As European consumers increasingly place sustainability, transparency, and societal values at the heart of their purchasing decisions, retailers have no choice but to transform. According to a Forrester study, 57% of European consumers now take into account companies’ environmental and social practices when making purchase decisions—an indicator that has risen sharply since 2022.
The theme for NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe is Retail Together and will focus on how to build a more responsible and sustainable retail ecosystem. Event content will underscore the importance of a collaborative approach: retailers, consumers, and partners, including tech and innovation players, working together to build a more resilient model that is in tune with today’s societal expectations.
Towards more sustainable, ethical, and equitable growth
New European regulations on circularity, product durability, and ESG obligations are forcing retailers to rethink their entire value chain and adopt a long-term vision built on resilience, diversification, and positive impact.
“Trust doesn’t follow success—it drives it. Customers want to know they’re buying from companies that share their values,” says Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco.
From sourcing to second-hand, through eco-design and repair services, sustainability strategies are evolving fast. NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe will spotlight these changes with presentations and case studies from international leaders, including:
- Rakuten France, which has made the circular economy a strategic pillar: 50% of products sold on its platform are second-hand (over 50 million listings), with a measurable environmental impact approach.
- Save Your Wardrobe (UK/Tunisia), offering a digital platform connecting brands and customers with local repair services to extend product life while reducing pressure on customer service teams.
- Tesco (UK), combining growth and responsibility with rapid delivery in 1,500 stores, a network of 2,700 EV charging stations, and a target of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
- On, which places sustainability at the core of its values and investments.
Circularity is no longer experimental but structural. Beyond repair, rental, or refurbishment, second-hand retail is accelerating at an unprecedented pace—driven by strong consumer expectations and environmental imperatives.
Inclusion, accessibility, and regulatory fairness at the heart of the debate
As responsible retail becomes a must, issues of inclusion, accessibility, and fair regulation are key to ensuring a just and sustainable transformation of the sector. These topics are central to discussions, highlighting the need for a level playing field and accessible technology interfaces to ensure no demographic is left behind.
Gero Furchheim, president of e-commerce Europe and BEVH (Bundesverband e-Commerce Und Versandhandel), stresses the need for fair competition rules between European and international players while safeguarding SMEs’ ability to innovate.
Accessible, user-friendly interfaces are also a lever for technology adoption and for closing the digital divide, particularly for aging populations. As Shlomi Atias, CEO of Goni Labs, explains: “Accessibility and inclusion are also important. Easy-to-use interfaces make technology accessible to all demographic groups, which is particularly important for Europe’s aging population. That’s why Goni Labs focuses one of our products specifically on this demographic.”*
NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe – A program built for impact
To address the complex challenges of modern retail—societal expectations, technological acceleration, and regulatory constraints—NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe will feature 200 international speakers and 100 conference sessions, with a concrete, solutions-oriented agenda.
Over three days, attendees will discover:
- Keynotes and themed panels on circularity, responsible AI, ESG regulation, logistics and more.
- Three dedicated innovation areas: Innovators Showcase, Startup Hub, Exhibitor Big Ideas, and House of Innovation Pavilion, showcasing over 100 international start-ups shaping the future of retail.
- Three exclusive store tours exploring iconic Paris retailers, themed: “The Cradle of Global Innovation,” “Best Practices on the Iconic Champs-Élysées,” and “Dive into Food Innovation in Saint-Germain.”
- Inspiring local collaborations, such as Potager, a food retailer committed to transparent sourcing, short supply chains, and community engagement—balancing pleasure, health, and responsibility.
