Leitmotif 2025
Rethinking Retail
From Vision To Value
AI & RETAIL ANALYTICS
Artificial intelligence optimizes
Processes, increases efficiency and creates data-driven added value.
- GenAI in Retail
- Digital Twins & Simulation
- predictive analytics
- Automated pricing strategies
- Personalized recommendations
SUSTAINABLE RETAIL
Sustainability and profitability combined: Transparent supply chains and digital solutions for a green future.
- CO2 tracking & digital emissions
- Sustainable supply chains
- Circular business models
- Green logistics & last mile
- Regenerative materials
UNIFIED COMMERCE & MEDIA
Retail, media and commerce combine to create seamless, personalized experiences.
- Omnichannel & Personalization
- Retail Media & Data Ads
- AR, VR & Virtual Shopping
- Seamless Payment & Checkout
- Smart Stores & IoT
RETAIL NXT 2025 Program
Look forward to renowned experts and thought leaders from retail, technology, and research. Our speakers will share their experiences, present innovative ideas, and offer valuable insights into the future of the industry. Be inspired and benefit from the knowledge of leading figures in the retail world.
- 09:30
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- 10:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
RETAIL NXT kicks off with a compact opening session that immediately focuses on the future: How is AI changing the retail world? How can sustainability and profitability be intelligently combined? And how...
- 10:30
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- 11:00 p.m.
- 10:55
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- 11:00 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass A
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises enormous potential – but the path from initial idea to productive rollout and sustainable operation is complex. In this masterclass, we share our...
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass B
Customer service in retail is at a turning point: moving away from hotlines and towards a personalized, AI-powered experience throughout the entire customer journey. In this masterclass, we'll show you how innovative...
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass C
How can digital transformation succeed in retail – now and in the future? This panel discussion brings together leading figures in the industry to highlight the crucial building blocks of digital transformation. Dr....
- 11:00
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- 11:30 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
An unstable network slows down checkout, customer experience, and sales. But how can this be reliably solved? In this session, Ericsson demonstrates how intelligent routers stabilize retail processes—and shares negative examples...
- 11:00
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- 11:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence is not an add-on feature. It is a structural transformation. Those who treat it like an app underestimate its impact – and miss its opportunities. In his keynote address, Jörg Hirt demonstrates...
- 11:30
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
adidas operates over 1.800 stores with more than 35.000 employees – the stores are the face of the brand and a central point of contact for our customers. Today, fragmented systems are slowing things down,...
- 11:30
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Digital sovereignty is more than just a political buzzword – it's becoming a crucial factor for trust, competitiveness, and innovation in commerce. We show why choosing the right cloud infrastructure is so important today...
- 12:00
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- 13:00 p.m.
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass A
In this masterclass, we demonstrate how GenAI agents transform research projects in the grocery retail sector into tangible business results. You will experience how innovative technology leads to market-ready products that streamline processes and create entirely new...
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass C
Whether single-channel or already AI-powered omnichannel excellence, each stage brings its own challenges. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine their current strategy using the omnichannel maturity model and work in small groups on practical solutions...
- 13:00
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- 13:30 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
How does a traditional cosmetics brand with over 60 years of experience manage to be present in almost 50 countries while simultaneously ensuring innovation, speed, and quality? Asambeauty shows how! Thomas Feuring,...
- 13:00
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- 13:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
In the dynamic world of retail, we are subject to constant change. Digital dependencies and global uncertainties pose immense challenges for our industry. But instead of succumbing to these risks,...
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass B
In this hands-on masterclass, Capgemini and Celonis will demonstrate how agentic AI is revolutionizing trading processes. Learn how intelligent AI agents automate repetitive tasks, accelerate decision-making, and create end-to-end transparency. Together, we'll explore...
- 13:30
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
AI is transforming commerce – faster and more profoundly than expected. Generative and agentic AI are not just technological trends, but strategic levers for efficiency, differentiation, and new business models. Adobe demonstrates...
- 13:30
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Everyone's talking about AI – we're talking about what needs to come first. • Our conviction: In SMEs, most digitalization initiatives fail not because of a lack of AI, but because of a lack of processes,...
- 14:00
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- 14:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
Severin Canisius, CIO of Deichmann, provides answers. Specifically, the kind you can't find on Google. In his session "From Analog Shoes to Digital Business," Severin talks about his decisive choices...
