Record breaking Retail Technology Show 2025 wins plaudits from Sainsbury's, Rituals and Ann Summers

Nineteen Group, the organisers of Retail Technology Show, report that 14,116 retail professionals attended the 2025 event, which took place at London ExCel on 2nd-3rd April,  an 11% increase on the previous year and the highest ever turn out.

There were 483 exhibitors from across the retail tech landscape, and 125 speakers on the various stages around the showfloor.

Penny Grivea, former Managing Director UK & Ireland at Rituals, remarked that RTS helps retailers remain “relevant” and “stay on their toes.”  While Maria Hollins, CEO at Ann Summers, added: “you’ll always find something that’s interesting you can take away to your own business.” 

Prerana Issar, Chief People Officer & Head of Corporate Affairs at Sainsbury’s, also highlighted the role the event plays in unifying the retail industry through technology innovation and the symbiotic relationship between the two. “The fact that technology and retail come together [at RTS] is fantastic because they aren't two different things anymore - they haven't been for a while now.  It isn't possible to talk about retail without talking about technology, digital, AI - they are all one and the same thing,” she said.

A conference programme saw sector leaders including M&S’ Archie Norman, serial entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, The Body Coach Joe Wicks, and All Saints Founder Stuart Trevor take to the stage.  Speaking to RTS, Trevor talked about how the show was a unifying force within the retail sector, commenting: “it brings together all different people, from all walks of the industry.” 

Meanwhile, Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, who chaired the Spectacular Headline Stage across the two-day conference programme, added: “RTS has become a beautiful meeting point where technology and retail converge.”

Visitors were also treated to dodgems and merry go rounds within the circus rides area, networking opportunities, including Retail’s BIG Party on day one and satellite events, including London Store Tours with Ian Scott. Alex Gourlay, Executive Chair at Holland & Barrett, added: “it's a great event, but it’s not just about the technology; it's about meeting people and about building relationships.”

89% of exhibitors rebooked on-site for next year’s event. Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder of the entire RTS team who worked tirelessly to turn the ExCeL into an absolute carnival of retail, bringing the entire industry together to celebrate the thrills and spills of the sector in spectacular fashion.”

“From the knock-out conference programme sporting some of retail’s trailblazers, to the breadth and depth of the innovation on the show floor, through to the amazing entertainment - every detail was fine-tuned to deliver our one of our best shows to date. We’re energised and ready to build on the success of 2025, as we start to plan next year’s show.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.