- More than 14,000 retail professionals attended the two -day retail carnival in retail
- 81% of RTS visitors were level C executives, senior executives or office managers in retail organizations
- 89 percent of the exhibitors reserved on site for RTS 2026, taking place on 22ND – 23RD April 2026 in Excel London
Retail technology show (RTS), the flagship event connecting retail modifiers to technological innovators, transformed its new house in London Excel into a giant retail carnival, welcoming more than 14,000 retail professionals – an increase of 11% compared to the previous year.
Beginner in Excel London out of 2ND – 3RD April 2025, RTS 2025 organized its largest edition to date, presenting a large technological showcase featuring 438 innovators and suppliers of leading solutions. The show attracted a record number of retail professionals, stressing its growing influence as an essential event in industry.
Commenting on the caliber of exposed innovation, Penny Grivea, former director general of the United Kingdom and Ireland at Rituals, pointed out that RTS helps retailers to remain “relevant” and to “stay on their guard”. While Maria Hollins, CEO of Ann Summers, echoes this feeling, adding: “You will always find something interesting that you can withdraw to your own business.”
Prerana Issar, head of people in chief and head of business affairs of Sainsbury's, also stressed the role that the event plays in the unification of the retail industry thanks to technological innovation and the symbiotic relationship between the two. “The fact that technology and retail trade meet (at RTS) is fantastic because there are no more different things – they have not been for some time now. It is not possible to talk about retail without talking about technology, digital, AI – they are all one and the same,” she said.
A completed conference program, buzzing with ideas of 125+ for the most brilliant minds of retail, has seen leaders in the sector, notably Archie Norman from M&S, the serial entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, body coach Joe Wicks and the founder of All Saints Stuart Trevor is on stage. Addressing RTS, Trevor explained how the program was a unifying force in the retail sector, commenting: “It brings together all the different people, from all walks of life.” Meanwhile, Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle Mbe, who chaired the spectacular scene in the two -day conference program, added: “The retail technology show has become a beautiful meeting point where technology and convergent retail trade.”
Visitors were also entitled to all the energy of the retail carnival – dodgems and rides in the circus rides to the possibilities of networking at high October, including the major retail festival on day 1 and satellite events, including visits to London store with Ian Scott. Alex Gourlay, executive president of Holland & Barrett, added: “It is a big event, but it is not only about technology; it is a question of meeting people and forcing relationships.”
Given the large volume, seniority and caliber of retailers and brands present at RTS 2025, 89% of exhibitors reserved on site for next year's event, with RTS 2026 which already promises to be another essential industrial event.
Matt Bradley, event director of Retail Technology Show, said: “I could not be more proud of the whole RTS team who worked tirelessly to transform the Excel into an absolute retail carnival, bringing together all the industry to celebrate the thrills and the spills of the SEC – every detail has been refined to deliver our best shows to date.
RTS returns to Excel of London out of 22ND – 23RD April 2026. Record your interest here: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com
