With just over a week to go until Retail Technology Show (RTS), the leading event that connects Europe’s most forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators, we round up our top five show picks that visitors attending RTS 2025 can look forward to.
Debuting in its new home, ExCeL London, RTS will welcome 15,000 retail professionals to explore its retail carnival on 02 & 03 April 2025, bringing the wonder of retail to life at the industry’s flagship event that celebrates innovation and fast-forwards retailers’ digital transformation. Here’s our picks of the top five things you’ll not want to miss out on at the show:
M&S Archie Norman on M&S’ digital transformation journey
Chairman of Marks and Spencer (M&S), Archie Norman, will deliver a keynote session at 10.20am on the Spectacular Headline Stage on Day 1 (02 April). Norman will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle MBE, for an unmissable fireside chat to discuss M&S’ impressive recent transformation and its pioneering work on sustainability.
The session will also explore how M&S has substantially changed its omnichannel delivery, how it uses its Sparks programme to drive customer loyalty and insight as well as how the retailer has led its workforce through periods of huge disruption.
Serial entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, takes to the RTS 2025 stage
Serial entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den star, Theo Paphitis, will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, on the Spectacular Headline Stage at 2.35pm on Day 2 (03 April). In this fireside chat, Paphitis will delve into key strategies for growing a successful retail business, even in challenging circumstances.
Having been at the forefront of the sector for over forty years, Paphitis is famed for reviving the fortunes of retail brands including Ryman, Stationery Box, La Senza, and Robert Dyas before launching his own retail conglomerate, Theo Paphitis Retail Group, in 2015. Tapping into his passion for retail, the session will discuss how to keep retail workforces highly engaged and key leadership strategies for long-term success.
The Sole Suppliers’ George O’Sullivan explores how to create compelling content collabs to fuel social commerce
After his forthright discussions about discount-led ecommerce giants operating ‘without heart’ at the RTS Pre-Show Press Day, CEO & Founder of sneaker and streetwear marketplace, The Sole Supplier, George O’Sullivan will explore building authentic brand experiences through content collabs in his session.
Speaking on the Wonderous Stage at 11.40am on Day 1, O’Sullivan will dive into 5 secret hacks for creating authentic, impactful content that stands out in what is becoming increasingly crowded digital and social channel spaces.
INTERVIEW The Sole Supplier: consumers are looking to connect with “the heart of a brand”
Stuart Trevor on creating a sustainable fashion label that doesn’t produce any clothes
Founder of All Saints who recently launched his own eponymous sustainable fashion brand, Stuart Trevor, joins Green Retail World’s editor, Ben Sillitoe, for a fireside chat at 11am on Day 2 on the Wonderous Stage. In a candid and open discussion, the session will explore Trevor’s inspiration behind its brand, the growing role of circular fashion in green retailing and sustainable consumption, as well as the fashion industry’s environmental awakening.
Trevor will join over 125+ senior retailers and brand leaders speaking on the RTS Conference Programme, Gymshark’s former CEO and Chair, Steve Hewitt, H&M’s UK CEO Henrik Nordvall and Ann Summers’ CEO Maria Hollins, as the sector’s brightest minds take centre stage, discussing the industry-defining topics setting the retail agenda.
Tech to power every part of retail
Expanding its show floor to meet exponential demand, RTS 2025 will feature even more disruptive innovations from 400+ suppliers, offering solutions that power every part of retail. From Retail Media to Augmented Reality (AR), AI and data solutions, through to store and online analytics, logistics and supply chain optimisation, RTS offers something for every retailer looking for transformative tech.
Register for free to attend the 2025 Retail Technology Show, taking place on 02 & 03 April, 2025 at its new home of London ExCeL,
here: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com.
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