Retail Show Australia 2026 News

Featured Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026: Insights from Retail Leaders

Fri, 15 May 2026 02:56:07 GMT

Conversations Shaping Retail Across ANZ Come to Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail executives, strategists and innovators will explore AI, supply chain, customer experience and the changing role of physical retail.

Erica Berchtold

Chief Commercial Officer, David Jones

Retail Show Australia 2026 will continue to announce additional speakers, sessions and industry partners in the months ahead.

Supply Chain as a Growth Engine

As retailers navigate rising costs, operational complexity and shifting customer expectations, supply chain is becoming a critical driver of performance and growth.

Managing Director & Founder of Prological Consulting

Peter Jones

As retailers face tighter margins and increasing operational demands, supply chain efficiency and resilience are becoming essential to sustainable retail performance.

Supply Chain Under Pressure

Linda Johansen-James

CEO / Founder of International Retail Group

Retail Reimagined

From customer experience to emerging retail concepts, the next era of retail will be shaped by brands that create relevance, connection and memorable experiences.

Dean Salakas shares lessons on adaptability, brand-building and growing a business in an unpredictable retail environment.

Dean Salakas

Partner at Retail doctor Group

Reinvention in Retail

Retail as Theatre

Elvin Tan

As physical retail evolves, store environments are becoming immersive brand experiences designed to engage customers and strengthen commercial performance.

Founder & Creative Director of ElvinTan Design

 Purposeful Retail

In an era of convenience-driven commerce, successful retail destinations are increasingly defined by identity, belonging and the experience of place.

Andrew Hoyne

Founder and Principal of Hoyne The Place Economy Consultancy

Interested in exhibiting at Retail Show Australia 2026?

Connect with retailers, industry leaders and solution providers shaping the future of retail across Australia and New Zealand.

Microsoft Invests $1.8 Billion to Accelerate AI Adoption in Australia

Wed, 13 May 2026 03:46:43 GMT

Microsoft to Invest $1.8 Billion in AI Push in Australia

A New Chapter in Australia’s AI Revolution

Microsoft is set to invest a staggering $1.8 billion in Australia to accelerate the country's embrace of artificial intelligence (AI). This major investment is expected to help Australia harness the full potential of AI technologies, transforming industries, businesses, and daily life.

AI at the Forefront of Australia’s Digital Transformation

The AI push comes as Australia positions itself as a global leader in AI research, development, and application. With advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and automation, AI is already reshaping key sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and retail.

This investment will support a range of initiatives, from expanding AI research hubs to partnering with Australian businesses in adopting AI-driven solutions. The result? A more efficient, connected, and innovative economy.

AI for Every Industry — The Road Ahead

As businesses across Australia adopt AI technologies, they are opening the door to a host of new opportunities. AI is streamlining processes, personalizing customer experiences, and optimizing everything from supply chains to marketing strategies.

The impact of AI will be felt most strongly in industries where data is abundant, such as retail, healthcare, and finance. In retail, AI-driven tools are already helping businesses anticipate customer needs, optimize pricing models, and automate inventory management. It’s not just about improving operations — it’s about creating more tailored, personalized experiences for consumers.

This AI investment also highlights a critical need for upskilling and reskilling. As AI technologies continue to evolve, there will be a growing demand for workers skilled in data science, machine learning, and AI ethics. Microsoft’s commitment includes not only investment in infrastructure but also programs designed to prepare Australians for the new wave of digital jobs.

Implications for the Workforce

A Leap Towards the Future

With the government and private sector pushing for greater AI adoption, this is a pivotal moment for Australia. The country is now positioned to be at the forefront of the global AI revolution, with its businesses and workers poised to reap the rewards of the rapid digital transformation ahead.

As AI reshapes the landscape, Australia is making sure it’s not just a participant, but a leader in this new era of innovation.

Reference: Reuters

Exhibitor update:Honorgy confirmed to back at RetailShowAustralia2026

Mon, 11 May 2026 01:15:01 GMT

Exhibitor update: Honorgy to Showcase Cutting-Edge Garment Display Systems and Custom Retail Fixtures at Retail Show Australia 2026

At Retail Show Australia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Honorgy’s comprehensive range of products, including:

Honorgy, a leader in innovative retail design, is excited to announce its participation in Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Honorgy will be exhibiting at Booth 312 in the Shopfitting & Design Zone , where the company will showcase its advanced Garment Display Systems and Custom Retail Fixtures , designed to meet the evolving needs of modern retail spaces.

Garment Display Systems: Tailored to showcase clothing in an aesthetically appealing and practical way, maximizing store space and enhancing product visibility.
Custom Retail Fixtures: Bespoke solutions designed to suit any store layout, combining style and functionality to align with brand identity and retail needs.
Built for Modern Store Spaces: Fixtures that adapt to the dynamic nature of contemporary retail, ensuring longevity and versatility in changing environments.

Elevating the Retail Experience with Purposeful Design

As retailers look for ways to improve both product presentation and customer engagement, Honorgy’s innovative designs play a crucial role in enhancing store environments. The company’s focus on quality craftsmanship and functional design helps retailers create a seamless and engaging shopping experience, while boosting operational efficiency.

Honorgy’s products are built for retailers who want to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. By offering customized solutions, Honorgy is helping brands create spaces that resonate with customers, driving both sales and brand loyalty.

Visit Honorgy at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 will bring together retailers, designers, and industry leaders from across the globe to explore new technologies, solutions, and trends shaping the future of retail.

Visitors are invited to connect with the Honorgy team at Booth 312 in the Shopfitting & Design Zone to discover how their tailored Garment Display Systems and Custom Retail Fixtures can elevate retail spaces and enhance customer experiences.

Pop-Up Retail Trends Australia 2026: Experiential Retail & Temporary Stores

Fri, 08 May 2026 01:45:00 GMT

Pop-Up Retail Gains Momentum as Brands Focus on Experience

Global brands are increasingly turning to pop-up retail formats as a way to connect with consumers, drive engagement and create high-impact physical experiences .

Recent developments highlight this trend, with The Walt Disney Company planning a pop-up store in Perth . The move reflects a broader shift towards short-term, experience-led retail spaces that allow brands to engage directly with customers while testing new markets and concepts .

Pop-up stores have become an effective strategy for brands looking to generate excitement and urgency . By offering limited-time experiences , retailers can attract foot traffic, create shareable moments and strengthen brand connection without the long-term commitment of permanent locations.

For consumers, these formats provide something beyond traditional shopping . Pop-ups often combine retail with entertainment, storytelling and interactive elements , transforming stores into destinations rather than purely transactional spaces .

This approach is particularly relevant in today’s retail environment, where experience plays an increasingly important role in influencing purchase decisions . As physical retail continues to evolve, temporary formats such as pop-ups are helping brands remain agile, respond to changing demand and stand out in competitive markets .

The use of pop-up retail also reflects a growing focus on flexibility . Brands can quickly adapt to new locations, audiences and seasonal opportunities , while gathering insights that can inform longer-term retail strategies .

Retail Show Australia 2026 will explore how experiential retail formats — including pop-up stores — are reshaping the industry . From store design to customer engagement , the event will showcase how brands can create meaningful in-store experiences that drive both traffic and conversion .

Source: Inside Retail

Aurora and Chillbot Expand to Platinum Sponsor at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 01:45:00 GMT

Aurora and Chillbot Expand Presence

 at Retail Show Australia 2026 as Platinum Sponsor

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome the expanded presence of Aurora Vending Machine Services, now joined by Chillbot as part of the same business’s growing footprint across the show.

With this expansion, the company will officially participate as a Platinum Sponsor , showcasing its capabilities across both retail automation and cold chain solutions—two of the most rapidly evolving areas in the retail industry.

Together, Aurora and Chillbot represent a single business operating across two complementary sectors—automation and cold chain—offering a more integrated approach to modern retail operations. Their presence across multiple zones reflects a broader industry trend towards connected retail ecosystems, where technology, logistics and customer experience are increasingly interlinked.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will bring together leading retailers, brands and solution providers to explore how innovations across areas such as AI, automation and cold chain are shaping the future of retail. The expanded participation of Aurora and Chillbot highlights the growing importance of these technologies in driving efficiency, scalability and new retail formats.

Visitors can meet Aurora and Chillbot at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 22–24 September 2026, and discover how their solutions are supporting the next generation of retail transformation.

Aurora will be located at Booth 270 in the AI for Retail Zone , where it will present smart vending and automated retail technologies designed to enhance operational efficiency, enable unmanned retail formats, and improve customer convenience. As retailers continue to explore automation and self-service models, solutions like these are becoming increasingly relevant across convenience, hospitality and high-traffic environments.

At the same time, Chillbot will exhibit at Booth 370 in the Cold Chain Zone , focusing on temperature-controlled systems that support fresh retail, food distribution and last-mile delivery. As demand for fresh, ready-to-consume products continues to grow, reliable cold chain infrastructure is playing a critical role in ensuring product quality and supply chain efficiency.

Australian Retail Spending Trends 2026: How Cost-of-Living Pressures Are Reshaping Consumer Behaviour

Mon, 04 May 2026 06:31:39 GMT

Australian Retail Spending Shifts Under Cost-of-Living Pressure

Australian consumers are continuing to adjust their spending habits as cost-of-living pressures reshape retail demand across the country.

Recent reporting indicates that rising fuel prices and ongoing supply chain costs are contributing to higher everyday expenses, prompting households to reassess how and where they spend. As a result, many consumers are prioritising value, cutting back on discretionary purchases, and becoming more selective across categories such as homewares, dining and lifestyle products.

This shift is creating new challenges for retailers. Businesses are balancing increasing operational costs with the need to remain price competitive, while also responding to more cautious and value-driven customer behaviour. For many retailers, maintaining margin without compromising customer appeal is becoming increasingly complex.

Changes in payment behaviour are also emerging. There has been a noticeable increase in the use of buy now, pay later services for everyday expenses, including utilities, insurance and education. This suggests that affordability concerns are extending beyond discretionary retail and into essential spending categories.

At the same time, physical retail continues to demonstrate resilience. Shopping centres across Australia are maintaining steady foot traffic, reinforcing the ongoing importance of in-store experiences. While consumers may be spending more carefully, they are still engaging with retail environments, particularly where experience, convenience and value are well balanced.

Looking ahead, the retail sector is expected to continue evolving in response to economic conditions. Retailers that can effectively combine pricing strategy, operational efficiency and customer experience will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and capture new opportunities.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will bring together retailers, brands and solution providers to explore how the industry can respond to these shifts through innovation, technology and customer-focused strategies.

Based on reporting from The Guardian

Intelo.ai Joins Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Exhibitor Spotlight: Intelo.ai to Feature in the Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Driving Retail Transformation Through Collaborative Intelligence

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to announce that Intelo.ai will be featured in the Microsoft Innovation Hub at this year’s event, showcasing how collaborative AI is transforming modern retail operations.

As part of our strategic collaboration with Microsoft, the Microsoft Innovation Hub brings together a curated group of technology innovators whose solutions are shaping the future of retail. The Hub highlights how emerging technologies are moving beyond concept and into real-world, scalable application across the industry.

intelo.ai is a retail technology company focused on transforming merchandising and planning through its collaborative intelligence platform. By deploying specialised AI agents across core retail functions, the platform helps automate complex workflows in areas such as demand forecasting, assortment planning and inventory optimisation.

Unlike traditional “black box” analytics tools, intelo.ai’s approach is designed to work alongside retail teams, enabling more transparent, data-driven decision-making. Its AI agents streamline fragmented data and operational processes, allowing merchants, planners and buyers to make faster, more accurate decisions that improve sell-through and reduce excess inventory.

From Insight to Execution

As retail continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from experimentation to execution. Businesses are increasingly seeking solutions that can deliver measurable outcomes at scale, improve operational efficiency and enhance performance across both physical and digital channels.

intelo.ai’s participation in the Microsoft Innovation Hub reflects this industry-wide transition. Its agent-based platform demonstrates how AI can move beyond insight generation and into practical execution — helping retailers respond to demand more effectively, optimise inventory strategies and drive profitability.

Powering Retail Innovation with Microsoft

intelo.ai’s integration within the Microsoft ecosystem further strengthens its ability to deliver enterprise-grade solutions at scale. By aligning with Microsoft’s AI and cloud infrastructure, the platform enables retailers to seamlessly integrate intelligent automation into existing workflows, unlocking greater value from their data.

Together with other innovators in the Hub, intelo.ai will showcase how AI-powered solutions are redefining retail performance, operational agility and customer-centric decision-making.

Preezie Joins Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:00:01 GMT

Exhibitor Spotlight: Preezie to Feature in the Microsoft Innovation Hub

at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to announce that Preezie will be featured in the Microsoft Innovation Hub at this year’s event, showcasing its role in the next wave of retail innovation.

Developed as part of our strategic collaboration with Microsoft, the Microsoft Innovation Hub will bring together a curated group of forward-thinking solutions that are helping shape the future of retail. The Hub is designed to highlight how technology is moving beyond theory and into practical, high-impact application across the industry.

As retail continues to evolve, the conversation is increasingly shifting away from experimentation alone and towards solutions that can deliver real, scalable value. Retailers are looking for technologies that not only inspire new ideas, but also improve the way businesses operate, engage customers and respond to changing expectations in live retail environments.

Preezie’s presence within the Microsoft Innovation Hub reflects this important shift. As the industry places greater emphasis on innovation that drives tangible outcomes, solutions like Preezie are helping demonstrate what the future of retail can look like when technology is applied with purpose and practical impact.

