FT Live Future of Retail 2025 conference highlights the enduring value of bricks and mortar

Physical stores remain a crucial part of retailers’ strategies, fostering tangible interactions and emotional connections that enhance brand loyalty. That was one of VusionGroup executive Martin Bailie’s key takeways from FT Live Future of Retail 2025, which took place this week in London.

Other takeaways include the importance of connecting online and offline strategies. “Investing in real-time inventory visibility is vital, as omnichannel shoppers spend significantly more,” Bailie said in a LinkedIn post.

But while omnichannel offers clear benefits, profitability remains a challenge due to high processing costs. Smart strategies are essential to harness its full potential.

The rise of agentic AI as a game-changer for retail also dominated the event. “These autonomous systems enhance front-end search, streamline product recommendations, and facilitate seamless payment processes, offering personalised shopping experiences that cater to individual preferences,” Bailie observed.

“As we embrace this technology, it’s crucial to shift our mindset: “Use AI to solve your pain points. It’s a solution, not a strategy.” The framework and governance around AI deployment will determine how quickly we can achieve success and maintain relevancy in an increasingly automated marketplace.”

Fostering emotional engagement, meanwhile, is critical. “Build an emotional connection with your customer, or die.” And agility and the need to “test fast, learn faster” are essential to remain competitive in today's environment.

Bailie continued: “Success hinges on having a clear purpose and compelling value proposition that resonates with customers. Investment in technologies like automated micro-fulfillment centres and augmented reality is necessary for creating immersive experiences. I will leave you with this question on the new Capex blended spending. How do you generate new revenue streams on your tech/data investments? Like Lidl, Walmart, Tesco, for example.”

He concluded: “In summary, the event highlighted the ongoing significance of bricks and mortar stores even as digital transformation accelerates. By anchoring our strategies in purpose, agility, and innovation - including leveraging the capabilities of agentic AI - we can thrive in this new retail era. Let’s lead the charge in redefining the future of retail.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Omnichannel retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.