Rising operating costs, changing customer expectations and rapid advances in technology are driving investment in smarter ways of working, with retailers increasingly looking beyond the products they sell to the systems and expertise that support commercial success.
Specialist expertise, AI-powered innovation, operational support and technologies that help retailers work smarter and improve customer experiences will take centre stage at Autumn Fair, and sister event Glee, next month.
‘Retail has never been more connected. Customers don’t distinguish between online and offline anymore: they simply expect every interaction to feel effortless. The retailers seeing the strongest growth are those investing in technology that removes friction, empowers
staff and creates one consistent customer experience across every channel,’ says Claire Gatenby, Squashed Pixel co-founder, of who will be offering free Shopify clinics during the exhibition.
Visitors will be able to source expertise spanning AI-powered merchandising and analytics, EPOS and retail systems, ecommerce, payment technology, business banking, logistics, workforce management, visual merchandising, retail displays, store design, packaging, property consultancy, security, utilities and specialist operational services.
‘Retailers are navigating changing customer expectations, rising costs, and rapid technological change. We’re seeing growing demand for solutions that help businesses work and grow more efficiently, make better-informed decisions, and deliver seamless customer experiences at pace,’ says Sarah Collins, Barclays Business Bank head of SME industries.
‘Customers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their time and money. They’re looking for memorable experiences, not simply places to shop. Often the answer isn’t building bigger stores – it’s making existing space work smarter. Great retail isn’t about adding more products, it’s about having a clear vision and delivering it consistently throughout the customer experience,’ says Andrew Burton, director at retail design company Pleydell Smithyman.
EV charging has also been highlighted, where retailers have parking capacity. It is becoming another retail category in its own right, helping destination retailers generate additional revenue whilst increasing customer dwell time.
