RetailEXPO 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak

The company behind RetailEXPO says that the 2020 event will no longer go ahead, as concerns increase around the escalation of coronavirus in Europe.

In a statement issued this morning, Reed Exhibitions commented: “After monitoring the evolving situation around the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, we have made the decision to cancel RetailEXPO 2020, scheduled to take place from 29th-30th April at Olympia, London.”

“Having considered all options and given the rapidly changing environment, rescheduling for later this year is no longer feasible and so this is the best course of action for the retail industry and the communities we serve. It also reflects our desire to give everyone involved as much notice as possible,” it added.

The event will next run in April 2021. More information will be available soon on the RetailEXPO website.

IRX and Retail Week Live

Two other major UK retail shows have also been affected by the coronavirus. But unlike RetailEXPO, they are being postponed rather than cancelled.

IRX (InternetRetailing EXPO) will no longer take place on 1st and 2nd April at the NEC in Birmingham.

“With regret, we are postponing this year’s IRX/eDX. Given the uncertainty, increasing number of travel bans and personal concerns amongst our stakeholders, speakers and registered visitors, it’s become clear that IRX would not have been the show that we expected,” the organisers said in a statement.

“We know that IRX is a critical event in many participant’s calendars, providing the information, inspiration and contacts that they rely on to thrive and survive. As such we will be rescheduling the event for later this year.”

The revised date is due to be announced this week.

Retail Week Live has, meanwhile, been shifted from next week to the second half of 2020, following changes to expert advice and government guidance.

Retail Week tweeted earlier this week: “The safety of our customers is our first priority. We will inform you of the new date and venue in the next two weeks.”