VusionGroup takes wraps off new Customer Experience Centre in Cologne, Germany

VusionGroup has opened a Customer Experience Centre at the GS1 Germany GmbH Knowledge Centre in Cologne.

In a LinkedIn post, it said: “Together with GS1 Germany, we have created a place where digital transformation, global standards and expertise in retail and CPGs come together – a place for the future of bricks and mortar retail.”

“What visitors can expect in the new Experience Centre: Guided tours of the connected store; Lectures and practical use cases; Exchange and networking with decision-makers from trade and technology.”

A launch event, hosted by Markus Zey Sales Manager at GS1 and Marco Braun VP Sales DACH at VusionGroup, featured insights from:

Thomas Fell, Managing Director at GS1 Germany GmbH, and Thierry Gadou, Chairman and CEO at VusionGroup, showed how real-time data, AI and state-of-the-art technologies support bricks and mortar retail.

Oliver Schmitz, Head of Retail DACH at NielsenIQ, provided insights into key consumer and technology trends in retail and for CPGs – from retail media and digitisation at the PoS to new formats and megatrends.

Gerd Palmer, CEO at Yagora, presented strategies for growth and efficiency through data from the connected store in his presentation "Strengthening Retail and Brands".

Sebastian Schrader, Head of Organisation at POCO Einrichtungsmärkte, shared his experiences and success factors around retail media in bricks and mortar retail.

VusionGroup concluded: “We are now anchored in the Knowledge Centre at GS1 Germany in Cologne - with our own office and a dedicated team on site. Together we are shaping the future of retail.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which are now open for entries, 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.