NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show Europe: JYSK's Ville Velen says retailer will continue to invest in people

“Retail is - and always will be - about people,” says Ville Velin, Regional Retail Director at Danish homeware retailer JYSK.

Sharing his thoughts on LinkedIn after NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe, which took place this week in Paris, Velin said JYSK would follow successful retailers including Sephora, Action, and Best Buy and focus on building company culture.

The event is the European edition of the National Retail Federation’s flagship New York gathering. Its awards highlight international retail innovation across eight categories, with 100+ candidates competing this year. 

“Yes, the event was packed with cutting-edge insights on AI, data, digitalisation, omnichannel strategies, and more. But what truly stood out to me was something more timeless: the human element,” Vilen adds. 

“Despite the rapid rise of technology, the role of motivated, empowered frontline employees remains irreplaceable. And it’s reassuring to see that the things we prioritize at JYSK - developing and retaining our people - are also at the top of the agenda of other best in class companies of the industry.”

“Equally important is the customer side of the equation: the loyalty and communities that customers build around brands have become priceless assets that separate winners from losers. In a world full of choices, it’s the emotional connection and trust that truly set great retailers apart.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Employee experiences 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.