The second edition of NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe took place 15-17 September in Paris, establishing itself as a leading international retail conference and Expo. Held under the theme “The Next Now,” this year’s edition brought together thousands of retailers and industry partners from 70 countries, nearly 300 exhibitors, more than 200 international speakers.
“No generation has ever had to face change at the speed we are experiencing it today,” said Kate Ancketill, CEO and Founder of GDR, during the opening keynote of NRF 2026 : Retail’s Big Show Europe
That sentiment set the tone for the “The Next Now” theme, in recognition that retail’s transformation is already taking shape today.
“We are grateful to all attendees and supporters of NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe who contributed to three days of networking and insightful discussions about industry challenges and opportunities from around the world,” National Retail Federation Senior Vice President Jill Dvorak said. “ By bringing together retailers, brands, startups, and solution providers, this edition once again demonstrated the strength of our community and the importance of creating spaces to learn from one another, share ideas, and build the future of retail together.”
A Confirmed International Dimension
NRF Europe reaffirmed its role as an international platform for dialogue and collaboration. The Business Meetings program enabled retailers and exhibitors to arrange meetings in advance, while the Expo Tours and In-Store Tours offered an immersive look at emerging retail practices.
Innovation on Full Display
With more than 80 exclusive sessions and 200 international speakers, including Andreas Hoerning (CEO, Westwing), Charlotte Delmas (COO Europe & Latin America, Lagardère Travel Retail), Romain Roulleau (Group Digital & E-Commerce Director, Kingfisher PLC), Guilherme Cardoso (Head of E-commerce, Sonae MC / Continente), Tomasz Blicharski (Chief Strategy & Development Officer und künftiger Group CEO, Żabka Group), Kate Ancketill (CEO und Gründerin, GDR), Dan Finley (Group Chief Executive Officer, Debenhams Group) und Joe Shoemaker (Head of Digital, SNIPES USA), the program explored the industry’s major transformations: agentic AI, customer journey personalization, supply chain transformation, investments in physical retail, and the expansion of retail media.
Innovative technology solutions were featured on the Innovation Stage as well as the Startup Hub (featuring more than 50 startups), the NRF Innovators Showcase (spotlighting 25 technologies reshaping how consumers shop and how businesses operate), and 50 exhibitor product demonstrations.
“NRF Europe reflects the importance of bringing together global industry leaders to foster discussions with diverse perspectives. This collective thought is a driving force that will support retail through the transformations ahead,” Comexposium Managing Director of NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe Annabelle Serres said.
