Retail Technology Show: Innovation and tech solutions for the retail sector.

Ever walked into a store and thought, “Wow, how did they know I needed that?” or effortlessly paid for something just by tapping your phone? That’s the magic of “retail technology” at work! In today’s fast-paced world, shops, online stores, and even restaurants need to be smart, efficient, and super focused on giving customers the best experience. If you’re a retail owner, a tech manager, a marketing whiz in retail, or simply someone keen to see what’s next for how we buy and sell things, then the Retail Technology Show is the event you absolutely must attend. It’s not just a show; it’s the leading hub for “innovation and tech solutions for the retail sector,” where the future of shopping comes alive!

Imagine stepping into a huge, buzzing hall filled with exciting gadgets, clever software, and brilliant new ideas that are changing how we shop. You’ll see robots helping in warehouses, smart screens that recognise customers, speedy payment systems, and tools that help online shops run smoothly. This show is all about connecting you with the smartest “tech solutions” to make your retail business better, faster, and more customer-friendly. It’s your chance to pick up practical tips, find reliable partners, and get truly excited about what’s next for the world of retail. Get ready to transform your business!

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to jump into the future of retail? Here are the key details for the Retail Technology Show in London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition centre is located in London’s bustling Docklands. Its spacious halls and excellent public transport connections make it the perfect stage for showcasing the cutting edge of “retail technology.”
Dates: Mark your calendars for April 2nd to April 3rd, 2025. This is a focused two-day event, packed with opportunities to see, learn, and connect.
Timings:
- Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday, April 3rd, 2025: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (The second day typically closes a bit earlier).
Cost: Access to the Retail Technology Show is specifically for retail industry professionals:
- Free-to-Attend for Trade: The great news is that entry to the Retail Technology Show is generally FREE to attend for genuine retail professionals who pre-register online. This includes retailers, brands, hospitality businesses, and others involved in making or influencing purchasing decisions for technology within their organisations. You will need to provide your business details during registration to receive your complimentary trade pass.
- On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free, if you decide to register on the day at the venue, you can usually still get in, but it’s always best to pre-register online to save time and avoid any queues. There typically isn’t a cost for on-site registration for eligible trade visitors, but checking the official website before you go is a smart move.
- Children Policy: The Retail Technology Show is a professional trade event. While specific rules may vary, it’s generally recommended that children under 16 years old do not attend due to the business focus. If you absolutely must bring a child, it’s best to check the show’s policy on their official website beforehand.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a very well-connected venue, making your journey to the Retail Technology Show straightforward:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest and most recommended way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located right at the venue’s doorstep, offering seamless access to the exhibition halls.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees, significantly speeding up your journey from various parts of London.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site. However, driving in central London can be busy, and there’s usually a daily parking charge (around £25 for a full day). Public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in this area.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for popular choices like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel), and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a lively atmosphere close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: The Retail Technology Show is a significant annual event, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official show website often partners with accommodation providers or offers advice on finding suitable hotels.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for the Retail Technology Show? The advantages are immense for anyone wanting to thrive in the modern retail world:

Discover Cutting-Edge Retail Tech Solutions: This is your prime opportunity to explore hundreds of innovative “tech solutions for the retail sector.” You’ll find everything from advanced Point of Sale (POS) systems, smart inventory management, and cutting-edge cybersecurity, to AI-powered customer service, immersive virtual reality shopping experiences, and sustainable supply chain tools.
Connect with the Right Innovations: The show is designed to bring together retailers with the “innovation” they need. You’ll see practical applications of technology, understand how these tools can fit into your business strategy, and find solutions that truly enhance customer experiences and boost efficiency.
Unparalleled Learning & Professional Development: Benefit from a packed programme of free, expert-led seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on multiple stages. Learn from world-class speakers, leading retailers, and industry experts on vital topics like:
- AI, Data & Omnichannel: How artificial intelligence and data can create seamless shopping journeys across all channels (online, in-store, mobile).
- Customer, Social & Marketing: Using technology to understand customers better, engage them on social media, and create winning marketing campaigns.
- The Future of Trading: What’s next for buying and selling, from new payment methods to innovative business models.
- Leadership, Workforce & Economy: How technology impacts your team, operations, and the wider economic picture.
- Sustainability, Supply Chain & Efficiency: Solutions for greener operations, smoother logistics, and overall business improvement.
- Tech Talk: Deep dives into specific technologies and their retail applications.
Hands-On Product Discovery: Online research is good, but at the show, you can physically interact with the products, see live demonstrations, ask direct questions to developers, and get a true feel for how a solution works before making any decisions. This is vital for complex “tech solutions.”
Unrivalled Networking Opportunities: The Retail Technology Show brings together a diverse global community of senior retail professionals. Meet thousands of fellow retailers, brands, tech innovators, and industry peers. Build valuable partnerships, share experiences, and collaborate on future projects. Special events like “The BIG Retail Party” and dedicated “Retailers Lounge” offer relaxed environments for connecting.
Explore Dedicated Zones & Features: The show is well-organised into clear zones, making it easy to navigate and focus on your specific areas of interest. You might find zones for:
- Start-up Superstars: Discover the next big ideas from exciting new companies.
- Retail AI Council Pavilion: A dedicated area for understanding and adopting artificial intelligence in retail.
- London Store Tours: Often, there are organised tours to see how top London retailers are implementing technology in their physical stores.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Hear from influential figures in retail, technology, and beyond. These talks often provide thought-provoking ideas and a broader vision for the future of commerce. Past speakers have included leaders from John Lewis Partnership, M&S, Superdrug, Google Cloud, and even celebrity entrepreneurs.
Market Insights: Understand the current landscape and future direction of “retail technology.” This insight is invaluable for strategic planning, resource allocation, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. You’ll get the inside scoop on what competitors are doing and where the industry is headed.

Attending the Retail Technology Show isn’t just about finding new gadgets; it’s about investing in your business’s future and actively shaping how you connect with your customers. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to boost your sales, improve your operations, and truly make your retail business shine. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the leading event for “innovation and tech solutions for the retail sector”!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com/