By participating in the Hub, Preezie joins a strong line-up of innovators contributing to a broader conversation around the future of customer experience, digital transformation and real-world retail performance. Together, these exhibitors will help bring to life the technologies and ideas that are redefining the sector.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will bring together retailers, solution providers and industry leaders from across the market for three days of connection, discovery and business opportunity at one of the country’s leading retail events.

AI Is Reshaping How Australians Shop — And Even How Prices Are Set A New Era of AI-Driven Shopping

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:15:00 GMT

AI Is Reshaping How Australians Shop

— And Even How Prices Are Set A New Era of AI-Driven Shopping

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the retail landscape in Australia, changing not only how businesses operate, but how consumers shop.

Emerging trends suggest that shoppers may increasingly rely on AI to search, compare and even complete purchases on their behalf. This shift signals the rise of “agentic commerce”, where AI systems act as intermediaries between consumers and retailers.

One of the most significant impacts of AI is on pricing.

Retail prices are no longer static. Instead, they are becoming increasingly dynamic, adjusting based on demand, browsing behaviour and timing. In some cases, consumers have observed price changes of up to 17% simply by waiting before completing a purchase.

This highlights a move towards more responsive — and less predictable — pricing models, where algorithms play a central role in determining value.

Pricing Is Becoming Dynamic and Personalised

For retailers, this transformation presents both opportunities and challenges.

As AI becomes more embedded in the shopping journey, businesses will need to rethink pricing strategies, customer engagement models and how they compete for attention. The ability to adapt to AI-driven behaviours will be critical in maintaining relevance in an increasingly automated retail environment.

Implications for Retailers

From Browsing to Automated Decision-Making

AI is also reshaping the traditional customer journey.

Instead of manually browsing and comparing products, consumers are beginning to rely on AI-driven recommendations and automated decision-making. From product discovery to final purchase, AI is playing a more active role in guiding and completing transactions.

This marks a fundamental shift in how retail engagement is structured, with AI increasingly acting as a new digital interface between brands and customers.

Looking Ahead

As AI adoption continues to accelerate, the retail sector is entering a new phase — one where technology is not only supporting operations, but actively shaping consumer behaviour.

Retailers that understand and respond to this shift will be better positioned to navigate the next stage of industry transformation.

Source: ABC News

Frasers Launches AI Shopping Assistant Ask Frasers

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Frasers Group Launches AI Shopping Assistant to Enhance Retail Experience

Frasers Group has introduced “Ask Frasers,” a new AI-powered shopping assistant designed to transform how customers discover and engage with products online.

Moving beyond traditional search, Ask Frasers enables customers to interact using natural language, delivering personalised product recommendations based on preferences and real-time data.

This creates a more seamless and conversational shopping experience, helping users find relevant products faster and more efficiently.

A More Intuitive Shopping Journey

The launch reflects a broader industry trend towards AI-driven, personalised commerce, where discovery, decision-making, and purchasing are becoming more connected.

As retailers continue to adopt intelligent technologies, conversational shopping is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of digital retail.

Source：365 retail

The Shift to Intelligent Retail

Early results indicate that the tool is already delivering impact, with reports suggesting conversion rates increasing by up to 25% compared to standard search.

This highlights the growing role of AI not only in improving customer experience, but also in driving measurable retail performance.

Driving Performance Through AI

Hanwha Showcases Intelligent Retail Security at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Hanwha to Showcase Intelligent Video Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

As retail environments become increasingly complex, security is evolving beyond traditional monitoring to play a more strategic role in day-to-day operations.

At Retail Show Australia 2026, 한화데이즈 (Hanwha) will present its latest intelligent video solutions, demonstrating how retailers can move from simple visibility to deeper understanding and faster decision-making on the shop floor.

In today’s retail landscape, security is no longer limited to surveillance. Instead, it is becoming a critical source of insight that supports operational efficiency and business performance.

Hanwha is transforming video technology from a passive recording tool into an active component of retail strategy—enabling retailers to respond more effectively to real-time situations and evolving customer behaviour.

From Monitoring to Intelligent Retail Security

As retailers look to improve efficiency and enhance customer experience, the ability to convert data into actionable insights is becoming increasingly important.

Hanwha’s approach highlights a broader industry trend: security systems are evolving into intelligent platforms that help retailers not only monitor activity, but also anticipate challenges and optimise performance.

Driving Smarter Decision-Making on the Shop Floor

Hanwha’s solutions extend beyond loss prevention, offering capabilities that support a wide range of retail functions, including:

·Loss prevention and risk management
·Customer behaviour analysis
·Store performance optimisation

Unlocking Insights Across Retail Operations

By integrating video intelligence into everyday operations, retailers can gain a clearer understanding of what is happening in-store and make more informed decisions.

Visit Hanwha at Retail Show Australia 2026

Hanwha will be exhibiting in the Retail Security & Loss Prevention Zone , where visitors can explore how intelligent video solutions are supporting the next generation of retail operations.

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together leading solution providers and industry professionals to explore the technologies shaping the future of retail.

Microsoft Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Strategic Partner

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:01 GMT

Microsoft Confirmed as Strategic Partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 has officially confirmed Microsoft as a strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub, strengthening the event’s focus on innovation, technology, and startup-retailer collaboration across the Australian and New Zealand retail market.

Working closely with the organising team, Microsoft will play a key role in shaping how innovation-led and startup businesses are brought into the show and connected with retailers from across ANZ. The partnership is expected to support stronger engagement between emerging solution providers and retail decision-makers seeking practical, scalable innovation.

Strengthening Innovation at Retail Show Australia 2026

The Microsoft Innovation Hub will serve as a dedicated platform for showcasing forward-looking retail technologies, innovative business models, and startup-driven solutions that are shaping the future of the industry.

With Microsoft’s involvement, the Hub will further strengthen its ability to attract companies focused on solving real retail challenges and creating meaningful commercial outcomes.

From Pilot Programs to Real Deployment

As retailers across the market move beyond early-stage experimentation, the focus is shifting towards practical implementation and measurable business value.

This makes collaboration between retailers, technology providers, and startups more important than ever. The partnership with Microsoft reflects this shift, helping create an environment where ideas can move more quickly from concept to deployment.

Connecting Startups with Retail Decision-Makers

A key objective of the Microsoft Innovation Hub will be to create stronger connections between innovation companies and retailers looking for new solutions.

By supporting how startups are introduced into the event ecosystem, Microsoft will help ensure that these businesses are better positioned to engage directly with retail leaders, buyers, and strategic decision-makers from across the region.

 What This Means for the Future of the Show

The addition of Microsoft as a strategic partner highlights Retail Show Australia 2026’s continued commitment to delivering an event platform that reflects where the retail industry is heading.

As innovation becomes more closely tied to commercial execution, partnerships of this kind will play an important role in shaping more relevant conversations, stronger industry collaboration, and higher-value opportunities on the show floor.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place at MCEC, Melbourne, from 22–24 September 2026 , bringing together retailers, technology providers, and industry leaders for three days of insight, connection, and innovation.

Western Sydney International Airport chooses Lagardère to run retail offer

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:15:00 GMT

Bunnings launches AI assistant Buddy to enhance customer experience

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has appointed Lagardère Travel Retail as its retail operator for the next decade, marking a major development in Australia’s travel retail sector. The agreement covers duty-free, travel essentials and specialty retail across the airport terminal.

Under the agreement, Lagardère will manage around 3,100 square metres of retail space across 11 stores, including 1,900 square metres for duty-free and 1,000 square metres for travel essentials and specialty retail across international and domestic zones.

The partnership also reflects a wider shift in travel retail, as airports increasingly look to combine convenience, strong brand mix and destination identity in one retail environment.

Why this partnership matters for travel retail

WSI said the retail concept will include branded and travel-exclusive products, alongside a “best of the west” approach designed to highlight Western Sydney. Airport leadership also noted that convenience, value and last-minute purchases were key priorities in shaping the offer.

The WSI–Lagardère partnership shows how airports are becoming more important retail destinations, where operations, customer experience and local relevance all need to work together. As travel retail grows, partnerships like this will play a bigger role in shaping future retail environments.

What This Means for Retail

A retail offer shaped by local identity and traveller needs

Retail fit-out to begin ahead of launch

WSI is on track to launch cargo operations in late July, followed by domestic and international passenger services in late October. Retail fit-outs are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Retail Show Australia 2026 confirms Microsoft as strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:28:01 GMT

Retail Show Australia 2026 confirms Microsoft as strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub

Retail Show Australia 2026 has confirmed Microsoft as a strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub, as the event continues to take shape across the ANZ market.

Working alongside the organising team, Microsoft will lead the development of the Innovation Hub, shaping how startup and innovation companies are brought into the platform and connected with retailers.

The Hub will serve as a dedicated environment for early-stage and scale-up companies, with a focus on real in-store execution, applied AI and retail infrastructure.

Across ANZ, retailers are moving beyond pilot programmes and aligning with partners they trust to deliver at scale. That shift is already influencing how companies position themselves within the market.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place in Melbourne from 22–24 September 2026.

Erica Berchtold and Peter Jones to Headline Executive Fireside Chat at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:45:00 GMT

Erica Berchtold and Peter Jones Announced for

Executive Fireside Chat at Retail Show Australia 2026

Erica Berchtold —

Retail & Commercial Perspective

As Chief Commercial Officer at David Jones , one of Australia’s most iconic department store brands, Erica Berchtold brings extensive experience across merchandising, operations, and customer strategy.

In this session, Erica will share how leading retailers are responding to evolving customer expectations, increasing omnichannel complexity, and growing pressure on operational performance. Her perspective highlights how supply chain is no longer a back-end function, but a critical component of commercial success and customer experience.

The Conversation: Where Retail Meets Supply Chain

Presented as a dynamic fireside chat, this session will bring together Erica Berchtold’s retail and commercial perspective with Peter Jones’s supply chain expertise.

Centred on “Unlocking Growth Through Supply Chain” , the conversation will explore how retail operations and supply chain strategy work together to support growth, efficiency, and resilience in today’s retail environment.

Drawing on their respective experience, Erica and Peter will share perspectives on retail performance, operational challenges, customer expectations, and the growing importance of adaptable supply chain strategies.

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to announce an exclusive Executive Fireside Chat featuring two industry leaders:

Erica Berchtold, Chief Commercial Officer at David Jones, and Peter Jones, Managing Director and Founder of Prological.

Titled “Unlocking Growth Through Supply Chain”, this session will bring together retail leadership and supply chain expertise to explore how operational strategy is becoming a key driver of growth, efficiency, and customer experience in modern retail.

Peter Jones, Founder and Managing Director of Prological , is a recognised expert in supply chain strategy, logistics, and warehouse optimisation.

Through his work advising organisations across Australia, Peter brings a consulting and operational lens to how businesses can improve efficiency, build resilience, and unlock growth through smarter supply chain design and execution.

Peter Jones — Supply Chain Strategy Perspective

Bunnings Launches AI Assistant Buddy to Enhance Customer Experience

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Bunnings launches AI assistant Buddy to enhance customer experience

Bunnings has launched Buddy, an AI-powered assistant designed to help customers plan DIY projects, find products more easily and shop with greater confidence from home.

The new tool is now rolling out across the Bunnings website and is expected to become available on the Bunnings app from 10 April, with a New Zealand launch planned later this year. The initiative forms part of the retailer’s broader focus on using data and AI to improve customer experience, support teams and drive long-term growth.

Buddy is designed to make DIY planning more accessible by offering customers more personalised and practical support as they browse and shop online.

According to Bunnings, the AI assistant can guide users through projects, answer more complex questions and help identify the products they need. It can also read a photo of a handwritten shopping list, locate the items in seconds and add them directly to a customer’s online cart.

This approach reflects a broader shift in retail, where digital tools are increasingly being used not only to support transactions, but also to guide customers through decision-making and project planning.

Helping customers move from inspiration to action

While Buddy introduces a new digital layer to the customer journey, Bunnings has positioned it as a complement to the trusted advice its team provides in store.

The experience is built on existing how-to content and team expertise, allowing the brand to extend practical guidance beyond the physical store environment. This creates a more connected customer journey, where shoppers can move more easily between research, planning and purchase.

Bunnings has also emphasised that the assistant has been designed to operate responsibly, with guardrails and consent-led customer interactions shaping how it works.

The launch of Buddy highlights how retailers are beginning to use AI in more practical and customer-facing ways.

Rather than focusing only on efficiency behind the scenes, tools like this are being used to create more useful, personalised and accessible shopping experiences. For the retail sector, this is another sign that AI is moving beyond automation and becoming a more visible part of the customer journey.

As retailers continue to invest in customer experience, digital guidance and smarter shopping support are likely to become an increasingly important part of the industry landscape.

A sign of where retail is heading

What This Means for Retail

Bunnings’ launch of Buddy shows how AI is evolving from a back-end technology into a customer-facing retail tool. As more retailers look to improve convenience, guidance and personalisation, AI assistants may become an increasingly important part of how consumers browse, plan and buy.

Blending AI with trusted in-store expertise

Source：Bunnings

Linda Johansen-James to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Linda Johansen-James to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 on Retail Reimagined: AI, Experience & The New Rules of Customer Service

Retail Reimagined: AI, Experience & The New Rules of Customer Service

At Retail Show Australia 2026, Linda will present:

In this session, Linda will focus on the ways retail is being reshaped by AI, experience-led engagement and changing expectations around customer service. As retailers continue to respond to evolving consumer behaviour, the session will consider how businesses can rethink service, experience and innovation in a practical retail context.

A Timely Conversation for Retailers

As retail businesses continue to adapt to new technologies and changing customer expectations, topics such as AI, experience and service are becoming increasingly important across the sector. Linda’s session will contribute to this conversation by focusing on how these forces are reshaping retail and what that means for businesses moving forward.

