Hi fellow flat white technology-dwellers -Retail Tech Show 2025 was and (almost) is and what’s the feeling? One word – bang on!
With cuppa in hand and our clap hand getting ever closer to forcing us to clap the fingers for more curiosity, I tiptoed through Olympia London whooping at retail rising again IRL and marveling at the pace it was racing back in the saddle. Biometrics at check out, AI avatar stylists advising you on which trainers to buy the retail paradise of UK was here.
Here’s a few images of the espresso that spurred me into a full-on boogie at this year’s exhibition – the technology, the soap opera, the style (here to add to the show) and the not insignificant £153bn elephant in the room.
Add Customised Ads That Stalk, Flirt & Sell
You’re looking for trainers and even as you’re reading this, your Tik Tok, Insta and, yes, that wifi connected smart fridge are all directing you to buy just that, in four colours. That’s the power of sophisticated intent driven marketing in 2025.
The ad companies lose it over the concept of Wunderkind and Rokt, which are AI companies that serve you the most personal ads you’ve ever received (we get it, you would like this, like the bestie you are). They follow your clicking habits, whether you ignored them, and how far your thumb can take you.
Thanks very relevant to the post I too thank god it’s targeted and much less spammy than the doom banner ads people.
Once Offline Went Online And Then Returned Hotter
Those in the know that retail isn’t dead, it’s just evolved.
Online giants are going brick-and-mortar crazy. And malls are getting totally flipped on their head with interactive experiences that truly deserve the words ‘immersive’ and ‘engaging’. ‘AI-enabled styling mirrors, pre-defined perfume-zoning sections in a room and ever-changing digital displays triggered as you walk by are the kinds of concepts emerging.’.
It’s taking that click-and-brick mentality and translating it into that one-stop, scroll-then-stroll user experience.
The Price Tag on Convenience? £153bn
You got it. That’s the size of the UK ecommerce economy in 2025 and brands are fighting for those pounds.
Here’s the sitch: Shopaholics require smasher and uber customised, uber fast. Same day delivery is the lowest possible. Data bias and hyper personalised shopping flows? No your hearts on it. Sustainable packaging? Not really interested in a load of porky pies.
If there was one thing the Retail Tech Show proved it was this: an ecommerce arms race would favour those brands that have made the right bets on experience and innovation.
A Few Sparkly Mentions
Tik Tok Shop I bought an item – and I wasn’t even at the checkout.
Klarna and the BNPL companies are finally beginning to lead themselves away from going for your wallet without you to follow a paper trail.
Live-selling with live interaction? That’s the in-thing. They are watching us live now, faster than I can make myself a cup of coffee.
Final Sip: Shop till you drop, but more importantly shop to be entertained!
Retail Tech Show 2025: the what, the how, and the most important why; and the what that will be talking to us in our ears as we’re shopping.
What do they all have in common? Not just digital tech experts. People experts. Human first. Emotion Smart. Digital. Human.
Next time you blow a couple of hundred quid on a shiny new pair of trainers after that social media post was simply too much of a temptation … you’re known for it.
Or maybe we are comfortable with it.
What was I wearing to the show? Drop your questions and faves down below and keep caffeinated!
Until next time,
Love,
Jasmin
