the face of changing consumer demands and unpredictable trends. In addition, merchants must also ensure that their assortment strategies are seamlessly integrated across both physical and digital channels to create a unified experience.

This panel session will cover:

- How retailers and consumer brands are innovating and improving their assortment strategies to deliver seamless shopping
- How a data-driven approach is helping merchants have the right products for the right customers at the right time, across all touchpoints
- Challenges faced in rethinking assortment strategies and lessons learned in creating effective and scalable assortment strategies

The rise of manufacturer-to-consumer platforms is driving disruptive, fast-growing business models that are reshaping the marketplace. Enabled by powerful advertising campaigns, innovative demand creation tactics and highly streamlined supply chains, these marketplaces are transforming customer engagement and sales models. However, much remains to be understood about how these platforms operate, implications of trading on them and their broader applicability to other businesses.
 
Through a research presentation and panel, this session will cover:

- Exclusive research into the strategies and tactics manufacturer-to-consumer platforms use to engage consumers and win market share
- How sellers are adapting their sales strategies to harness the evolving capabilities and dynamics of these platforms effectively

AI-powered search tools, including those driven by generative AI, are transforming the way consumers are discovering and exploring new products. By leveraging conversational, visual, and AI-driven search technologies, organisations are creating engaging, intuitive, and personalised experiences that exceed customer expectations and foster loyalty.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- How AI-powered search is shaping the future of product discovery and customer engagement
- Key innovations in generative AI, visual search, and conversational search, and how they are transforming the customer journey
- Strategies for implementing these tools effectively to meet evolving consumer expectations

Marketing was one of the first corporate functions to be revolutionised by digital technology and it is poised to lead again with the rise of generative AI. By uncovering patterns in vast unstructured datasets, generative AI enables marketers to deliver highly personalised experiences at scale. To unlock its full potential, retailers and consumer brands must adopt the right technologies and align strategies with their growth priorities.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- Insight into the capabilities of four cutting-edge solutions revolutionising how retailers and consumer brands engage customers
- Each speaker’s unique approach to leveraging AI and data to drive impactful marketing campaigns
- A collaborative discussion on how retailers and consumer brands are driving consumer engagement today and how marketing solutions are set to evolve in the future

Customer journeys today encompass many touchpoints, both online and offline, and are are anything but linear. Shoppers follow diverse routes from first discovering a consumer brand to making their initial purchase, and eventually to building loyalty. As these journeys become increasingly complex, retailers and consumer brands often lack clear visibility into the key touchpoints that empower a customer to make a purchase.

Through a series of three short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- The tools and tactics required to measure and gain a comprehensive view of the factors influencing their shoppers' behaviours - from data analytics to customer feedback
- Strategies to leverage cross-channel data to not just influence, but to empower customers to make informed purchase decisions across multiple touchpoints

The European recommerce market is projected to grow five times faster than the overall retail sector, driven by consumers seeking sustainable and cost-effective shopping options. Recommerce - including resale, refurbishment, and repair - offers consumer brands and retailers a unique opportunity to attract and retain customers, boost loyalty, generate additional revenue, and advance sustainability goals. However, challenges persist in integrating recommerce with the growth of new product sales.

In this Track Keynote, one senior executive will share:

- The strategies and tactics they are using to successfully leverage the recommerce opportunity
- Insights into scaling resale, refurbishment and repair profitably and efficiently
- Approaches to balancing recommerce initiatives with new product sales to ensure sustained growth and profitability

The European recommerce market is projected to grow five times faster than the overall retail sector, driven by consumers seeking sustainable and cost-effective shopping options. Recommerce - including resale, refurbishment, and repair - offers consumer brands and retailers a unique opportunity to attract and retain customers, boost loyalty, generate additional revenue, and advance sustainability goals. However, challenges persist in integrating recommerce with the growth of new product sales.

This panel session will cover:

- Strategies and tactics employed by two early-adopter consumer brands to successfully capitalise on the recommerce opportunity
- Approaches to balancing recommerce initiatives with new product sales to ensure sustained growth and profitability

Thriving social media communities transform customers into brand advocates, driving loyalty, trust, and authentic engagement. Social commerce platforms take this further by integrating seamless shopping into the social journey, while creators and influencers amplify reach and foster deeper connections. When executed effectively, these strategies create campaigns that resonate, inspire participation, and fuel sustained growth.