Join Linda Johansen-James at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together retailers, innovators and industry experts to explore the future of retail across innovation, technology and customer experience.

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

22–24 September 2026

The role of AI in the changing retail environment
Why customer experience remains central to retail performance
How expectations around customer service are continuing to evolve
The relationship between innovation, service and customer engagement
Practical ideas for retailers responding to change in today’s market

Attendees will gain insights into:

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome Linda Johansen-James, CEO/Founder of International Retail Group , as a featured speaker at this year’s event.

Linda will join the speaker lineup to share insights on the changing retail landscape and the growing impact of artificial intelligence, customer experience and service expectations across the industry. Her session will explore how these shifts are influencing the way retailers think about customer engagement and business strategy.

RWTA Supports Retail Show Australia 2026 as Official Supporting Partner

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:22:04 GMT

Industry Collaboration:

RWTA Supports Retail Show Australia 2026 as Official Supporting Partner

Recently, the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) officially became the Official Supporting Partner of Retail Show Australia 2026 (RSA2026), with both parties entering into a cooperation agreement. Under this partnership, RWTA will provide industry endorsement and cold chain logistics resource suppor t for the exhibition.

This collaboration is designed to strengthen links between Australia’s retail industry and the cold chain logistics sector through coordinated promotion across official platforms, EDM campaigns and social media channels. It also reflects RSA2026’s broader direction of building stronger cross-sector connections across the retail value chain.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 22 to 24 September 2026 . On the RSA website, partner news stories are presented as strategic collaborations that add industry depth, broaden participation and strengthen the show’s role as a platform for connection across the retail ecosystem.

Exhibition Overview

The partnership between RSA and RWTA brings added professional depth to the exhibition by connecting retail with refrigerated warehousing, transport and cold chain logistics resources. According to the agreement, the purpose of the cooperation is to enhance the exhibition’s professional depth and industry influence, while promoting deeper integration and resource docking between the Australian retail industry and the cold chain logistics industry.

Through this collaboration, RSA2026 aims to provide more opportunities for exchange, visibility and business connection across a broader section of the industry. It also reinforces the exhibition’s position as a platform that supports practical collaboration between retailers and key supply chain sectors.

With RWTA’s support, Retail Show Australia 2026 will further strengthen its industry reach and create new opportunities for engagement between retail and cold chain logistics professionals ahead of the September event in Melbourne.

Strategic Significance of the Collaboration

As part of this cooperation, RWTA will support Retail Show Australia 2026 through a range of agreed promotional and industry engagement activities, including:

Promoting RSA2026 across its official platforms, including website, social media and industry newsletters
Releasing exhibition EDMs to Australian members and cold chain industry enterprises
Supporting themed social media content and participation reminders
Using its Official Supporting Partner status to promote industry communication and collaboration
Helping expand connections between retail businesses and cold chain logistics stakeholders

RWTA’s Role in the Partnership

Dean Salakas to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 | Retail doctor Group

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:48:41 GMT

Dean Salakas to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 on From Clown to Retail Consultant: The Journey and Lessons for Retail

From Clown to Retail Consultant: The Journey and Lessons for Retail

At Retail Show Australia 2026, Dean will present:

From Clown to Retail Consultant: The Journey and Lessons for Retail

In this session, Dean will share his unconventional journey from working as a clown to building Australia’s largest party store, achieving a successful exit, and moving into retail consulting. Drawing on that experience, he will reflect on the lessons learned along the way and what they can mean for retailers navigating growth, change and long-term business development.

A Real-World Perspective on Retail Growth

Dean’s session brings together entrepreneurial experience and retail consulting insight in a way that is both practical and relatable. His story reflects the resilience, adaptability and commercial understanding required to build a successful business and continue evolving within the retail sector.

By sharing his journey and the lessons behind it, Dean will offer attendees an engaging perspective on retail growth, business transformation and the value of learning through experience.

Join Dean Salakas at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together leading retailers, innovators and industry experts to explore the future of retail across innovation, technology and customer experience. The reference speaker page places the event at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 22–24 September 2026 , and closes with a registration call to action.

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

22–24 September 2026

The lessons that come from an unconventional retail journey
Real-world perspectives on building and growing a retail business
What retailers can learn from entrepreneurship, transition and reinvention
How lived business experience can shape stronger retail thinking and decision-making
Practical reflections relevant to retailers operating in an evolving market

Attendees will gain insights into:

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome Dean Salakas, Partner at Retail doctor Group , as a featured speaker at this year’s event.

Dean brings practical, experience-led insight to the retail industry, with a professional background shaped by entrepreneurship, business growth and retail consulting. His journey offers a distinctive perspective on what it takes to build, grow and evolve a retail business in a changing market.

ME Group Australia to Showcase Retail Technology and Payment Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

ME Group Australia to Showcase Retail Technology and Payment Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

ME Group Australia, a provider of innovative retail technology and payment solutions, will showcase its latest offerings at Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Exhibiting in the Retail Tech Zone at Booth 480, ME Group Australia will present solutions designed to help retailers streamline operations, enhance customer experiences and drive business growth in an increasingly digital retail environment.

ME Group Australia specialises in advanced retail technology systems that support seamless transactions, operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

Enabling Smarter Retail Through Technology

Secure and seamless payment processing systems
Data-driven analytics and retail insights
Scalable solutions for both small and large retail operations
Integrated technologies designed to enhance customer experience

As retailers continue to adopt digital tools and data-driven strategies, reliable and scalable technology solutions are becoming essential.

ME Group Australia focuses on delivering systems that improve operational efficiency, optimise store performance and support business growth. With a strong emphasis on innovation, reliability and customer support, the company helps retailers build more efficient and future-ready operations.

At Retail Show Australia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a range of solutions, including:

These solutions are designed to help retailers respond to evolving consumer expectations, including the growing demand for contactless payments, faster transactions and more personalised shopping experiences.

Driving Efficiency in Modern Retail Environments

Experience ME Group Australia at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together leading retailers, technology providers and industry experts to explore the future of retail innovation.

Visitors are invited to connect with ME Group Australia at Booth 480 in the Retail Tech Zone to discover how retail technology and payment solutions can transform operations and enhance the customer experience.

MAXIM to Showcase RFID, Labelling and Packaging Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:45:00 GMT

MAXIM to Showcase Global Labelling, Packaging and RFID Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

MAXIM (Maxim Label & Packaging), a global leader in labelling, packaging and RFID solutions, will showcase its advanced retail technologies at Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

As a Silver Sponsor, MAXIM will be exhibiting in the Retail Tech Zone at Booth 335, presenting its latest innovations designed to support modern retail operations, supply chain visibility and product identification.

With more than 50 years of industry experience and a global presence across 20+ countries, MAXIM has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality labelling, packaging and RFID technologies. The company works with leading global retailers and brands, supporting scalable and compliant solutions across diverse retail environments.

Supporting Retailers with End-to-End Solutions

These solutions are designed to help retailers improve inventory accuracy, streamline operations and enhance customer engagement across increasingly complex retail ecosystems.

As retailers continue to adopt digital technologies and data-driven operations, solutions such as RFID and integrated labelling systems are becoming critical to improving stock visibility and operational efficiency.

MAXIM’s technologies support retailers in reducing out-of-stocks, improving inventory management and enabling more responsive, connected retail environments. Through its global network and deep industry expertise, the company delivers end-to-end solutions—from design and production to large-scale deployment.

Driving Efficiency and Visibility in Modern Retail

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together leading retailers, technology providers and industry experts to explore the future of retail innovation across the Asia–Pacific region.

Visitors are invited to connect with the MAXIM team at Booth 335 in the Retail Tech Zone to learn how advanced labelling, packaging and RFID solutions can support smarter, more efficient retail operations.

Experience MAXIM at Retail Show Australia 2026

At Retail Show Australia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore MAXIM’s comprehensive product portfolio, including:

RFID-enabled labels for item-level tracking and traceability
Premium packaging solutions to enhance brand presentation
Heat transfers, hang tags and care labels
Variable data and digital solutions for supply chain optimisation

OpenAI Shifts ChatGPT Shopping Strategy Toward Retailer-Run Apps

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:56:00 GMT

OpenAI Reportedly Pulls Back from In-ChatGPT Checkout in Favour of Retailer-Controlled Shopping Experiences

OpenAI is reportedly changing direction in its e-commerce strategy, moving away from plans to let shoppers complete purchases directly inside ChatGPT and instead shifting toward retailer-run apps and retailer-managed checkout experiences.

The move reflects a broader reality in AI commerce: while conversational AI is proving useful for product discovery, comparison and recommendation, the final step of purchase still appears to work better when retailers retain greater control over the transaction, customer data and fulfilment journey.

Earlier ambitions around “Instant Checkout” positioned ChatGPT as a potential end-to-end shopping destination, allowing users to browse and buy products without leaving the chat interface. However, recent reports suggest OpenAI is now stepping back from that model after mixed early results and limited momentum.

One of the likely challenges is that checkout is far more complex than product recommendation. Payments, live inventory visibility, order management, fraud prevention, loyalty integration and fulfilment all require a level of retailer system control that is difficult to standardise inside a third-party AI interface. As a result, many retailers appear to prefer AI-assisted discovery paired with checkout on their own platforms. This is an inference based on how the reported pivot is being described across coverage.

Why OpenAI Is Reconsidering ChatGPT Checkout

A Shift from AI-First Checkout to Retailer-Led Commerce

Rather than owning the full purchase flow, ChatGPT is increasingly being positioned as a discovery layer that helps shoppers search, compare and evaluate products before being directed into retailer-operated environments to complete the transaction.

This model gives retailers more control over brand experience, pricing logic, customer relationships and post-purchase service, while still allowing them to benefit from the growing role of AI in shopping journeys. It also aligns with the way many consumers currently use generative AI: not necessarily as a replacement for retailer websites or apps, but as a faster way to narrow choices and make decisions.

For retailers, the reported shift is significant. It suggests that the near-term opportunity in AI commerce may not be about handing over the full transaction to external platforms, but about building stronger retailer-connected experiences that integrate with conversational AI while keeping checkout and fulfilment within the retailer’s own ecosystem.

What This Means for Retailers

retailer-run shopping apps within AI platforms
stronger product data and merchandising feeds for AI discovery
tighter integration between AI recommendations and owned commerce channels
better optimisation for conversational product search and comparison experiences

The change also highlights a broader lesson for the retail sector: AI may influence how consumers discover products, but trust, conversion and transaction control still matter.

Rather than replacing retailer channels, AI is increasingly becoming another touchpoint in the customer journey—one that can guide decisions, surface options and reduce friction at the top of the funnel. The retailers most likely to benefit may be those that treat AI as a commerce enabler, while continuing to strengthen the owned digital environments where purchases are actually completed. This is a forward-looking interpretation supported by the reported strategy change and recent retail commentary.

This could create new momentum around:

As AI shopping tools continue to evolve, retailers that invest in structured product content, responsive digital experiences and seamless app or site checkout journeys may be better positioned to benefit from the next stage of AI-driven commerce.

The Bigger Retail Trend Behind the Shift

Reference: Retail Insight Network, Axios, The Verge

ME Group Australia to Showcase Self-Service Retail Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:30:00 GMT

ME Group Australia to Showcase Automated Self-Service Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome ME Group Australia as an exhibitor in the Retail Tech Zone , where the company will present its latest automated self-service solutions for modern retail and consumer environments.

ME Group is an international business focused on developing, operating, selling and servicing value-added self-service vending equipment. Across its global portfolio, the group is active in sectors including photography, laundry, printing and food, with a business model centred on convenient, easy-to-use consumer services. The company also operates through ME Group Australia, formerly NRG, supporting its presence in the Australian market.

At Retail Show Australia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore how ME Group Australia’s self-service technologies support modern retail environments through:

Supporting Convenience Through Self-Service Innovation

ME Group’s broader international business is built around automated consumer services, with a portfolio that includes photobooths, laundry solutions, printing kiosks and other self-service and vending formats. The company continues to focus on technological innovation and digital transformation, alongside ongoing product diversification.

Its solutions are particularly relevant for retailers and site operators looking to introduce or expand self-service services, enhance customer convenience, and implement scalable, low-touch service models supported by established operational infrastructure.

According to the official company website, ME Group supports its vending estate through a 650-strong network of skilled field engineers and 24/7 remote telemetry monitoring, helping maintain, upgrade and optimise equipment across its operations. The group describes itself as an international market leader in automated self-service equipment aimed primarily at the consumer sector.

A Global Self-Service Operator with Local Relevance

Event Details:

22–24 September 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Connect with leading technology providers, explore self-service and retail innovations, and discover new ways to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Improved convenience and accessibility across high-footfall locations
Enhanced operational efficiency through automated service delivery

For retailers and commercial venue operators, this positions ME Group Australia as a business worth connecting with when exploring self-service innovation, convenience-led services and new automated retail formats.

Elvin Tan to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 on Retail Design and Customer Experience

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Elvin Tan to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 on Designing Retail Spaces That Perform

Retail as Theatre: Designing Spaces That Perform

At Retail Show Australia 2026, Elvin will present:

Retail as Theatre: Designing Spaces That Perform

As retail evolves beyond purely transactional environments, physical spaces must now perform as immersive experiences. In this session, Elvin will explore how retail environments can function as “theatre” — engaging customers through design, atmosphere and storytelling while delivering measurable commercial outcomes.

A Design-Led Approach to Retail Innovation

Since founding ElvinTan Design, Elvin has delivered over 500 projects and received multiple industry awards. His work focuses on creating spaces that are not only visually compelling but also commercially effective.

