Retail Technology Show London

According to the UK government, retail sales in Great Britain amounted to a massive £510 billion in 2023. With a total economic output of over £112 billion, it’s no surprise the UK retail sector hosts one of the flagship retail trade show events in Europe: the Retail Technology Show!

Featuring more than 15,000 attendees and 400 tech suppliers, this top London exhibition event is a critical platform for industry leaders to examine the latest solutions that enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive business growth.

From AI-driven analytics to payment innovations, the Retail Technology Show showcases the future of the sector and equips businesses with the tools they need to stay competitive in a continuously evolving business environment.

As a leading team of exhibition stand builders, we’ve guided clients to success at the Retail Technology Show and other major retail events in London. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned participant, this ultimate exhibitor’s guide contains all the critical insights you need to thrive at the UK’s leading retail technology exhibition.

Dates and venue

The Retail Technology Show is usually held around April during the first half of the calendar year; it was last held in April 2024 at the London Olympia. Currently, the 2025 edition is slated for 2-3 April 2025 at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London.

Commanding over 100,000 square metres of versatile exhibition space, London’s prestigious ExCeL stands among Britain’s elite trio of trade show destinations.

This £500 million architectural marvel, with its state-of-the-art conference facilities, provides the perfect stage for the Retail Technology Show. The venue’s modern grandeur and exceptional amenities make it a natural choice for event organisers seeking to showcase retail innovation in a world-class setting

It’s an easy-to-attend venue too, with various transport methods available to visitors and exhibitors. The venue is served by two Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations: the Elizabeth line meets at the western entrance while the eastern entrance is joined with Prince Regent Station.

For more information about navigating London by train, check out our exhibitor’s guide to the London underground.

Event outline and history

While the Retail Technology Show may seem like a newcomer, having debuted just three years ago, its pedigree runs deep.

The event emerges from seasoned hands—the same team that masterfully orchestrated RetailEXPO, London’s former flagship retail trade gathering. Their expertise ensures this young show stands on the shoulders of decades of industry experience.

When the pandemic forced RetailEXPO’s closure in 2020, the organisers transformed challenge into opportunity, launching an innovative technology-focused showcase for the retail sector. Drawing upon fourteen years of expertise in curating B2B retail events, this resilient team crafted a fresh platform where exhibitors and attendees alike could forge valuable connections and explore new possibilities.

What to Expect from the Retail Technology Show exhibition

When it comes to navigating the Retail Show, the organisers have done a remarkable job of keeping things straightforward.

At the heart of this dynamic event lies a powerful trinity: a cutting-edge conference program, strategic networking opportunities, and an expansive exhibition floor. While the bustling trade show naturally draws attention, savvy attendees recognise that true retail success demands a holistic approach.

The carefully curated conference sessions and targeted networking events offer invaluable insights and connections that complement the exhibition experience. To maximise your investment, immerse yourself in all three components—each plays a vital role in driving retail innovation and business growth.

Products and services

Exhibitor offerings at the event exemplify the latest trends in the future of retail. From state-of-the-art CRM systems to signage solutions and even supply management services, this trade show truly is a showcase for the right tools buyers need to boost their retail business performance.

Some of the more well-known exhibitors slated to appear at the 2025 exhibition include:

• Brother UK
• Aptos Retail
• Denson Wave
• Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions
• KPMG
• PayPal
• Oracle
• Uber Direct

They’ll be joined by several hundred other retail tech suppliers.

Conference

Learn everything there is to know about the British retail sector with the help of the Retail Technology Show’s renowned conference.

From supply chain and customer engagement to seamless multichannel operations, there are limitless opportunities within the programme to upgrade your business knowledge. The 2025 programme will build upon the successful conference of 2024, which covered retail-relevant topics like:

• Leadership, economy, and workforce
• Sustainability, supply chain, and delivery
• Security, loss prevention, and payment solutions
• Marketing, customer, and loyalty
• AI, data, and innovation
• The future of commerce in the UK and beyond

Each presentation topic involves several guest speakers, some of whom caught our eye at the previous show iterations. Amongst them were the likes of:

• Alex Rutter, Head of Retail at Google Cloud
• Bobby Amirahmadi, Logistics Director for Hello Fresh UK
• Chris Thompson, Director of Digital Payments at United Airlines
• Fred Fishlock, FMCG at Tiktok Shop
• Paul Sims, Chief Architect at M&S

Looking ahead to 2025, the show is positioned to deliver cutting-edge insights to industry leaders through its innovative program. To maximise the value of this important industry event, advance planning is essential.

Take time to study the venue’s layout and carefully plan your schedule around the stellar lineup of speakers—this investment in preparation will ensure you extract maximum value from this premier industry gathering.

Networking events

Connecting with senior retail professionals is made easy with the Retail Technology Show’s ample networking opportunities, which happen both digitally and in person:

The BIG Retail Party

Held at the end of the first exhibition day, this networking event features drinks, music, and an awards ceremony. It’s an industry trade professional’s paradise, so don’t miss out!

Digital Networking

A dedicated event app combines with an online visitor portal to deliver online networking opportunities, which are available to attendees before and after the event is held. Should you want to make the most of this flagship event, it’s definitely something to try and utilise.

Retailers Lounge

The Retailers Lounge is an area free from vendors where visitors can relax and network simultaneously. It will be open on both days of the exhibition and is less intense than The Big Retail Party.

Drive retail innovation and more at the Retail Technology Show

Retail and hospitality organisations can now rejoice; the Retail Technology Show will return to the ExCeL London from 2-3 April in 2025. Whether you attend for the new products or the education and networking, you’ll leave knowing how to deliver an enhanced customer experience for your clients.

Ready to make your mark at the Retail Technology Show? As a dedicated exhibition stand builder in London, Booth Exhibits™ is poised to transform your vision into reality. We’re committed to crafting exhibition spaces that not only command attention but drive business success—regardless of your budget or requirements.

Let us partner with you to create a standout presence that perfectly showcases your brand. From concept to execution, we ensure you’ll step onto the show floor with supreme confidence in your exhibition space.