This panel session will cover:

- Strategies for building thriving communities through social commerce, fostering loyalty and engagement
- Best practices for partnering with influencers and creators to build trust, create compelling content, and deepen consumer connections
- How to leverage specific tools to encourage authentic interactions and empower consumers to actively shape brand storytelling and advocacy

Boosting operational efficiencies and optimising the supply chain are key levers for improving profitability, and they also increase speed-to-market, agility and resilience. Identifying opportunities to improve, combined with measuring and managing the impact of technology or process improvements, requires a strategic and data-driven approach.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- Insight into four cutting-edge solutions revolutionising operational efficiency and supply chain optimisation for retailers and consumer brands
- Each speaker's unique approach to leveraging technology to boost operational inefficiencies and optimising the supply chain
- A collaborative discussion on common challenges in operations and supply chains, with actionable strategies to drive future growth, resilience and optimisation

Data democratisation has the power to transform decision-making, enabling faster, more informed choices and unlocking opportunities for disruption across every department. By leveraging data analytics effectively, leaders can cut costs, accelerate time-to-market, drive revenue, and attract new customers - harnessing the full potential of their data lakes.

Through a series of presentations, this session will cover:

- Three real-world case studies illustrating the transformative impact of advanced analytics on key business functions, including challenges faced and lessons learned
- How data analytics, AI, and digital leaders can act as trusted advisors, partnering with business units to drive immediate operational value and align with long-term goals

In disruptive times, the most successful businesses are those led by leaders who can inspire action, rally teams around a shared vision, align company culture with business goals, and set realistic expectations for both financial and time investments. Retailers and consumer brands that drive effective change combine purpose-driven leadership with the agility required to adapt to quickly changing market conditions.

This panel session will cover:

- Key leadership traits and skills that drive effective transformation and inspire teams to embrace change
- How to align teams around a common purpose and overcome resistance to change
- Practical approaches to managing the pace of transformation by setting realistic goals for time, resources and outcomes

Today’s online grocery shopper demands a seamless blend of convenience and value, utilising a variety of options—from pre-planned weekly deliveries to rapid home delivery and scheduled in-store pickups. To meet these expectations, retailers must make strategic choices, such as partnering with final-mile delivery platforms or managing ecommerce operations in-house, fulfilling from stores or micro-fulfilment centres, and balancing automation with human expertise.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- How retailers are meeting growing ecommerce demands and making strategic fulfilment decisions
- Success stories, challenges overcome, and future opportunities in grocery ecommerce fulfilment

Across retail, organisations are collecting and analysing consumer data to make smarter business decisions and enhance shopping experiences. Technologies such as geo-location have unlocked new ways to monitor in-store shopper behaviour, analyse foot traffic patterns, and improve customer engagement. Meanwhile, digital commerce platforms own a wealth of data on how consumers search for, discover, and purchase products - unlocking deeper insights into shopping habits.

Through a series of presentations, this session will cover:

- Exclusive insights into European retail trends and shopping habits, revealed through innovative research methodologies
- How three companies are going beyond their platforms and technologies to generate actionable industry insights

In the face of rising customer acquisition costs, retention and increasing customer lifetime value have never been more important. One of the keys to unlocking this is personalisation. Not only have customers come to expect personalised messaging and experiences but they are more likely to share their data to attain it and, most importantly, spend more as a result. However, with customer journeys more complex and fragmented than ever, the path to personalisation is fraught with challenges for retailers and brands.

This session will cover:
- How retailers and brands are building a holistic view of their customers’ journeys and acquiring the data required to better understand their behaviours, preferences and needs
- How they are using this data to deliver truly personalised messaging and experiences at critical points of the buying journey and post-purchase to delight the customer, improve loyalty and increase lifetime value

Large organisations may not have the lean agility of startups but fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation is crucial for any company to keep pace with retail’s fast-changing landscape. Prioritising leadership, team structure, and psychological safety allows companies to empower teams to test and learn, unlocking new revenue streams, products, and valuable insights.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- How to integrate agile, startup-like approaches within established corporate frameworks
- Practical examples of leadership roles, team structures, and processes required to create a culture of innovation and experimentation
- Lessons learned and the impact of test and learn approaches on revenue, innovation, and insights

In a cost-sensitive environment, retailers and consumer brands are re-evaluating their operations to reduce costs, minimise waste, and enhance efficiency. While environmental initiatives often come with added costs, forward-thinking organisations are finding innovative ways to align profitability with sustainability. By integrating operational improvements with environmental goals, they are demonstrating that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Through a series of short presentations and a panel, this session will cover:

- How retailers and consumer brands are leveraging data to uncover opportunities for operational and environmental improvements
- Key strategies for scaling efficiency and sustainability efforts, enabling both sustainability-first brands and legacy retailers to integrate these into ongoing transformation programmes

Cross-border ecommerce accounts for 32% of all European online sales, with marketplaces accounting for the lion's share of these revenues. However, selling across borders - whether inside or outside the Eurozone - brings unique challenges, including language, localisation, cultural differences, supply chain complexities, and in some cases, currency challenges.

