Retail Technology Show 2025: Top industry meeting point

Held on April 2-3 at ExCeL London, the Retail Technology Show 2025 once again reinforced its status as one of the premier events for retail innovation and technology. With our booth H2 as a central meeting point, we engaged with industry experts, innovators, and peers in discussions that addressed the trends and challenges shaping today’s retail landscape.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

Our participation at Retail Technology Show 2025 built directly on last year’s notable success. In 2024, Orquest was honored as the winner of the Retail Technology Show Innovation Awards—a recognition that underscored our leadership in retail workforce management through our AI-powered retail scheduling solution. 

“With 2024 being our biggest ever technology showcase, with over 400 innovators and tech providers exhibiting, Orquest, whose solution that empower retail’s frontline workers, stood out against stiff competition,” said Matt Bradley, Event Director of the Retail Technology Show, in presenting the award. The recognition marked a milestone that reinforced our position as a frontrunner in retail technology and, this year, we leveraged that momentum.

Insightful Keynotes and Strategic Discussions

A major highlight at the event was the keynote presentation by our Europe Regional Director, María Torres, on the Spotlight Stage. In her session, “Why Now is the Time for Next-Gen Scheduling Software,” María provided a concise yet impactful overview of how modern scheduling software addresses both current challenges and future demands in retail. By showcasing practical applications of AI and data-driven insights—such as Orquest’s advanced scheduling—her talk resonated with attendees who are increasingly focused on technological solutions to improve operations, workforce management, and customer service.

Key Themes Shaping the Retail Sector

Retail Technology Show 2025 was structured around several themes that reflect the pressing priorities within retail. A central focus was the convergence of leadership, workforce management, and economic performance. In today’s volatile economic climate, industry leaders are seeking strategies that not only drive operational efficiency but also foster robust workforce engagement. Retailers recognize that a well-supported frontline is essential for delivering the high-quality customer experiences that remain the cornerstone of the industry.

Equally prominent was the discussion on AI, data, and omnichannel strategies. AI has emerged as a pivotal element in retail transformation. Experts at the event debated both the potential benefits and practical challenges of integrating AI into everyday operations. From automating routine tasks to providing actionable insights that drive personalized customer interactions, AI is viewed as both a critical tool and a significant growth opportunity. This track highlighted how AI solutions like Orquest are helping retailers tackle current operational challenges and drive future success.

For the future of retail, the primary focus at this year’s Retail Technology Show was on creating a seamless customer experience across all channels. Despite the growing prominence of e-commerce, physical stores remain at the center of that experience. However, a critical challenge has emerged: labor shortages and talent retention. This issue underscores the need for innovative workforce management strategies to ensure that as technology and omnichannel solutions enhance customer engagement, the industry can also attract and retain the skilled employees essential for sustained success.

Addressing Critical Workforce Challenges in the UK and Europe

Retail Technology Show 2025 provided a forum to discuss these significant workforce challenges, particularly those affecting the UK and wider European retail markets. Labor shortages have become a major concern, especially following the impacts of Brexit. 

A recent McKinsey report highlights that “for almost two decades, labor markets across advanced economies have tightened—and the trend is set to continue.” This tightening labor market has tangible economic implications, with studies suggesting that GDP in 2023 might have been 0.5 to 1.5 percent higher if job vacancies had been fully filled.

Data from Deloitte also paints a clear picture of the demographic challenges ahead. With working-age populations in the eurozone and European Union projected to decline, retailers are under increasing pressure to innovate in workforce management. Investments in automation, upskilling, and flexible employment models are emerging as essential strategies—not only to manage shortages but also to build a more resilient and agile industry. These initiatives are viewed as critical steps in adapting to a rapidly evolving labor market and ensuring that retail operations remain efficient and competitive.

A Forward-Looking Perspective

The Retail Technology Show 2025 exemplified a moment of both reflection and forward planning. As the retail sector grapples with shifting consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and labor challenges, the insights shared at the event are set to influence future strategies. Our active participation and recognition as last year’s Innovation Awards winners serve as a testament to our commitment to delivering advanced scheduling and workforce management innovation that drive operational excellence and positively impact both retailers and society in general.

Ultimately, the event underscored that the future of retail is not about choosing between human expertise and technological innovation. Instead, it is about integrating both to create a resilient, adaptable, and people-centric industry. With targeted investments in AI and a focus on supporting frontline teams, the retail sector is well-positioned to overcome current challenges and seize new growth opportunities in the coming years.