By combining design thinking with strategic intent, Elvin continues to redefine how physical retail spaces can attract, engage and retain customers in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Join Elvin Tan at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 brings together leading retailers, designers and industry experts to explore the future of retail across innovation, technology and customer experience.

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

22–24 September 2026

How retail spaces can be designed to enhance customer engagement and dwell time
The role of spatial layout, flow and atmosphere in influencing behaviour and sales performance
How storytelling, materials and lighting contribute to brand identity
How design can bridge experience and commercial success in modern retail environments

Attendees will gain insights into:

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome Elvin Tan , Founder & Creative Director of ElvinTan Design , as a featured speaker at this year’s event.

Based in Melbourne, Elvin is a leading designer specialising in retail and hospitality environments. With a Master of Architecture from RMIT and experience across multi-residential, hospitality and international commercial projects, he brings a strong architectural and design-led perspective to the future of retail.

Japan Vending Machine Industry Declines Amid Changing Retail Trends

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:34:29 GMT

Japan’s Iconic Vending Machine Industry Faces Decline Amid Changing Retail Landscape

Japan, long known as the “vending machine capital of the world,” is experiencing a significant shift as the once-dominant vending machine industry faces a steady decline.

For decades, vending machines have been a symbol of convenience and efficiency across Japan, found everywhere from city streets to remote rural areas. However, recent developments suggest that this iconic retail format is under increasing pressure from changing consumer behaviour, rising costs, and evolving retail competition.

Over the past two decades, the number of vending machines in Japan has dropped from approximately 5.6 million to 3.9 million, representing a decline of more than 30%.

Major beverage companies are now reassessing their vending machine strategies, with some choosing to reduce machine numbers or exit parts of the business entirely.

A Structural Decline in Vending Machines

Rising Costs and Operational Challenges

One of the key drivers behind the decline is the increasing cost of operations. Labour shortages, higher maintenance expenses, and rising energy prices have made it more difficult for operators to maintain profitability.

In addition, vending machines require regular restocking and servicing, further increasing operational complexity compared to other retail formats.

Traditional retail formats such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores are offering cheaper and more diverse product options, drawing consumers away from vending machines.

At the same time, consumers—especially younger generations—are increasingly favouring cashless and digital payment experiences, which many older vending machines struggle to support.

Price sensitivity in an inflationary environment is also pushing customers toward more value-driven retail channels.

Competition from Retail and Changing Consumer Behaviour

Smart and cashless vending technologies
Food-based and fresh product vending solutions
Integration with digital retail ecosystems

The shift highlights a broader trend in retail: automation alone is no longer enough—experience, pricing, and convenience must align with modern consumer expectations.

As retail continues to evolve globally, Japan’s vending machine transformation offers valuable insights into how traditional automated retail formats must adapt to remain relevant.

Reference： The Japan Times

The Role of Digital and Cashless Trends

As cashless payments and digital retail experiences become the norm, older vending machines that lack these capabilities are increasingly at a disadvantage.This shift highlights the growing importance of technology integration in automated retail environments.

What This Means for the Future of Retail

Despite the decline, vending machines are unlikely to disappear entirely. Instead, the industry is expected to evolve, with opportunities emerging in:

Gatekeeper Systems to Showcase Retail Security Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:34 GMT

Gatekeeper Systems: Advancing Retail Security and Loss Prevention

Gatekeeper Systems will showcase its latest retail security and loss prevention technologies at Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Founded in 1998, Gatekeeper Systems has built a global reputation for innovation in retail safety and asset protection. The company’s patented technologies help retailers reduce theft, improve store safety and enhance operational efficiency across large retail networks.

Today, Gatekeeper Systems protects more than 10 million shopping trolleys worldwide and serves retailers across industries including retail, hospitality, healthcare and sports venues. Its integrated solutions combine hardware, software and data insights to help retailers better understand theft behaviour, improve safety and optimise store operations.

Smart Solutions for Modern Retail

At Retail Show Australia 2026, Gatekeeper Systems will present several of its key retail security solutions designed to address some of the industry’s most pressing operational challenges.

Purchek® is a push-out theft prevention system that creates an invisible barrier at store exits to stop unpaid trolley push-outs without the need for physical gates or confrontation. The system helps reduce theft while improving staff safety.

FaceFirst® is a real-time facial matching platform that alerts retailers when known high-risk or repeat offenders enter a store, enabling staff to respond more safely and proactively.

CartControl® uses smart wheel-locking technology and boundary detection to prevent shopping trolleys from leaving store premises, reducing trolley loss and retrieval costs.

CartManager® is a motorised trolley management solution designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing the risk of injuries associated with manually moving large trolley stacks.

Global Impact Across Retail Networks

Gatekeeper Systems’ technologies are currently deployed in over 25,000 stores across 58 countries, helping retailers improve safety, reduce shrinkage and enhance operational performance.

Solutions such as Purchek have been shown to reduce push-out theft attempts by up to 80%, while complementary systems such as FaceFirst, CartControl and CartManager provide retailers with a comprehensive approach to store safety and loss prevention.

Visit Gatekeeper Systems at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retailers and industry professionals attending Retail Show Australia 2026 will have the opportunity to explore Gatekeeper Systems’ technologies and learn how these solutions are helping retailers create safer and more efficient store environments.

Andrew Hoyne Announced as Featured Speaker at Retail Show Australia 2026

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Andrew Hoyne has been announced as a featured speaker at Retail Show Australia 2026 , taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

A globally recognised expert in placemaking and retail strategy, Hoyne brings more than 30 years of experience advising developers, retailers and organisations on creating successful retail destinations.

As Founder and Principal of Hoyne The Place Economy Consultancy , Hoyne works with major organisations across Australia and internationally to shape retail precincts and mixed use developments that deliver strong economic and community outcomes.

The Place Economy and the Future of Retail Destinations

During his keynote session at Retail Show Australia 2026, Hoyne will explore the future of retail destinations through the lens of placemaking and the Place Economy. His presentation, titled “Purposeful Retail: Belonging Beats Convenience,” will examine how retail environments must evolve beyond convenience to create places people want to visit and return to.

Drawing on global research and industry insights, the session will highlight how strategic placemaking, destination design and clear place identity can help retail precincts deliver stronger commercial outcomes while building vibrant communities.

The role of placemaking in successful retail destinations
How retail precincts can evolve to meet changing consumer expectations
The impact of the Place Economy on retail and urban development
lGlobal perspectives on creating vibrant commercial environments

Hoyne is also the creator of The Place Economy, a global research platform exploring how placemaking drives stronger retail performance and more dynamic communities.

Andrew Hoyne’s keynote will provide valuable insights into how placemaking and strategic place development are shaping the future of retail destinations.

Attendees can expect to gain insights into:

Insights for Retail and Property Leaders

Bunnings Facial Recognition Trial Begins in New Zealand Ahead of Possible Australia Rollout

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Bunnings to trial facial recognition in New Zealand stores ahead of possible Australian rollout

Bunnings is trialling facial recognition technology in New Zealand as the retailer looks to strengthen store security and improve protection for team members. The trial is also being seen as an important step toward a possible facial recognition rollout across Australia.

The company plans to introduce the technology in two of its 51 New Zealand stores from April 2026. The move comes as retail businesses continue to face rising levels of theft, repeat offending and aggressive incidents directed at frontline staff.

Bunnings has made it clear that staff safety is a major driver behind the trial. The retailer says facial recognition technology could become a useful tool in identifying known offenders and helping security teams respond more effectively in-store.

The technology has previously been used in a limited Bunnings trial, where CCTV systems captured facial images on entry and compared them against a database of banned individuals or people linked to past abusive behaviour. When a match was detected, security staff were alerted. If there was no match, the data was processed and almost immediately deleted.

��Why Bunnings is investing in facial recognition technology

�� New Zealand trial to shape Australia rollout plans

The New Zealand rollout is expected to play a key role in helping Bunnings decide how to move forward in Australia. The company is taking a measured approach after a recent tribunal decision found that its use of facial recognition technology was justified in the context of fighting retail crime and protecting workers, while also making clear that stronger customer notification would be needed in any wider rollout.

Bunnings has said it hopes to gain clearer direction on its Australian rollout pathway within the next six months, although the final timing will depend on getting the settings right.

What This Means for Retail

Bunnings’ facial recognition trial in New Zealand marks an important development for the retail sector. As the business evaluates the results, the trial could become a major reference point for whether facial recognition technology will be rolled out more broadly across Australian retail.

The push for stronger security measures comes amid growing pressure on major retailers. According to Bunnings, incidents involving theft and violence across its 450 Australian stores are still rising by more than 10 per cent each year. In the first seven months of the 2026 financial year, the retailer recorded more than 20,000 incidents, or roughly 90 incidents a day.

These figures highlight why more retailers are exploring advanced store security technology, including facial recognition, as part of wider loss prevention strategies. Industry representatives say there is increasing appetite for practical frameworks that allow retailers to deploy these systems responsibly while also protecting the privacy of law-abiding shoppers.

While facial recognition technology is gaining support as a retail security solution, it remains a debated topic. Supporters argue it can help deter repeat offenders and improve worker safety. Critics warn that the technology must be carefully managed to avoid privacy issues and unintended consequences, including the possibility that crime may shift towards smaller businesses with fewer resources.

Reference: The Nightly

�� Retail crime remains a growing issue

Kmart hits 100% renewable electricity target

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Kmart hits 100% renewable electricity target

According to the company, the renewable electricity commitment now covers 448 Kmart and Target stores, 10 distribution centres and 12 offices across Australia and international operations. Electricity used at these locations is matched through a combination of on-site renewable generation and renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs).

The renewable energy supply is supported by several large-scale projects across Australia, including the New England Solar Farm in New South Wales, Numurkah Solar Farm in Victoria, Tailem Bend 2 Solar Farm in South Australia, and the Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland. In locations where electricity is supplied by landlords, Kmart Group offsets consumption by surrendering Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) to match energy use.

Alexandra Staley, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Kmart Group, said the achievement represents an important step in reducing the company’s environmental footprint.

“With hundreds of stores and distribution centres across Australia and New Zealand, reaching 100% renewable electricity for our operations is a major milestone for Kmart Group and an important step toward our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030,” Staley said.

Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson MP also welcomed the milestone, noting that large companies such as Kmart Group are demonstrating how the business sector can actively contribute to Australia’s transition to clean energy.

Since committing to the renewable electricity target, Kmart Group has also reported a 4.9% reduction in total electricity consumption compared with 2021, despite opening 10 additional stores across Australia and New Zealand. The reduction has been driven by improvements in energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems across its retail network.

The company said it will continue to focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations as part of its broader environmental strategy.

Reference：retail word magazine

Australian retailer Kmart Group has announced that it has achieved its goal of using 100% renewable electricity across its operations, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.

Australia-global-retail-testbed-7-eleven-food-led-strategy

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Australia as a Global Retail Testbed: 7-Eleven’s Food-Led Convenience Strategy

New and refurbished stores are being redesigned to support a broader ready-to-eat and private-label offer. Ranges now include fried chicken, pizza, and locally adapted Japanese favourites such as egg sandwiches and onigiri, aimed at lifting basket size and visit frequency.

“We’re looking at Australia to test our capability, as well as come up with the winning formula,” said Shin Abe, chairman of both 7-Eleven International and the Australian business. “That’s our vision.”

More than 150 of the retailer’s 763 Australian stores have already been upgraded with enhanced kitchen equipment to support the expanded hot-food range.

The Australian rollout sits alongside broader global ambitions, which aim to expand its footprint to 30 countries this decade. In North America, 7-Eleven plans to open 1,300 new stores by 2030 as part of a renewed focus on foodservice-led growth.

These strategic shifts toward food-centric, high-margin retail models align perfectly with the key themes and discussions taking place at Retail Show Australia . Taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event brings together global retail leaders, innovators, and practitioners to explore the future of convenience, foodservice, and omnichannel retail — making it the ideal platform to shape the next era of retail growth.

7-Eleven Australia is targeting 1,000 stores nationally by 2030 as its Japanese parent, Seven & I Holdings, tests whether its foodled convenience model can scale beyond Asia.

According to Bloomberg, the expansion follows the 2024 acquisition of the Australian business for approximately $1.7 billion (US$1.2 billion). The group views Australia as a strategic proving ground for its Japanstyle format, which prioritises fresh food and daily essentials over traditional fuel and tobacco sales.

Retail Show Australia 2026 Partners with AFGC to Drive Insights in Food & Grocery Retail

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:00:02 GMT

Retail Show Australia 2026 Partners with AFGC to Drive Insights in Food & Grocery Retail

Scheduled from 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Retail Show Australia 2026 will showcase innovations and insights across retail, with a dedicated focus on the food and grocery industry. Through its partnership with AFGC, the show will provide attendees with access to thought leadership, industry best practices, and opportunities to engage directly with senior professionals shaping the sector.

�� Exhibition & Food & Grocery Focus

�� AFGC’s Core Contributions

As the peak body representing Australia’s food, beverage, and grocery supply industry, AFGC works to:

Highlighting this partnership, Bernie Brookes AM, Chair of AFGC, will be speaking at Retail Show Australia 2026. His session, titled “The Changing Nature of Retail”, will explore emerging trends, evolving consumer expectations, and the strategic implications for food and grocery retail businesses. This presentation offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights directly from one of the industry’s most influential leaders.

This collaboration reflects Retail Show Australia’s ongoing commitment to providing a platform where retailers, suppliers, and industry associations come together to share knowledge, foster innovation, and shape the future of retail in Australia.