- 14:00
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- 14:30 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
In a time of increasing fraud attempts and rising customer expectations, MediaMarktSaturn – one of Europe's leading electronics retailers – has fundamentally transformed its digital and in-store customer experience. Larissa discusses this in the fireside chat...
- 14:30
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- 14:45 p.m.
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Shop of the Future
What happens when smart workflows, data, and AI agents in a store not only control processes but also create experiences? In this live tour, we'll show you how modern retail technology works together using real-world use cases...
- 14:45
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- 15:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
In this case study, samplistick and codecentric demonstrate how the beauty start-up went from concept to marketable app within just a few weeks, solving a sustainability problem in the process: the waste of unwanted cosmetic samples. Daniela...
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Masterclass C
We're introducing FastLaner, our smart shopping cart, and discussing whether it overcomes the weaknesses of existing concepts. We want to hear about your experiences: – What solutions do you use? – What are your...
- 14:45
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- 15:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming e-commerce. Smart assistants, personalized recommendations, and automated processes are already a reality. But where is this all headed? In our panel, leading experts from various fields will discuss...
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Masterclass A
Turn your customer experience into a decisive competitive advantage. In the Zendesk Masterclass "Smart Retail CX: AI for Excellence," you'll gain valuable insights and practical tips to future-proof your business...
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Masterclass B
We are entering a new era at checkout: payment fades, connection grows. Retailers hold the key: daily customer contact, trusted brands, and data that – used responsibly – outweighs the...
- 15:15
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
A practical overview on how both shopping behavior and internal ways of working are rapidly changing with AI. I'll share statistics, adoption patterns, and real data from the field on...
- 15:15
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
What happens when a 138-year-old traditional company meets nerd culture? Artur Wagner, CDO of Braun Buffalo, and Jasmin Karatas, gamification strategist and innovation expert, speak openly about the clash – and...
- 15:45
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- 16:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
Picnic uses AI to make its supply chain more efficient and sustainable. In this presentation, I will introduce key AI solutions along the supply chain and delve into a specific use case. Specifically...
- 15:45
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- 16:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
How stores can use IoT, AI, and real-time data to create a seamless shopping experience. Digital processes automate tasks such as shelf maintenance, inventory control, and price updates, relieving the burden on employees and increasing efficiency. A store concept that improves profitability...
- 16:15
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- 16:45 p.m.
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass B
Strategies that rely on expensive platform migrations are outdated. Modern approaches demand flexible, scalable, and intelligent technologies – with a clearly measurable ROI. Adobe Commerce, in combination with...
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass C
With Hanshow's digital twin solution, the store becomes more transparent than ever before: product positions, realograms, shelf status (out of stock), and the location of customers and employees are visible in real time. This creates optimal...
- 16:45
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- 17:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Today's customers expect advice, service, and brand experiences – online as well. Generative AI and conversational commerce enable personalized advice, tailored product recommendations, and effective customer service in real time. In this presentation, we will show...
- 16:45
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- 17:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
The question is no longer whether, but how we sustainably integrate artificial intelligence into our companies – beyond hype, pilot projects, and glossy showcases. At the REWE AI Hub, we are building precisely that...
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass A
Conversational/Agentic AI promises to revolutionize customer interaction – but what really works? In this masterclass, we'll take a close look: We'll debunk the hype, discuss typical pitfalls in...
- 17:15
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
How can AI create real, measurable added value in retail – beyond hype and theory? Tim Engler (Managing Director IT) and Jasmin Hartwig (Vice President Data, Analytics & AI) explain...
- 17:15
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Exclusive insights into the life of a female founder and entrepreneur. Carolin Handschuh shares her story on stage. A profound and emotional founding story. A crisis can also be an opportunity...
- 17:45
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- 18:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
What were the strongest impulses, most surprising quotes, and most discussed topics of the day? Alexis Tsingeni was there and sums up what moved the first day. A quick...
- 18:00
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- 18:30 p.m.
- 18:30
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- 19:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
Fast. Bold. Exciting. At the Newcomer Battle, innovative retail tech startups pitch their solutions live on the main stage – in just 5 minutes. The audience votes directly via app and chooses...
- 19:00
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- 00:00 p.m.
Experience the spectacular RETAIL NXT networking event! As promised, a special act awaits you. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as we wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of...