ARNAUD GALLET: RETAIL UNITED IN TIMES OF TRANSFORMATION

The show's theme this year is ‘Retail Together’. Why is this particularly relevant in 2025?

NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe comes at a pivotal time for the retail industry and the theme Retail Together has never felt more appropriate. Our debut Paris event brings together the long-standing European experience of Paris Retail Week organiser Comexposium with the global reach of the US-based National Retail Federation.

Having worked together successfully for the launch of NRF Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific last year, we have once again combined our forces for the debut of NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe. 

How does the event reflect the current retail climate?

At a time of continuous global volatility, climate events and economic and political uncertainty, it has never been more important to be part of Europe’s biggest retail launch, as NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe truly represents the coming together of the industry’s most influential players amid an ever-evolving marketplace.

What can visitors expect from the agenda in Paris?

Not only does the event have a packed agenda of international keynote speakers in the retail sector, who will be addressing the major issues facing their businesses as retailers seek growth in an age of volatility, but Paris will serve as the perfect backdrop for retail tours and the latest in retail innovation both in the city and on the show floor. 

What are some highlights of the conference programme?

We are bringing together speakers from Europe, the U.S., Asia and beyond for three packed days of cutting-edge content. The opening keynote on 16 September will be given by Sephora CEO Guillaume Motte as the beauty retailer continues to grow its presence around the world, while rapidly growing Dutch retailer Action will discuss its phenomenal expansion when CEO Hajir Hajji takes to the stage. Apple’s Duncan Olby and Adyen’s Roelant Prins will complete the first day’s keynote sessions.

On day two, German-based streetwear retailer Snipes will be first on stage, Best Buy’s Mark Irwin will talk supply chains and logistics and new MediaMarktSaturn CEO Kai-Ulrich Deisnner will outline the company’s omnichannel strategy as it repositions across Europe.

The final day will see Kiko and Morrisons discuss their vision of the future before Sam’s Club/Walmart EVP and Chief Experience Officer Diana Marshall delivers the final keynote in Paris, adding to the American perspective at the event.

What makes this event stand out on the global retail calendar?

For us, it is incredibly exciting to introduce visitors to some of the world’s biggest names in the industry all under one roof in Paris to talk about how they envision the future. These must-see sessions are absolutely key to our event. From store tours to sessions with CEOs and senior leaders from Europe and the U.S., attendees will get unique insights into how the world of retail is changing.

Why should professionals attend this event?

The event will be the most comprehensive retail gathering in Europe and will cover all the major industry themes, challenges and opportunities facing the major European retail markets. The only way to be involved in the change is to be part of it and NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe will truly see Retail Together.