By Alice Chambers |
The most recent edition of EuroShop took place on 22-26 February, withover 81,000 visitors from 141 countries and 1,840 exhibitors from 61 nations attending. Two thirds of visitors came from abroad, with one in five travelling from countries outside of Europe.
“The mood among exhibitors was very good overall,” Yvonne Manleitner, senior manager of marketing communications at event services provider Messe Düsseldorf. “They praised not only the international flair but also the high decision-making competence of trade visitors. The latter in turn were highly satisfied with the presence of the market leaders and the completeness of ranges displayed in the 14 exhibition halls.”
The event demonstrated how retail budgets are spent selectively where increasing efficiency intersects with customer benefits. Interest focused especially on AI-based applications and check-out solutions, energy-efficient refrigeration technology, modern LED lighting as well flexible store fitting concepts.
“EuroShop not only highlights the key issues of retail but also retail’s great willingness to change,” said Ulrich Spaan, managing director of the EHI Retail Institute. “Retail uses all opportunities to creatively and actively shape its future. Here AI and digital technologies not only serve to boost efficiency but also to develop new business models and further enhance the customer journey.”
EuroShop’s seven areas covered a variety of topics for modern retail, including the ‘Dimension Shopfitting & Store Design’ area, which featured impressive stands and concepts on how the classic shop floor develops into a multi-functional place for experiences and encounters. The ‘Expo & Event’ and ‘Lighting und Retail Marketing’ areas also proved to be popular with sophisticated stand construction up to three storeys high, atmospheric lighting and LED screens for strong visual statements.
Occupying four halls, EuroCIS made it clear that technology has become the backbone of retail. AI-based applications, automated processes and connected platforms optimise workflows along the complete customer journey – from merchandise management to the checkout. The ‘Dimension Refrigeration & Energy Management’ area highlighted the relevance of energy-efficient technologies in food service equipment and flagged up trends such as food service in retail and automation.
The next EuroShop will be held from 18-22 February 2029. EuroCIS will open its doors again from 16-18 February 2027.
Read more from the event on the EuroShop website