�� Spotlight on Bernie Brookes AM

Promote ideas and policies to sustain industry competitiveness
Improve trading conditions for members
Support growth, profitability, and innovation in the sector

Retail Show Australia 2026 is proud to announce its partnership with the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC), the peak industry association for Australia’s food, beverage, and grocery supply sector. This collaboration underscores Retail Show Australia’s commitment to connecting retailers with key industry leaders and driving knowledge exchange across the sector.

�� Event Details:

22–24 September 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry leaders, gain actionable insights, and explore the latest developments in Australia’s retail and food & grocery sector.

Cross-Industry Excellence: ASCI Strengthens Retail Show Australia 2026 for Year-Two Collaboration

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:45:00 GMT

The Australian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI) has officially partnered with Retail Show Australia f or the second consecutive year , marking a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration. This continued partnership not only reinforces professional development and industry recognition within Australia’s supply chain sector but also strengthens the exhibition’s role as a premier platform connecting retailers and supply chain professionals nationwide.

Scheduled at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 22–24 September 2026, Retail Show Australia 2026 will feature a dedicated focus on supply chain innovation, professional excellence, and operational efficiency. The collaboration with ASCI ensures the show serves as a key platform for industry networking, trend exchange, and professional growth, bridging opportunities across Australia’s retail and supply chain ecosystem.

�� Exhibition & Supply Chain Zone Overview

�� ASCI’s Core Contributio ns

As the official voice of supply chain professionals in Australia, ASCI brings its extensive member network, professional accreditation, and continued professional development programs to RSA2026, enabling the show to:

This milestone partnership delivers multi-dimensional value:

�� Strategic Significance of the Year-Two Collaboration

Enhance professional engagement and career growth opportunities for attendees
Connect retailers with industry-leading supply chain insights and solutions
Recognize and celebrate career achievements under an industry-recognised accreditation scheme

Strengthens the show’s status as a benchmark event for the retail and supply chain industry in Australia
Deepens professional resource integration and collaboration across the sector
Promotes knowledge sharing, industry innovation, and operational excellence
Provides sustained momentum for career advancement and professional recognition

With ASCI’s continued support, Retail Show Australia 2026 is set to be a dynamic hub connecting retailers, suppliers, and supply chain professionals, driving growth, insight, and innovation across Australia’s retail sector.

�� Save the Dates:

22–24 September 2026, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Join us to explore the latest in retail and supply chain excellence, and experience the benefits of this landmark collaboration!

Colour, Culture, Meaningful Design for Every Space

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Colour, Culture, Meaningful Design for Every Space

Illumina Design is an official exhibitor at Retail Show, presenting bespoke art and design solutions that celebrate colour, culture and connection.

Based in Western Australia, Illumina Design is a creative design studio dedicated to transforming commercial, residential and public spaces through handcrafted, meaningful design. Founded by creative director Sally Harding, the studio brings together global inspiration and strong local insight, infusing every project with artistic integrity, storytelling and a deep respect for place.

From retail and hospitality environments to public art, monuments and bespoke design installations, Illumina Design redefines how spaces are experienced—moving beyond functionality to create environments that inspire, connect and endure.

Illumina Design creates one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces including vibrant glass tiles, mosaics, symbolic yarning circles, monuments, statues and architectural entrance statements. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and crafted to suit its specific environment, purpose and audience.

Working closely with Indigenous and local communities, Illumina Design delivers culturally respectful installations that honour heritage, memory and place. These collaborations ensure each project tells a meaningful story while creating long-lasting visual and emotional impact within the space it inhabits.

Where Craftsmanship Meets Culture and Place

Tailored Design for Diverse Environments

Illumina Design’s work spans a wide range of settings, including commercial interiors, hospitality fit-outs, boardroom statement artworks, public monuments, sacred spaces and residential commissions. Every design is meticulously customised to enhance ambience, reinforce identity and create a strong sense of connection between people and place.

The studio’s portfolio includes major Indigenous public art installations, public monument restoration projects, bespoke mosaic artworks for commercial environments, and deeply meaningful works such as custom-designed memorial pieces and symbolic structures.

One of its most notable projects, Colour at Karrakatta Cemetery, transformed sacred spaces through a thoughtful infusion of colour—creating a harmonious balance between reverence and artistic expression within a serene setting.

Global Capability, Reliable Delivery

Illumina Design offers end-to-end design services, product manufacturing and international delivery. With its own glass and tile foundry, warehouse facilities and an established global supply chain, the studio is equipped to deliver bespoke projects on time and on budget—anywhere in the world.

Visit Illumina Design at Retail Show

Visitors can meet Illumina Design in the Shopfitting and Design Exhibit Zone, Booth 383, to explore how bespoke art and design can elevate commercial, residential and public spaces with meaning, beauty and innovation.

From AI Factories to AI Retail: Why the Samsung–NVIDIA Alliance Signals a New Era for Retail

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:30:00 GMT

From AI Factories to AI Retail: Why the Samsung–NVIDIA Alliance Signals a New Era for Retail

The recent announcement of Samsung partnering with NVIDIA to build an advanced AI-powered “AI Factory” marks more than a milestone in semiconductor manufacturing. It represents a fundamental shift in how artificial intelligence will be embedded across global industries — including retail.

While the collaboration centres on AI-driven chip production, digital twins and large-scale GPU infrastructure, the broader implications extend well beyond manufacturing. For retail leaders, this development signals acceleration in AI capability, scalability and affordability — all of which will shape the next generation of commerce.

Samsung’s AI factory will integrate tens of thousands of NVIDIA GPUs to power intelligent automation, predictive systems and digital twin simulations. At its core, this initiative demonstrates what happens when AI moves from experimentation to industrial-scale deployment.

AI at Industrial Scale: Why It Matters for Retail

For retail, this transition is critical.

Over the past few years, retailers have explored AI in isolated use cases: recommendation engines, chatbots, demand forecasting tools. What this partnership shows is that AI is no longer a feature layered onto operations — it is becoming core infrastructure.

As AI computing power expands and becomes more accessible, retail businesses will be able to:

One of the most immediate downstream impacts of large-scale AI infrastructure will be in supply chain optimisation.

AI factories rely heavily on predictive maintenance, real-time production monitoring and digital twin modelling. These same technologies are increasingly applicable to retail supply chains.

Imagine:

Smarter Supply Chains Through Predictive Intelligence

Run more complex predictive models in real time
Process multimodal data (voice, image, video, sensor inputs) seamlessly
Scale automation across physical and digital operations
Deploy advanced digital twins for operational simulation

Simulating inventory flows across distribution centres before peak season
Predicting stockouts with far greater accuracy
Running real-time logistics optimisation based on weather, demand spikes and regional sales data
Modelling fulfilment network performance before launching a new product

This is the foundation of AI-native retail.

As AI processing capacity grows, these simulations become more detailed and faster to execute. Retailers will shift from reactive supply chain management to predictive orchestration.

The result: lower waste, improved margins and greater resilience in volatile markets.

Digital Twins: From Factories to Flagship Stores

Samsung’s use of NVIDIA Omniverse to create digital twins of manufacturing environments highlights another transformative concept for retail.

Digital twins — virtual replicas of physical environments — are rapidly gaining relevance in store operations and customer experience design.

Testing store layouts virtually before physical rollouts
Simulating customer traffic patterns
Optimising product placement based on behavioural heatmaps
Planning seasonal campaigns with data-backed projections

Retail applications could include:

As AI-driven simulation tools become more powerful and affordable, retailers will increasingly design stores in the digital world before building them in reality.

This reduces risk, accelerates innovation and enables experimentation at scale.

The Samsung–NVIDIA collaboration also emphasises robotics and intelligent automation — technologies that are already reshaping warehousing and logistics.

For retail, this signals acceleration in:

The Rise of AI-Driven Automation in Physical Retail

Autonomous warehouse robotics
AI-powered picking and packing systems
Intelligent restocking solutions
Computer vision-based loss prevention
Checkout-free or frictionless store models

These innovations depend on high-performance AI inference — the ability to process large volumes of real-time data instantly. As GPU infrastructure scales globally, retailers will gain access to increasingly sophisticated automation tools without building the infrastructure themselves.

This democratisation of AI capability will narrow the gap between global giants and mid-sized retailers.

Hyper-Personalisation Becomes Truly Real-Time

Perhaps the most visible impact for consumers will be in customer experience.

The computing power enabled by large-scale AI infrastructure allows for more advanced models that integrate voice, image and behavioural data simultaneously.

Real-time personalised recommendations
Context-aware shopping assistants
AI-powered visual search
Predictive promotions tailored to individual purchasing patterns
More intuitive conversational commerce

In retail, this translates into:

As multimodal AI models improve, retail engagement will become more fluid and human-like — whether online, in-app or in-store.

This is not simply about better algorithms. It is about a shift toward AI systems that understand customer intent at a deeper level.

Large-scale investments in AI infrastructure by technology leaders tend to drive broader ecosystem maturity. Over time, this leads to:

Lower Barriers to Adoption

Reduced cost of AI computing
More accessible cloud-based AI services
Faster innovation cycles for AI-enabled retail platforms
Greater availability of off-the-shelf AI tools

For retailers, this means advanced capabilities that were once limited to global enterprises will increasingly become standard operational tools.

AI will no longer be a competitive advantage on its own — it will become a baseline expectation.

A Strategic Signal for Retail Leaders

The Samsung–NVIDIA partnership is not just about semiconductor production. It is a strategic signal that AI is moving into its industrial phase.

For retail leaders, the key takeaway is clear:

AI investment is shifting from experimentation to infrastructure.

Retailers that continue to treat AI as a marketing add-on or isolated pilot risk falling behind. The next decade of retail will be defined by organisations that integrate AI deeply into supply chain, merchandising, operations and customer engagement.

The question is no longer whether AI will transform retail — but how quickly retailers are prepared to adapt.

As AI factories, digital twins and intelligent automation become mainstream across industries, retail stands at a pivotal intersection.

The retailers that succeed will be those who:

Looking Ahead

Invest in scalable AI architecture
Reimagine operations through predictive modelling
Leverage digital simulations before physical execution
Embed AI into every layer of the customer journey

The Samsung–NVIDIA alliance may be rooted in manufacturing — but its ripple effects will reshape commerce globally.

Retail is entering its AI-native era.

Woolworths Partners with Google AI to Transform the Retail Experience

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:45:00 GMT

Woolworths Partners with Google AI to Transform the Retail Experience

Woolworths has teamed up with Google Cloud to pilot Gemini Enterprise , an advanced AI platform designed to enhance the end-to-end customer experience. This collaboration marks a significant step in how AI is shaping modern retail, moving beyond simple chatbots to intelligent digital shopping agents that actively support customers throughout their journey.

Gemini Enterprise functions as a digital concierge for shoppers. It can process voice, image, and video inputs, remember customer preferences, resolve fulfilment issues in real time, and even assist with cart management and checkout — all with the customer’s consent. This technology allows Woolworths to evolve its digital assistant into a proactive partner , capable of helping plan meals, highlighting specials, and streamlining everyday shopping tasks.

A Google Cloud spokesperson explains, “By combining the best of Google Cloud’s AI capabilities with a retailer’s own operational knowledge, businesses can deliver a truly personalised commerce journey, from initial discovery to post-purchase support.”

A Digital Shopping Agent, Not Just a Chatbot

Why This Matters for Retailers

AI-powered shopping agents like Gemini Enterprise offer a range of benefits for retailers:

Connecting to Retail Show Australia 2026

Always-on, context-aware support: Customers receive assistance at every touchpoint, seamlessly and instantly.
End-to-end customer journey integration: From product discovery to after-sales service, AI maintains continuity across interactions.
Hyper-personalisation at scale: Shoppers experience recommendations and offers tailored to their preferences and needs.
Action-oriented intelligence: Unlike traditional chatbots, these agents can execute tasks on behalf of customers, reducing friction and enhancing convenience.

These kinds of AI innovations are shaping the future of retail — a topic that will be explored in depth at Retail Show Australia 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders, including Thu Ya Kyaw, Senior Developer Advocate at Google Cloud, who will share practical perspectives on how AI can solve real-world retail challenges and improve the customer experience.

For Woolworths, this technology is being integrated into its existing digital assistant, Olive, turning it into an intuitive partner that anticipates needs and helps customers make smarter shopping decisions.

As retailers increasingly experiment with AI-driven, agentic commerce solutions, platforms like Gemini Enterprise demonstrate the potential of intelligent technology to enhance efficiency, personalise interactions, and create seamless shopping experiences.

Speaker Video: Bernie Brookes AM on Navigating Change, AI and Uncertainty in Australian Retail

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Speaker Video: Bernie Brookes AM on Navigating Change, AI and Uncertainty in Australian Retail

Retail Show Australia 2026 is excited to welcome Bernie Brookes AM , one of Australia’s most respected retail and business leaders, as a keynote speaker at the upcoming event in Melbourne.

In this exclusive speaker video, Bernie Brookes AM shares a preview of his keynote session, where he will examine the rapidly changing nature of retail and manufacturing in Australia—and what leaders must do to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain environment.

Bernie currently chairs a number of listed and unlisted companies and works closely with private equity firms as well as small, medium, and large businesses. He is also Chair of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) , the peak body representing Australia’s food, drink, and grocery manufacturing sector. The AFGC represents member companies with $162 billion in annual turnover, employs over 280,000 people, and accounts for 32% of Australia’s manufacturing output.

In his keynote, Bernie will explore how retail and manufacturing are being reshaped by a powerful combination of forces—including AI and emerging technologies , evolving consumer behaviour, and the rise of marketplaces and social commerce. He will discuss why understanding and adapting to these shifts is now critical for long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Bernie will also address the growing impact of global and geopolitical influences on Australian retail, and what this means for businesses operating in an era defined by uncertainty. From transformation and resilience to leadership and strategic decision-making, his session will provide valuable insights into how organisations can navigate disruption and build a stronger future.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience across retail, manufacturing, and corporate governance, Bernie’s keynote promises practical perspectives, candid observations, and lessons learned from a lifetime in business.

