Future of Retail
The FT Future of Retail Summit returns in 2026 as the retail industry faces an increasingly complex and dynamic trading environment impacted by ongoing inflation and geopolitical tensions. Consumer spending power and retailer profitability continues to be affected, whilst technology is evolving alongside AI, omnichannel innovation and the demand for more sustainable practices. Retailers must find new ways to engage with increasingly discerning customers while also ensuring their business models are adaptable, resilient, and forward-thinking.
To tackle these challenges, old and new, the Future of Retail Summit returns to London. Gathering the most influential players in the European retail sector, this event will be a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and deep dives into the innovations that are transforming retail.
Our sponsors
THE SUPER EARLY BIRD
RETAILERS IN-PERSON PASS
Gain access to in-person sessions and networking drinks. Network and connect with your peers.
Super Early Bird pricing ends 30th March.
£600 £800 + VAT
THE SUPER EARLY BIRD
NON-RETAILERS IN-PERSON PASS
Gain access to in-person sessions and networking drinks. Network and connect with your peers.
Super Early Bird pricing ends 30th March.
£1490 £2,320 + VAT
Key themes include:
AI & Automation
Retailers are examining the reality of AI beyond experimentation to see where AI can drive margins and where to stop investing. As AI-powered searches and generative engines become the new storefront, Generative Engine Optimisation is now a commercial priority for retailers.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is now a board-level issue for retailers, with organised criminal gangs targeting the sector. Leaders must assess their incident-response readiness, cyber insurance strategy and CISO and CEO alignment in order to ensure business continuity and margin protection.
Social commerce
As social media platforms such as TikTok Shop and Instagram shopping introduce in-app storefront, retailers are now assessing who owns the customer relationship, platform dependency risk and loss of first-party data.
Past speakers have included
Discuss & Debate
Discuss new approaches and strategies designed to help win market share, maximise efficiency and deliver more profit
Network
Explore and develop your views with senior-level peers, journalists and experts on what is needed to drive future success
Learn
Hear the latest intelligence around the consumer trends, companies, data & analytics, and the technologies driving the global retail industry
Speaking Opportunities
Rebecca Roper
rebecca.roper@ft.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
Amy Heap
amy.heap@ft.com
Delegate Services
Hauwra Sharif
Hauwra.Sharif@ft.com