One of the world’s most influential retail events, NRF: Retail’s Big Show, will make its European debut in Paris from September 16 to 18, 2025. Under the theme “Retail Together”, the event will unite the strengths of the European and North American retail industries.
NRF: Retail’s Big Show, one of the most important global gatherings for the retail industry, will take place for the first time in Europe. Scheduled for September 16–18, 2025, in Paris, the event is a collaboration between the Paris Retail Week (Comexposium Group) and the U.S.-based National Retail Federation (NRF). The launch details were officially presented in Milan.
Arnaud Gallet, Director of NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show Europe, stated, “This event will merge two powerful retail markets — Europe and North America — under one roof. The content, agenda, and international attendance will fully reflect our theme: Retail Together.”
The show is expected to welcome 480 exhibitors, 15,000 visitors, and over 7,000 international retail professionals. Organizers highlighted that, five years after the pandemic, retail has shown resilience and agility, and is now preparing for the next wave of transformation driven by technology and a new generation of consumers.
Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and Unified Commerce Take Center Stage
A newly published white paper presents insights from industry leaders including Calvin McDonald (CEO of Lululemon), Artemis Patrick (President & CEO of Sephora North America), and Sophie Marchessou (Chief Customer Officer at Mirakl). The main topics include the future of AI-powered personalization, ESG and sustainability, and the evolution of physical and digital retail convergence.
Lululemon’s CEO emphasized the ongoing importance of physical stores to the brand’s global expansion: “International markets currently make up 25% of our total revenue, but there’s no reason they can’t reach 50%.”
Gymshark’s CBO Noel Mack shared how the brand’s move into physical retail has yielded strong results and further innovations are planned.
The Rise of Omni-Modal Retail
Nicolas Diacono, founder of Nincotech, introduced the concept of “omni-modal commerce,” a next phase in AI-enhanced consumer engagement that blends digital and physical experiences seamlessly — including through AR wearables like smart glasses.
Massimiliano Squillace, CEO of Contents, highlighted AI’s role in real-time personalized content creation across multiple platforms, enhancing both customer experience and operational efficiency.
NRF 2025 Retail’s Big Show Europe aims to be the ultimate platform to explore, connect, and adapt to the rapidly changing retail ecosystem, positioning itself as the meeting point for the industry’s future.