�� Bernie Brookes AM will speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 on 22 September 2026 in Melbourne, joining industry leaders to explore the future of retail, technology, and consumer engagement.

Watch the full speaker video and join us at Retail Show Australia 2026 to gain first-hand insights into how retail leaders can adapt, transform, and thrive in a rapidly changi ng world.

Cross-Regional Synergy: HKFEC Empowers E-Commerce Zone of RSA2026 for Upgrade

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:00:03 GMT

Cross-Regional Synergy: HKFEC Empowers E-Commerce Zone of RSA2026 for Upgrade

Recently, the Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce (HKFEC) officially became the Official Supporting Organization of Retail Show Australia 2026 (RSA2026), with both parties entering into a strategic partnership. This cross-border collaboration not only injects key cross-regional resource advantages into the exhibition’s E-Commerce Zone but also holds great significance for the show to establish itself as a benchmark event for retail and e-commerce in the Asia-Pacific region and deepen cross-border industrial integration.

Scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from September 22 to 24, 2026, RSA2026’s E-Commerce Zone focuses on core directions such as online retail innovation, cross-border business expansion, and channel integration. It serves as a vital platform for industry resource docking and trend exchange.

�� Exhibition & E-Commerce Zone Overview

�� HKFEC’s Core Contributions

As a central hub of Hong Kong’s e-commerce industry, HKFEC will leverage its extensive member network and regional influence to:

This partnership deeply aligns with the complementary nature of industrial resources across the region, delivering multi-dimensional value:

�� Strategic Significance of the Collaboration

Expand the E-Commerce Zone’s promotional reach across the Asia-Pacific
Attract more high-quality cross-border enterprises and resources
Build a precise docking bridge for retail and e-commerce enterprises across the Asia-Pacific region

Helps the exhibition break regional boundaries and enhance international standards and industrial radiation power
Opens up smooth cross-border cooperation channels for all participants
Promotes resource integration and coordinated development of the Asia-Pacific retail and e-commerce industry
Injects sustained momentum into industrial innovation and upgrading

With HKFEC’s strong support, RSA2026’s E-Commerce Zone is poised to become a dynamic cross-regional hub that connects opportunities, shares insights, and drives collaborative growth. Mark your calendars for September 22–24 in Melbourne, and join the gathering of retail and e-commerce leaders to explore new possibilities in the Asia-Pacific’s thriving market!

Meet the Keynote Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:00:01 GMT

Meet the Keynote Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026 

Retail Show Australia 2026 is proud to present an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, bringing together global retail leaders, innovators, and experts.

Here’s a preview of the thought leaders you’ll hear from and the topics they’ll be exploring:

Thu Ya Kyaw

Senior Developer Advocate | Google Cloud

Thu Ya Kyaw helps developers and businesses learn, develop, deploy, and scale applications on Google Cloud. Passionate about AI, he shares practical insights on solving real-world problems using emerging technologies.

Keynote: Google AI Innovations for the Retail Industry

How AI is transforming retail with generative AI, visual & product discovery
Image and video generation
Virtual try-on and personalisation

ShiSh Shridhar has nearly three decades of experience at Microsoft, working with global retailers to harness AI, machine learning, and agentic systems. Recognised as a top retail technology influencer, he champions disruptive innovation and helps startups scale.

Global Director, Retail & CPG Startups | Microsoft for Startups

Transition from task automation to autonomous decision-making
What makes an AI system truly agentic
Multi-agent architectures across merchandising, marketing, and supply chain
Transforming customer experience, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage

Keynote: Agentic AI in Retail: From Task Automation to Business Autonomy

ShiSh Shridhar

Keynote: The Changing Nature of Retail

Chairman | Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC)

Bernie Brookes AM

One of Australia’s most respected retail leaders, Bernie Brookes has held senior executive roles across Myer, Woolworths, and international retailers. He is an Order of Australia recipient and a United Nations HeForShe Ambassador.

Leveraging AI and emerging technologies
Adapting to shifts in consumer behaviour and social trends
Navigating geopolitical and regulatory impacts
Building leadership and resilience in a changing retail landscape

Understanding the escalating frequency, severity, and cost of retail crime
Frontline insights from independent retailers
Advocacy and practical reforms with governments and enforcement agencies

Martin Stirling brings deep expertise in Industrial Relations and Employment Law, advocating for family-owned and independent retailers. His keynote explores MGA’s approach to rising retail crime and the practical reforms being pursued.

Martin Stirling

Chief Executive Officer | Master Grocers Australia

Keynote: From the Shopfloor to Parliament: MGA Taking on Retail Crime

Adam Posner

Moving from price-led mechanics to emotional connectivity
Eight opportunities to enhance loyalty beyond financial rewards
Building emotional equity through loyalty “memory makers”
Insights from the For Love or Money™ 2026 research series

Chief Executive Officer | The Point of Loyalty

Keynote: Lifting Retail Loyalty Programs from Discount Dependency to Emotional Equity

Adam Posner is a loyalty strategist with decades of experience across retail, hospitality, financial services, and B2B sectors. Creator of the “Joyalty* Program” concept, he helps organisations evolve their loyalty programs beyond discounts.

With over 25 years in retail and brand leadership, Nick Gray advises global organisations on behavioural change, technology disruption, and consumer expectations. He helps leaders build future-ready strategies for human–machine collaboration.

Core awareness as a source of competitive advantage
Building brands that are machine-trustworthy and human-loved
Leadership capabilities for human–machine collaboration in retail

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | IGU Global

Keynote: THE HUMAN OPERATING SYSTEM: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the New Architecture of Retail Leadership

Nick Gray

This lineup promises actionable insights, inspiring ideas, and forward-looking perspectives for anyone shaping the future of retail. Don’t miss your chance to learn from these industry leaders at Retail Show Australia 2026.

Modern, Flexible, Effortless Apparel Displays

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Modern, Flexible, Effortless Apparel Displays

Honorgy is an official exhibitor at Retail Show, bringing smart metal display solutions designed to help retailers and exhibitors create clean, premium apparel merchandising spaces—quickly and efficiently.

Founded in 2022, Honorgy is backed by over a decade of industry experience in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality hardware products. The company specialises in versatile metal display solutions serving retail stores, supermarkets, showrooms, and exhibition environments worldwide. Its products are trusted by international retail brands and exhibition professionals for their durability, flexibility, and modern aesthetic.

Visitors can meet Honorgy in the Hall Shopfitting and Design , Booth 380, where the team will showcase garment display solutions built specifically for today’s fast-paced retail and exhibition settings. Designed with minimalist styling and practical functionality, Honorgy’s display systems help brands present apparel collections clearly and effectively while reducing setup time and operational effort.

Designed for speed and simplicity

One of the highlights on display is the Honorgy HO-RZ-182 garment display rack, a freestanding solution engineered for fast, tool-free assembly. The intuitive design allows retailers and exhibitors to set up displays straight out of the box, significantly reducing labour costs and installation time—an ideal solution for store refits, pop-ups, and trade shows.

Lightweight construction with lasting durability

Crafted from chrome-finished metal, the HO-RZ-182 weighs just 4 kg while maintaining excellent stability and structural strength. This balance of lightweight construction and durability makes it easy to reposition or reconfigure layouts without compromising long-term performance.

Customisable for diverse retail environments

Honorgy offers full customisation options to suit different merchandising and spatial requirements. From flagship retail stores to overseas exhibition booths, specifications can be tailored to support unique display concepts, branding styles, and layout needs.

Optimised for global transport

Designed with international logistics in mind, the HO-RZ-182 features compact packaging (140 × 7 × 50 cm, gross weight 5 kg), ensuring cost-effective shipping and safe long-distance transportation. This makes it a reliable choice for global retailers and exhibitors operating across multiple markets.

With proven success across international retail and exhibition projects, Honorgy display solutions have helped businesses streamline setup processes, enhance visual merchandising, and elevate product presentation.

Visit Honorgy at Retail Show — Hall Shopfitting and Design, Booth 380 — and discover how smart, flexible display solutions can support more efficient and impactful apparel merchandising.

Martin Stirling Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Featured Speaker

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:00:01 GMT

Retail Show Australia is pleased to announce that Martin Stirling, Chief Executive Officer of Master Grocers Australia (MGA) , will join the speaker line-up for Retail Show Australia 2026 , taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

With an extensive background in Industrial Relations and Employment Law , Martin is a highly respected advocate for independent, family-owned and privately operated retail businesses across Australia. His career spans private enterprise, not-for-profit organisations, and government, where he has served as a trusted legal and business advisor across multiple industries.

A Leading Voice for Independent Retailers

As CEO of Master Grocers Australia, Martin leads a dedicated team of professionals committed to ensuring MGA members have the skills, knowledge, confidence and strategic guidance required to navigate today’s increasingly complex retail environment.

He is widely recognised for his passion for supporting retailers to comply with legal obligations, strengthen their operations, grow sustainably, and create employment opportunities within their communities. Martin’s work sits at the intersection of retail operations, workforce strategy, policy advocacy and government engagement — giving him a unique and influential perspective on the challenges facing the sector.

Session Highlight: From the Shopfloor to Parliament — MGA Taking on Retail Crime

Session title: From the Shopfloor to Parliament: MGA Taking on Retail Crime

Retail crime is escalating in frequency, severity and cost, placing growing pressure on independent retailers and their frontline teams. In this session, Martin will provide a preview of MGA’s current crime prevention agenda and advocacy program , drawing directly from insights gathered from independent retailers across Australia.

Attendees will hear:

What MGA is hearing from retailers on the frontline
How real-world shopfloor experiences are shaping advocacy priorities
The practical reforms MGA is pushing for with governments and enforcement agencies
Why collaboration between industry, policymakers and law enforcement is critical to addressing retail crime

This session offers a timely and practical examination of one of the most urgent issues impacting the retail industry today.

Part of a World-Class Speaker Line-Up

Martin Stirling joins a distinguished line-up of industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers at Retail Show Australia 2026, where the sector will come together to explore the forces shaping the future of retail across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will deliver three days of thought leadership , innovation showcases and high-level networking, covering topics including retail technology, AI, workforce strategy, leadership, customer experience and industry advocacy.

Join us this September at MCEC to hear from Martin Stirling and other industry experts tackling the most pressing challenges — and opportunities — facing modern retail.

Adam Posner Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Featured Speaker

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Retail Show Australia is proud to announce that Adam Posner, CEO of The Point of Loyalty, will join the speaker line-up for Retail Show Australia 2026 , taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

With a career in customer loyalty spanning more than three decades, Adam is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most respected authorities on loyalty strategy and program design. Since beginning his loyalty journey in 1994 with the launch of the pioneering Scratch & Save shopping centre loyalty platform, Adam has remained at the forefront of how brands build meaningful, long-term customer relationships.

A Leader Redefining Loyalty Beyond Discounts

In 2007, Adam founded the direct marketing agency Directivity , before establishing The Point of Loyalty in 2017 as an independent advisory dedicated to helping organisations build high-performing, future-ready loyalty assets.

Adam is the creator of the philosophy “The new loyalty program is a Joyalty™ Program”, championing a shift away from transactional, discount-led models towards emotionally engaging loyalty experiences. Through a relentless focus on creating Joyalty™ Moments of Magic, he has designed and deployed loyalty strategies across a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, hotels and holiday parks, childcare, financial services, health insurance, shopping centres, leisure and entertainment, education, trade, and B2B.

Session Highlight:

Lifting Retail Loyalty Programs from Discount Dependency to Emotional Equity

Session title: Lifting Retail Loyalty Programs from Discount Dependency to Emotional

In this session, Adam will challenge conventional thinking around loyalty programs and demonstrate how retailers can escape the “discount trap.” Drawing on real-world case studies and proprietary research, he will explore how emotional equity, customer experience, and program design can work together to deliver sustainable growth and deeper customer advocacy.

Key themes will include:

Rethinking Loyalty: Why discount-led programs are no longer enough in today’s retail environment.
Emotional Equity: How to build loyalty programs that customers genuinely value and enjoy.
Joyalty™ in Action: Creating Moments of Magic that drive engagement and long-term loyalty.
Measurement That Matters: Using SPVx™ to benchmark, improve, and future-proof loyalty programs.

Attendees can expect practical frameworks, strategic insights, and actionable ideas to help transform loyalty programs into powerful brand assets.

Part of a World-Class Speaker Line-Up

Adam Posner joins a world-class line-up of speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026, where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers will come together to explore the future of retail across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Across three days, Retail Show Australia 2026 will deliver thought leadership, innovation showcases, and high-value networking — covering retail technology, AI, leadership, customer experience, loyalty, and commercial strategy.

Join us at MCEC this September to hear from Adam Posner and other industry experts shaping what’s next for retail.

Since 2013, Adam has commissioned and authored 19 in-depth Australian and New Zealand loyalty research studies under the For Love or Money™ banner. This extensive body of research laid the foundation for the Loyalty Program Experience Index (SPVx™) — a member-based benchmark that rates loyalty programs on how Simple (S), Personal (P) and Valuable (V) they are to customers. Today, SPVx™ is widely regarded as a go-to framework for loyalty program evaluation and improvement.

Research-Driven Insights That Shape the Industry

Green Retail: From Marketing Message to Core Business Strategy

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 01:45:00 GMT

Green Retail: From Marketing Message to Core Business Strategy

Green retail is no longer a “nice-to-have” initiative. Across Australia and globally, it is fast becoming a fundamental requirement for retail survival and long-term growth.