Through a research presentation and a panel, this session will cover:

- A framework for delivering scalable cross-border ecommerce growth in Europe
- Practical strategies for navigating cross-border challenges by leveraging marketplaces, localised direct-to-consumer strategies, and more amid economic and geopolitical challenges
- Key trends shaping the future of cross-border ecommerce and strategies for driving sustained growth

Emerging consumer brands are leading the charge by anticipating and adapting to new consumer demands, often setting new benchmarks for the industry. By embracing shifts in consumer values - such as sustainability, personalisation, and technological integration - these consumer brands are developing new products and services that not only meet but exceed customer expectation, enhancing their competitive edge and fostering brand loyalty among a discerning consumer base.

This panel session will cover:

- How to identify and respond to key trends shaping consumer behavior
- How to build strong consumer connections by aligning brand values with customer expectations and aspirations
- How to leverage creativity and technology to develop standout offerings in a crowded market

As consumers increasingly expect seamless shopping experiences that connect their journeys across channels, organisations must break down silos and unify their businesses to deliver on that expectation. Collaboration across teams, including marketing, IT, digital and supply chain - supported by shared KPIs - is essential for developing and delivering a successful unified commerce strategy.

Through a series of fireside chats, this session will cover:

- The processes, structures and technologies retailers and consumer brands are adopting to unify their teams and manage complexity to deliver a seamless customer experience
- Key strategies for fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration to ensure consistent execution across channels

Unlocking the true potential of data analytics and AI remains a challenge for many retailers and consumer brands, with only 62% reporting that insights are creating a competitive advantage. Yet, the opportunities are vast—every department stands ready for disruption. Leaders must act decisively to leverage data analytics to cut costs, accelerate time-to-market, drive revenue, and attract new customers by harnessing the power of their data lakes.

Through a series of presentations, this session will cover:

- Three real-world case studies illustrating the transformative impact of advanced analytics on key business functions, including challenges faced and lessons learned
- How data analytics, AI, and digital leaders can act as trusted advisors, partnering with business units to drive immediate operational value and align with long-term goals

AI in retail presents a challenging dichotomy. While many retailers and consumer brands are excited about the transformative potential of AI – including Gen AI – in revolutionising the customer experience, consumer trust remains fragile. The message from consumers is clear: they welcome AI-driven tools and experiences, but not at the expense of accuracy, privacy, or security. To maintain competitive advantage, retailers and consumer brands must ensure their AI innovations are underpinned by robust governance and ethical guardrails.

Through a research presentation and a panel, this session will cover:

- A framework for leveraging and scaling AI ethically and responsibly
- How retailers and consumer brands are addressing customer concerns with guardrails ensuring AI is safe, transparent, and ethical
- Strategies for balancing innovation and governance, enabling experimentation without compromising compliance

Successful product launches and category expansions are critical for consumer brands looking to sustain growth and capture new market share. By thoroughly understanding consumer needs and market dynamics, brands can develop innovative products that resonate with their target audience, while navigating the complexities of entering new categories. Strategic planning, robust market research, and agile execution are key to ensuring new offerings are well-received and align with the brand’s long-term vision.

This panel session will cover:

- Research and analysis techniques that inform effective product development and category expansion
- Key strategies for crafting a successful launch plan, including timing, messaging, and distribution
- Concrete examples of how consumer brands have overcome challenges when introducing new products to market, and actionable strategies for addressing similar challenges

Shoptalk Europe 2025 delivered unparalleled insights and inspiration. With 165+ speakers and 40+ sessions covering today's most seismic retail shifts, it's impossible for any one attendee to see everything.

This panel session will cover:

- Key takeaways from this year’s show, spotlighting actionable insights and trends that attendees can implement within their organisations
- A forward-looking perspective on how these trends will shape the future of retail, helping businesses navigate emerging challenges and seize new opportunities

As retailers and consumer brands implement new technologies to enhance their digital capabilities, managing a growing ecommerce stack can become increasingly complex. Disconnected systems and processes often hinder efficiency and slow innovation, making it essential to streamline and optimise the tech ecosystem.

Through a research presentation and a panel, this session will cover:

- A framework for simplifying and optimising the ecommerce tech stack to drive efficiency and agility
- Practical strategies on successfully overcoming these challenges to accelerate innovation and improve operational performance