Check out our top picks for Retail Technology Show 2025 including Archie Norman and Theo Paphitis

With just one week to go until Retail Technology Show 2025 (RTS) takes place at London ExCel, RTIH rounds up our top seven picks that visitors can look forward to over the course of the two day gathering.

1. Theo Paphitis takes to the RTS 2025 stage

Serial entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den star, Theo Paphitis, will join Kate Hardcastle on the Spectacular Headline Stage at 2.35pm on day two (3rd April).  In this fireside chat, Paphitis will delve into key strategies for growing a successful retail business, even in challenging circumstances. 

Having been at the forefront of the sector for over 40 years, Paphitis is famed for reviving the fortunes of retail brands including Ryman, Stationery Box, La Senza, and Robert Dyas before launching his own retail conglomerate, Theo Paphitis Retail Group, in 2015.  Tapping into his passion for retail, the session will discuss how to keep retail workforces highly engaged and key leadership strategies for long-term success.

2. M&S Archie Norman on M&S’ digital transformation journey

Chairman of Marks and Spencer (M&S), Archie Norman, will deliver a keynote session at 10.20am on the Spectacular Headline Stage on day one (2nd April). Norman will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, for a fireside chat to discuss M&S’ recent transformation and its work on sustainability.  

The session will also explore how M&S has substantially changed its omnichannel delivery, how it uses its Sparks programme to drive customer loyalty and insight as well as how the retailer has led its workforce through periods of huge disruption. 

3. The Retail AI Council Pavillion shines a light on leading artificial intelligence solutions

Global retailer led community Retail AI Council will showcase the latest and most innovative examples of cutting-edge AI innovation at its pavillion (stand E10).

Featuring a hand picked selection of US suppliers, curated for the progressive nature of their future forward AI powered solutions, including: Monetate, a digital merchandising, testing and personalisation AI technology; KWI, an AI first unified commerce and PoS platform; Sophelle, a retail management consultancy; and Newmine, an applied AI returns reduction solution. 

4. See the RTS 2025 Innovation Awards winner crowned

Every year, the RTS Innovation Awards highlight the best examples of game-changing solutions from across the RTS exhibition floor. The programme hand picks those technologies that have the power to unlock competitive advantage and digitally transform retailers’ capabilities - whether its AI solutions that drive efficiencies or power promotions, to tech that digitally connects the shelf-edge and innovations that optimise product information. 

With ten shortlisted technology providers, including Akeneo, Glanceable, invent.ai, Pricer and Profitmind, find out who will take the 2025 Innovation Awards’ crown at the BIG Retail Party, which offers visitors the chance to raise a glass and network with colleagues and peers over live music and top-tier entertainment after day one (2nd April).

5. Stuart Trevor on creating a sustainable fashion label that doesn’t produce any clothes

Founder of All Saints who recently launched his own eponymous sustainable fashion brand, Stuart Trevor, joins Green Retail World’s Editor, Ben Sillitoe, for a fireside chat at 11am on day two on the Wonderous Stage. 

In a candid and open discussion, the session will explore Trevor's inspiration behind its brand, the growing role of circular fashion in green retailing and sustainable consumption, as well as the fashion industry’s environmental awakening. 

Trevor will join over 125+ senior retailers and brand leaders speaking on the RTS Conference Programme, Gymshark’s former CEO and Chair, Steve Hewitt, H&M’s UK CEO Henrik Nordvall and Ann Summers’ CEO Maria Hollins, as the sector’s brightest minds take centre stage, discussing the industry defining topics setting the retail agenda. 

6. The Sole Suppliers’ George O’Sullivan explores how to create compelling content collabs to fuel social commerce

After his forthright discussions about discount led e-commerce giants operating ‘without heart’ at the RTS Pre-Show Press Day, CEO and Founder of sneaker and streetwear marketplace, The Sole Supplier, George O’Sullivan will explore building authentic brand experiences through content collabs in his session. 

Speaking on the Wonderous Stage at 11.40am on day one, O’Sullivan will dive into five secret hacks for creating authentic, impactful content that stands out in what is becoming increasingly crowded digital and social channel spaces.

7. Tech to power every part of retail

Expanding its show floor to meet exponential demand, RTS 2025 will feature even more disruptive innovations from 400+ suppliers, offering solutions that power every part of retail. From retail media to augmented reality (AR), AI and data solutions, through to store and online analytics, logistics and supply chain optimisation, RTS offers something for every retailer looking for transformative tech. 

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 23rd May: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 27th May: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 28th May - Friday, 13th June: Judging days

Thursday, 3rd July: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.