As consumers increasingly prioritise brands powered by renewable energy, ESG criteria become embedded in supply chain decision-making, and technologies such as solar power, energy storage and intelligent energy management systems enter everyday store operations, sustainability has moved well beyond branding or corporate responsibility messaging. It is now a core operational and strategic issue for the retail sector.

For retailers with hands-on industry experience, one reality is clear: low-carbon transformation is not about a single action or quick win. It requires a system-wide shift that spans procurement, operations and customer engagement.

At the procurement level, retailers are working with lower-carbon suppliers, reducing reliance on single-use packaging and collaborating across supply chains to cut emissions at the source. These changes not only reduce environmental impact but also improve transparency, compliance and long-term supplier resilience.

At the operational level, renewable energy is reshaping how stores function. Solar-powered retail locations, battery storage for energy resilience and smart energy management systems are transforming unused rooftops into productive assets. The result is lower energy costs, greater stability during peak demand or outages, and measurable reductions in carbon emissions.

At the customer experience level, retailers are responding to the rise of conscious consumption. Initiatives such as refill and take-back programs, packaging-free shopping, and integrated online-to-offline fulfilment models are aligning with evolving consumer expectations while creating meaningful differentiation in a competitive market.

A Whole-of-Business Transformation

Environmental Value Meets Commercial Value

Across Australia, leading retailers are already demonstrating that sustainability and profitability are not opposing forces.

From Woolworths expanding solar installations across hundreds of stores as part of its journey toward 100% renewable electricity, to MECCA Brands embedding sustainability into beauty sourcing and supplier partnerships, and retailers across multiple categories adopting integrated solar, storage and EV charging solutions — the message is consistent. The future of retail lies in aligning environmental value with commercial value.

Green retail delivers tangible business outcomes: reduced operating costs, improved brand trust, stronger customer loyalty and more resilient supply chains in an increasingly ESG-driven global economy.

This shift toward green retail is exactly why Retail Show Australia plays a critical role in the industry.

As Australia’s leading retail industry event, Retail Show Australia brings together retailers, solution providers, technology leaders and sustainability innovators to showcase real-world applications of green retail. From renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to smart retail technology and sustainable operations, the show provides a platform where ideas move beyond theory into practice.

Retail Show Australia is not about sustainability as a side conversation. It is about how green retail, energy innovation and operational efficiency intersect to shape the next generation of retail businesses.

The Role of Retail Show Australia

Green Retail Is the New Baseline

For retailers, the low-carbon transition is not a burden — it is an opportunity. An opportunity to reduce costs through energy efficiency, attract the next generation of consumers, strengthen ESG credentials and future-proof operations against rising energy prices and regulatory pressures.

Looking ahead, sustainability will no longer be a differentiator. It will be the baseline. Retail competition will increasingly become a competition of low-carbon capability.

Retail Show Australia will continue to focus on green retail, renewable energy integration and sustainable innovation, bringing industry leaders together to explore practical pathways forward and share real-world experience.

The future of retail is low-carbon — and Retail Show Australia is where that future takes shape.

ShiSh Shridhar Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Featured Speaker

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 01:30:05 GMT

Retail Show Australia is pleased to announce that ShiSh Shridhar , Global Director for Retail & CPG Startups at Microsoft for Startups, will join the speaker line-up for Retail Show Australia 2026 , taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

With nearly three decades at Microsoft and more than 15 years working alongside the world’s leading retailers and consumer brands, ShiSh brings deep expertise in applying AI, machine learning, agentic systems and emerging technologies to solve complex retail challenges. His work focuses on helping retailers and founders scale innovation, unlock new operating models, and drive meaningful business outcomes through cloud and intelligent technologies.

A Global Voice in Intelligent Retail Transformation

As Global Director for Retail & CPG Startups at Microsoft for Startups, ShiSh works at the forefront of retail innovation, partnering with organisations to navigate rapid technological change and build future-ready capabilities. He is widely recognised as a champion of disruptive retail innovation and a trusted advisor to both established enterprises and fast-growing startups.

A frequent speaker at major international industry forums, ShiSh is recognised among the RETHINK Retail Top Retail Experts and the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers. He is also regarded as a leading global voice on agentic commerce and intelligent retail transformation, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI will fundamentally reshape the retail operating model.

Session Highlight:

Agentic AI in Retail – From Task Automation to Business Autonomy

Session title: Agentic AI in Retail: From Task Automation to Business Autonomy

Retail is entering a new phase of AI adoption. The focus is shifting from tools that assist people to intelligent systems that can sense, reason and act autonomously on behalf of the business.

In this keynote, ShiSh will explore how retailers are evolving from task automation to true business autonomy, and how

agentic AI is transforming merchandising, marketing, supply chain and store operations. Drawing on real-world industry examples and emerging standards, the session will provide a practical lens on what it takes to design, govern and scale agentic systems inside modern retail organisations.

Key themes will include:

Agentic AI Fundamentals: What makes an AI system truly agentic and how it differs from traditional automation
Autonomous Retail Operations: How multi-agent architectures are reshaping retail operating models
Competitive Advantage: Why agentic AI will redefine customer experience, efficiency and performance
Practical Implementation: Building, governing and scaling intelligent systems in real retail environments

Attendees can expect clear, actionable insights into how agentic AI is moving retail beyond incremental optimisation toward intelligent, autonomous decision-making at scale.

Part of a World-Class Speaker Line-Up

ShiSh Shridhar joins a distinguished line-up of global speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026 , where industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers will come together to explore the technologies, strategies and leadership approaches shaping the future of retail across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will deliver three days of thought leadership, innovation showcases and high-value networking, covering everything from AI and retail technology to leadership, customer experience and commercial strategy.

Join us at MCEC this September to hear from ShiSh Shridhar and other industry experts redefining what’s next for retail.

What EB Games’ Closures Reveal About the Future of ANZ Retail

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

What EB Games’ Closures Reveal About the Future of ANZ Retail

The recent decision by EB Games to close all 38 of its New Zealand stores while scaling back selected locations in Australia has sparked widespread discussion across the retail industry. While the headlines focus on store closures, the deeper story is not about decline — it is about structural change.

For retailers, brands, and industry leaders across Australia and New Zealand, EB Games’ move offers several important insights into where the region’s retail sector is heading.

One of the most striking aspects of this development is the contrast between markets.

EB Games continues to operate a large network in Australia, yet has chosen to exit New Zealand entirely . This highlights a critical shift in retail strategy: markets are now assessed individually, not regionally.

New Zealand presents unique challenges — a smaller population base, high operating costs, and complex logistics. When combined with rising digital adoption, maintaining a large physical footprint becomes increasingly difficult to justify.

1. Scale No Longer Guarantees Security

2. The Role of the Physical Store Is Being Redefined

EB Games’ situation underscores a broader truth across retail: physical stores that exist purely to sell products are under pressure.

In categories like gaming, where digital downloads and subscription models are growing rapidly, traditional transaction-based retail is losing relevance. What still holds value is experience.

Brand experience centres
Community hubs
Discovery and engagement spaces
Destinations for exclusive or limited-edition products

The stores that remain viable are those that function as:

Industry insight:

Retailers can no longer rely on an “ANZ-wide” strategy. Each market now requires its own profitability model, store format, and growth plan.

Industry insight:

The future of brick-and-mortar retail is not about volume — it is about purpose. Stores must justify their existence beyond sales alone.

3. Store Closures Signal Optimisation, Not Collapse

Industry insight:

Success is increasingly measured by store productivity, customer lifetime value, and omnichannel efficiency — not by total store count.

It is important to separate retail contraction from retail decline.

In Australia, EB Games is not withdrawing from the market. Instead, it is closing underperforming locations, renegotiating leases, and concentrating resources on stronger-performing stores.

This mirrors a wider global trend:

Fewer stores
Higher-quality locations
Greater integration between online and offline channels

This creates challenges, but also opportunities.

5. Key Takeaways for Retail Leaders

Industry insight:

While international brands may retreat, local and agile retailers — with lighter operating models and deeper local knowledge — are well positioned to fill the gap.

Redefine the purpose of physical stores — from sales outlets to brand and experience platforms
Optimise before expanding — quality of stores matters more than quantity
Design lighter formats for smaller markets — including pop-ups, shop-in-shop, and hybrid models
Ensure digital channels are independently profitable — not just supporting physical retail
Plan exit strategies early — resilience includes knowing when and how to withdraw without damaging brand equity

The EB Games case offers several practical lessons for retailers across Australia and New Zealand:

4. New Zealand Is Becoming a Higher-Risk Market for Global Retailers

The complete exit from New Zealand sends a clear message to international brands.

As global retailers face tighter margins and stronger shareholder scrutiny, smaller and higher-cost markets are often the first to be reassessed. For many international brands, New Zealand is shifting from a growth market to a test market — or being served digitally rather than physically.

Looking Ahead

EB Games’ store closures are not a warning sign of retail failure — they are a signal that the industry is entering a more disciplined, efficiency-driven era.

For retailers that can adapt, rethink the role of physical space, and balance experience with profitability, the next phase of retail in Australia and New Zealand will not be smaller — it will be smarter.

As the industry gathers at Retail Show Australia 2026 , these shifts will be central to conversations about the future of stores, brands, and consumer engagement.

Speaker Video: IGU Global’s Nick Gray on Emotional Intelligence in Retail

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:27:55 GMT

Speaker Video: IGU Global’s Nick Gray on Emotional Intelligence in Retail

Retail Show Australia 2026 is excited to welcome Nick Gray , Founder and CEO of IGU Global, as a keynote speaker at the upcoming event in Melbourne.

In this exclusive speaker video, Nick Gray shares a preview of his keynote session, “The Human Operating System: Why Emotional Intelligence Will Define the Next Decade in Retail.”

The session will explore why the biggest challenge in retail today isn’t technology—it’s human connection. While data, dashboards, automation, and AI have improved efficiency, many organisations are losing the clarity, trust, and emotional connection that underpin strong customer relationships and team performance.

During his keynote, Nick will explain how emotional intelligence can become a retailer’s competitive advantage—not only for the brand but also for leaders. He will showcase best-in-class examples of brands using technology to support human judgment rather than replace it, and reveal why resilience, confidence, and emotional clarity will matter more than speed and optimization in the decade ahead.

As Founder and CEO of IGU Global, Nick Gray works with organisations to help them understand and enhance human performance in business. His insights offer practical guidance on how emotional intelligence can shape the future of retail leadership and customer engagement.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place on 23 September 2026 in Melbourne , bringing together retail leaders, technology experts, and innovators to explore the future of retail.

Watch the full speaker video and join us at Retail Show Australia 2026 to discover why understanding people—not just technology—will define the next generation of retail success.

Australian Open: Driving Economic Growth and Retail Opportunities

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:21:20 GMT

Australian Open: Driving Economic Growth and Retail Opportunities

The Australian Open (AO) has long been a major global sporting event, but recent editions have shown that its significance extends far beyond tennis. The 2025 tournament demonstrated the AO’s evolving role as an economic engine, while early scenes from the 2026 event — including record crowds overwhelming Melbourne Park — highlight unprecedented demand and engagement from fans. Taken together, these developments offer strong lessons for retailers everywhere about capitalising on largescale cultural and sporting events.

The 2025 Australian Open delivered massive economic benefits for Victoria , far exceeding expectations for a single sporting event.

According to the Victorian Government’s Business Victoria report, the event attracted over 1.2 million fans to Melbourne Park, driving significant spending in hospitality, accommodation, and retail sectors. Local pubs, bars and restaurants saw more than $275 million in revenue during the event period, and accommodation spending spiked as visitors from overseas and interstate filled hotels across the city.

Independent estimates also show that Australia’s most popular Grand Slam injected $565.8 million into Victoria’s economy in 2025, generating thousands of jobs and reinforcing the tournament as one of the state’s most reliable economic growth engines.

Moreover, consumer spending data from ANZ highlights tha t local consumption surged during the AO period — not just on tennisrelated spending but across food, drink and travel categories in precincts around Melbourne Park and beyond.

A Major Economic Boost for Victoria and Melbourne

Record Crowds and Event Atmosphere in 2026

The 2026 AO continued this trend, drawing record crowd numbers that overwhelmed Melbourne Park’s entry gates and groundpass areas, according to reporting in news.com.au. Fans lined up for hours and ground passes sold out quickly, illustrating both the tournament’s growing appeal and demand for live experiences.

Such overwhelming interest underscores the AO’s transformation into a festivalstyle event, blending sport with entertainment, social interaction and cultural vibes — a transformation that boosts economic value well beyond match days.

So what can retailers learn from the AO’s success and the huge public enthusiasm it generates?

What This Means for the Retail Sector

1. Capitalize on Foot Traffic and Event Buzz

Large events like the AO generate massive footfall in surrounding neighbourhoods. Retailers near event precincts saw increased spending in food, beverage, clothing, and accessories — especially where brands could connect to the tennis theme or cater to crowds looking for quick purchases and memorable experiences.

Retailers elsewhere can learn from this by planning eventlinked promotions, themed displays, or popup activations timed with other major happenings in their cities.

3. Build Brand Presence With ExperienceDriven Initiatives

The Business Victoria case studies of smaller vendors thriving by partnering with the AO illustrate the value of experience. Local businesses that tapped into the event — whether through popup cafes, collaborative products or customer engagement — not only boosted sales but also elevated their brand visibility.

For retail, this means leveraging experiential marketing and strategic collaborations that align with large events.

2. Think Beyond the Event Itself

The AO’s economic influence extends far beyond Melbourne Park. Increased tourism, filled hotels, busier transport, and extended patronage in suburbs from the CBD to Fitzroy and Southbank all add to the total spike in consumer activity.

