ROUNDTABLES

We're delighted to share some of the ancillary events being hosted with our Sponsors at this year's FT Future of Retail Summit.

Places are limited, please register your interest through the form below. If you are successful, one of our team will be in touch to confirm your attendance.

Strategies for success– unlocking loyalty through digital product innovation

In 2025, technological advancements are reshaping retail– fostering new customer connections and cultural shifts. Consumers are now demanding more from their trusted brands than ever before– and in the digital age retailers must act quickly to engage their audience. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, retailers can now fast track this process by integrating them into their digital ecosystems to deliver tailored customer insights and experiences.

Join Alex Shaw, Managing Director at Holland & Barrett, who will present H&B&Me as a case study for successful digital product innovation. The app allows users to find out their ‘biological age’, bridging the gap between physical and digital wellness in an era of increased health consciousness. Alex will unpack the strategies behind the platform and the roadmap to unlocking value both for the business as well as its customers, providing actionable insights for senior leaders from any retail sector. Recipients of the Customer Experience Gamechanger Award at the Retail Week Awards 2025, Holland & Barrett attribute their growth to investment into technology, store transformation and new product development.

The Financial Times, in partnership with Shopify, EPAM and Holland & Barrett, are delighted to facilitate this dialogue with senior leaders, providing real-world insights and strategies on future opportunities and the challenges facing retailers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Chatham House rule will be observed to encourage open and candid discussion.

Details

07:30 Registration and breakfast served

08:00 Welcome remarks

08:05 Panel Chat

08:15 Panel Q&A

08:20 Roundtable discussion commences

08:55 Event closes

Speakers:

Alex Shaw, Managing Director, H&B&Me, Holland & Barrett

Apsara Chidambaram, Head of Alliances, EMEA, Shopify

Kevin Flynn, Senior Director– Retail & Consumer, EPAM Systems

Moderator: Elaine Moore, Tech Comment Editor, Financial Times

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The Art of AI: From GEO referrals to intelligent content that converts

As artificial intelligence reshapes the consumer journey, retailers are moving swiftly to integrate AI across discovery, content creation and customer engagement. Generative AI doesn't just assist but acts on behalf of consumers, increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.

While traditional search engines see declining traffic due to generative AI, retail is experiencing the opposite. Traffic to generative sources is up 1,200% year-on-year, as shoppers turn to AI for comparisons, inspiration, and price checks — often right before they buy. Retailers are now experimenting with embedded agents that can assemble outfits, build grocery baskets or offer personalised advice, turning AI into a direct driver of transactions.

For content creators, generative AI acts as a collaborator, producing brand-aligned images, video, audio and vector content. Trained on a company’s tone and style, it promises faster, more personalised content at scale — supporting experimentation while improving time to market and engagement.

The Financial Times, in partnership with Adobe, are delighted to host this discussion around how retailers can integrate AI into their technology stack and streamline the customer journey from product comparison to final purchase.

The Chatham House rule will be observed to encourage open and candid discussion.

Details

13:10 Registration and lunch served

13:20 Moderator welcome remarks

13:25 Adobe opening remarks

13:30 Roundtable discussion commences

14:10 Event closes

Speaker: Gemma Carver, Digital Strategy Group retail & CPG, EMEA, Adobe

Moderator: Elaine Moore, Tech Comment Editor, Financial Times

Apply to attend