Paris was already a fixture in every European retail exec’s diary. With a fresh batch of confirmations just landed, it’s now impossible to ignore.
NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 15-17 September under the theme “The Next Now” — and the organisers have used the run-up to the show to sharpen an already stacked agenda.
New keynote speakers, an expanded case-study roster, heavyweight exhibitor names and, for the first time, an awards ceremony are all now locked in. Just as notably, the show is opening in style: an official Opening Party on 15 September will kick off this year’s edition before a single session begins.
TWO NEW VOICES ON THE CEOs ONLY STAGE
The CEOs Only keynote track, long considered the show’s headline draw, has picked up two additions. Tomasz Blicharski, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Zabka Group, will address licensing, IP and emerging business models, while Joe Shoemaker, Head of Digital at Snipes, will focus on agentic AI and customer service.
They slot in alongside an already strong bill that includes Pacsun’s Brieane Olsen, FEVAD’s Marc Lolivier, Westwing’s Andreas Hoerning and AWWG’s recently appointed CEO Laura Fernandez.
Between them, the speakers are set to cover the five themes organisers say are defining European retail right now: agentic AI, demand forecasting, community and influence, licensing and IP, and retail media. Organisers say further names will continue to be added right up until the show opens.
CASE STUDIES GET A HEAVYWEIGHT TOP-UP
The breakout case-study programme, where retailers unpack the strategy behind their operations, has also grown. Lego Group, MediaMarktSaturn, Danone, Joe & The Juice and Dalben Group have joined a line-up that already featured H&M, Lush, Desigual, Pets At Home, KFC, Mango, Landmark Group, Kingfisher and Primark.
The spread — toys, food, fashion and electronics — underlines organisers’ pitch that “The Next Now” is a cross-sector conversation rather than a single-category one.
EXHIBITORS BRING THEIR OWN RETAILER NAMES
The Big Ideas sessions, where solution providers demonstrate their technology alongside the retailers already using it, now carry some notable retail backing of their own. Decathlon, Kiabi, M&S Food, SMCP, C&A, Sandro and Marionnaud are among the retail clients confirmed to appear on stage for live demos and results-focused case studies.
These sessions run alongside the Startup Hub and the 15-strong House of Innovation Pavilion, giving newer disruptors and established retail names the same platform.
A NIGHT TO OPEN THE SHOW, AND ONE TO CLOSE IT
The newest addition to the programme is squarely about atmosphere as much as agenda. NRF Europe 2026 will open with a dedicated Opening Party on 15 September, bringing exhibitors, retailers and delegates together to mark the start of this year’s edition before the show floor gets to work. It’s a deliberate shift for organisers, who are positioning the evening as the moment the event properly begins rather than an afterthought once the sessions wrap.
The show will also introduce Retail’s Big Show Awards, recognising nine standout retail solutions in what organisers describe as a first for the European edition. Combined with the newly rebranded Retail Store Tours and retailer-exclusive guided walks around the expo floor, the networking side of the event now looks considerably more substantial than a scheduling afterthought.
THE TAKEAWAY
If the first wave of announcements gave retailers a reason to attend, this update gives them a reason to block out all three days. Fresh keynote names, a broader case-study bench, exhibitor sessions backed by recognisable retail brands, a first-ever awards night, and an Opening Party to set the tone from day one — NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe is shaping up to be the fullest edition yet.
Passes are moving quickly. Retailers and solution providers looking to attend are encouraged to register now here.
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