Retailers should map their own customer journeys around major events and capture spending wherever it flows — not just at the core venue.

4. Use Data to Drive Decisions

Spending spikes and customer patterns around the AO — such as peaks in hospitality and transport spending — offer clues about customer behaviour. Retailers can harness similar data insights during their own peak seasons to optimise staffing, inventory and promotions.

Conclusion: Sport, Retail and Economic Synergy

The Australian Open’s growing popularity has proven to be much more than a testament to the sport of tennis — it’s a case study of how cultural momentum translates into economic opportunity, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail.

For retailers, the AO’s success story underscores two strategic truths:

Events that draw crowds create commercial ecosystems, and
Retailers that integrate with those ecosystems stand to gain far more than one-off sales.

As major cultural and sporting events continue to evolve in scope and experience, retail businesses that treat them as business opportunities — not just calendar dates — will be best positioned to serve customers and grow revenue.

Bernie Brookes AM Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Featured Speaker

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:36:38 GMT

Retail Show Australia is proud to announce that Bernie Brookes AM, Chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), will join the speaker line-up for Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

With more than 40 years of experience across retail and wholesale operations, Bernie brings unparalleled expertise in leadership, strategy, and organisational transformation. Throughout his career, he has guided major retail businesses across Australia, China, India, and South Africa, helping organisations navigate complex markets, shifting consumer behaviour, and technological disruption.

A Leader Shaping the Future of Retail

As Chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Bernie provides insights into how businesses can adapt to evolving industry dynamics, balancing growth, innovation, and sustainability. His perspective combines practical leadership experience with a global outlook, making him a trusted voice on the forces shaping the retail sector today.

Bernie has consistently championed resilient, future-ready retail strategies, supporting organisations in building agile teams, fostering customer trust, and driving performance in an era of rapid change.

Session Highlight: The Changing Nature of Retail

Session title: The Changing Nature of Retail

In this keynote, Bernie will examine how AI, emerging technologies, evolving consumer expectations, and global market forces are transforming the retail landscape. Attendees will gain insights into what it takes for retailers to remain competitive, resilient, and adaptable in an era of continuous disruption.

Key themes will include:

Retail Transformation: How AI, emerging technologies, and global forces are reshaping the retail environment.
Leadership in Change: CEO- and board-level strategies for leading organisations through uncertainty and disruption.
Resilience & Agility: Practical approaches to building adaptable, future-ready businesses.
Global Perspective: Lessons and insights drawn from experience across Australia, China, India, and South Africa.

Attendees can expect actionable strategies connecting leadership, organisational culture, and operational resilience — offering a clear roadmap to navigate the evolving retail landscape.

Part of a World-Class Speaker Line-Up

Bernie Brookes AM joins a distinguished line-up of speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026, where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers will come together to explore the forces shaping the future of retail across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will deliver three days of thought leadership, innovation showcases, and networking opportunities — covering topics from retail technology and AI to leadership, customer experience, and commercial strategy.

Join us at MCEC this September to hear from Bernie Brookes AM and other industry experts redefining what’s next for retail.

2025 Retail Trends in Australia and New Zealand

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:45:00 GMT

The year 2025 marked a pivotal period for retail in Australia and New Zealand, as both economies navigated post-pandemic recovery, global inflation pressures, and evolving consumer behavior. By examining the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Accounts 2025 and the New Zealand Treasury Annual Report 2025, we can highlight the key trends shaping retail markets in both countries.

1. Australia: Economic Performance and Consumer Spending

Household Consumption Contribution to GDP (2025)

Economic Growth

Australia’s GDP maintained steady growth in 2025, with annual growth hovering around 1.4%. Domestic consumption and private final demand were primary drivers of this growth, supporting a resilient retail environment despite global economic uncertainty. Quarterly GDP data show continued positive growth across multiple periods, demonstrating a stable economic foundation for consumer spending. (ABS, 2025)

Retail Consumption

Household spending remained a key engine of retail growth:

Expenditure on non-essential categories such as tourism, cultural activities, and transportation saw notable increases.
Household savings rates slightly recovered, reflecting cautious consumer sentiment while maintaining disposable income for discretionary purchases.
Retail category performance varied: home furnishings, electronics, and experiential retail showed strong growth, while clothing and certain durable goods experienced cyclical fluctuations.

Overall, 2025 was characterized by moderate retail growth , supported by promotional events like Black Friday and Boxing Day sales, which significantly boosted discretionary spending.

2. New Zealand: Economic Context and Retail Environment

Economic Performance

According to the New Zealand Treasury Annual Report, 2025 was a year of gradual economic recovery amid global trade fluctuations and domestic productivity challenges. GDP showed stage-wise improvements, particularly in the third quarter, signaling a cautious but positive recovery. Inflation remained moderate, while fiscal and monetary policies aimed to support consumption and investment. (NZ Treasury, 2025)

Retail Trends

Retail activity improved in later quarters, reflecting a gradual rebound in consumer confidence and spending.
Growth was most pronounced in electronics, essential goods, and tourism-related purchases, whereas traditional retail segments, such as clothing and department stores, faced intensified price competition.

In summary, New Zealand’s retail sector experienced moderate growth, recovering gradually from earlier market softness, with a cautious consumer base balancing necessity and discretionary spending.

3. Cross-Country Comparison and Insights

Consumer Spending Recovery Trajectory (2023–2025)

Key Drivers：

1.Household Consumption:

Both countries relied heavily on household expenditure as a GDP growth driver. Australia saw more robust contributions from consumer spending, particularly in discretionary categories.

2.Retail Structural Shifts:

Australia: Growing integration of online and offline retail channels; digital platforms increasingly influencing overall sales.
New Zealand: Retail growth was concentrated in essential goods and tourism-related consumption, reflecting a cautious recovery.

3.Policy Influence:

Australian monetary and fiscal measures supported consumer spending and overall economic stability.
New Zealand’s coordinated fiscal and monetary policy provided gradual support for retail and investment activity.

4. Retail Trends and Outlook for 2026

Growth Outlook:

Both countries are expected to maintain positive retail growth into 2026, although the pace may be influenced by global supply conditions and policy adjustments.

Consumer Behavior:

Consumers are increasingly favoring experiential and essential consumption while showing caution in purchasing high-value durable goods.

I ndustry Challenges:

Traditional retail formats face increasing pressure from digital platforms and price-sensitive consumers.
Supply chain volatility and fluctuating consumer confidence remain important factors for retailers to monitor.

Strategic Recommendations:

Enhance omnichannel strategies combining digital and in-store experiences.
Adjust pricing strategies dynamically in response to consumer sensitivity.
Optimize inventory and supply chain management using data-driven insights.

5. Reference

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), National Accounts: National Income, Expenditure and Product, 2025 (ABS)
New Zealand Treasury, Annual Report 2025 (NZ Treasury)

How Gamified Commerce is Reshaping Consumer Engagement

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:42:04 GMT

How Gamified Commerce is Reshaping Consumer Engagement

In 2026, retailers are innovating beyond traditional price promotions and loyalty points to rethink how they engage customers. A compelling trend capturing both shopper attention and strategic investment is gamified commerce — the blending of play mechanics with retail transactions.

Gone are the days when shopping was a passive experience. Instead, consumer-facing brands are tapping into game-like experiences, chance mechanics, and interactive rewards to drive excitement, deepen engagement, and reframe the act of buying as an immersive journey.

At its core, gamified commerce incorporates elements of gaming — such as uncertainty, reward systems, progress feedback, and surprise — into retail experiences. These can take many forms:

What Is Gamified Commerce?

Mystery or “blind box” offerings where shoppers spend a set amount and receive a surprise selection of products.
Reward challenges and milestone systems that turn routine purchasing into a progression-driven experience.
Interactive digital experiences such as AR interactions or in-app games tied to shopping outcomes.

This approach is inspired by behavioral psychology and entertainment dynamics more than traditional commerce — creating emotionally engaging, curiosity-driven shopping rather than transactions based purely on price or convenience.

Why Gamified Commerce Is Trending Now

Several factors explain its rapid uptake across markets:

Inventory and Buzz Creation

Playful reward systems foster emotional connections, nudging repeat visits and deeper brand relationships.

Shift in Consumer Expectations

Modern shoppers, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, seek engagement and experiences, not just products. They prefer interactions that feel playful and personalised over static offers. Retailers are responding by designing experiences that treat shopping like an adventure.

Better Data Insights

Real-time performance and participation data help retailers refine segmentation, personalise offers, and plan inventory.

Differentiation in Competitive Markets

In categories where products are easily commodified, gamification becomes a source of differentiation — particularly in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle segments where experience carries value.

How Gamification Is Being Applied Today

Loyalty Game Mechanics

Traditional loyalty schemes are being upgraded with progress bars, tiers, badges, and challenges that reward actions beyond purchases — such as app logins, product reviews, or social shares.

Mystery Boxes & Blind Bundles

Brands are packaging curated or surprise items behind a purchase — injecting excitement and chance into the buying process. This mechanic, popular in Asia for years, is now gaining traction globally.

AR & In-App Interactive Features

Augmented reality and mobile games are transforming product discovery. AR tools let customers explore products in situ or complete quests to unlock rewards.

Seasonal and Event-Driven Campaigns

Limited-time gamified campaigns — scavenger hunts, countdowns, digital spin wheels and challenges — are connecting brand narrative with festive moments in the retail calendar.

These applications underscore a broader shift: retailers are no longer selling products alone but selling experiences that entertain, surprise, and reward engagement.

Key Strategic Impacts for Retailers

Stronger Brand Loyalty

Traditional loyalty schemes are being upgraded with progress bars, tiers, badges, and challenges that reward actions beyond purchases — such as app logins, product reviews, or social shares.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Gamification drives interaction time, creating stickier experiences that extend beyond the checkout.

Better Data Insights

Real-time performance and participation data help retailers refine segmentation, personalise offers, and plan inventory.

Differentiation in Competitive Markets

In categories where products are easily commodified, gamification becomes a source of differentiation — particularly in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle segments where experience carries value.

Challenges & Considerations

While gamified commerce offers promise, brands must approach it thoughtfully:

Balance excitement with transparency.

f rewards feel too random or diminish perceived value, customer trust may erode.

Games should feel purposeful and aligned with brand identity and customer expectations.

Avoid gimmick overload.

Measure real ROI.

Engagement metrics should be balanced with conversion quality and lifetime value.

Final Insight: The Future Is Experiential

Gamified commerce reflects a broader evolution in retail — from selling products to curating experiences. As consumers increasingly prioritise engagement and meaning, retailers who successfully integrate game dynamics with commerce will stand out by creating fun, strategic, and data-rich shopping ecosystems.

In 2026 and beyond, brands that master this blend will not only increase sales but cement stronger, more loyal customer communities — ushering in a new era where play meets purchase.

Retail Staff Safety And Customer Violence

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Retail Staff Safety And Customer Violence

Customer abuse and violence have long been treated as an unfortunate but unavoidable part of working in retail. From verbal aggression at the checkout to threats, spitting, and physical assaults, frontline staff are often expected to absorb poor behaviour in the name of customer service.

However, recent evidence makes it clear that this mindset is no longer acceptable — or sustainable.

A submission by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) to Safe Work Australia’s Best Practice Review highlights a confronting reality across Australia’s retail and fast-food sectors: customer violence has become one of the most significant work health and safety risks facing retail employees today.

This is not a marginal issue affecting a small number of workers. It is a systemic challenge that demands a coordinated, industry-wide response.

The scale of the problem

According to the SDA’s 2024 survey of retail and fast-food workers:

87% experienced verbal abuse or aggression from customers in a single year
12.5% were victims of physical violence — a significant increase from previous years
9% reported being spat on by customers
17% of incidents involved sexual harassment, with young female workers at greatest risk
More than half of workers said abuse came from repeat offenders , not one-off incidents

These figures expose a workplace reality that many retail employees know all too well. Abuse is frequent, escalating, and often normalised — particularly for younger workers, women, and casual staff.

Crucially, this is not only a physical safety issue. Repeated exposure to customer aggression has serious psychosocial impacts , contributing to stress, anxiety, burnout and workforce attrition across the sector.

When criminal law moves faster than workplace safety

In response to rising incidents, several Australian states have introduced or strengthened criminal laws to protect retail workers. These include tougher penalties for assaults, retail banning orders, and expanded police powers.

While these measures are important, they are inherently reactive — they intervene after harm has already occurred.

The SDA submission argues that workplace health and safety regulation has not kept pace with the changing risk profile of retail work. Despite customer abuse being one of the most commonly reported hazards, it is often poorly addressed within existing WHS frameworks.

As a result, many retail businesses lack structured, preventative systems for identifying risks, managing incidents, and supporting workers before situations escalate.

One of the most important messages for retail leaders is this: customer abuse and violence must be recognised as a WHS issue, not simply a customer behaviour issue.

When violence is framed as a service challenge, responsibility is implicitly shifted onto frontline staff — placing pressure on them to de-escalate situations without adequate training, authority or support.

When it is treated as a workplace safety risk, it demands a different response: planning, consultation, accountability and investment.

Retail violence is a workplace issue — not a customer service problem

The added complexity of shopping centres

What can retail businesses do now?

The challenge is particularly acute in shopping centres, where multiple businesses, centre management teams and security providers operate within the same physical space.

In these environments, responsibility for safety can become fragmented. Workers may be employed by individual retailers, while security, surveillance and emergency procedures are managed centrally by the centre operator.

Without strong coordination and consultation across all parties, critical gaps can emerge — in incident response, communication, and emergency preparedness.

The SDA submission highlights the need for stronger collaboration mechanisms so that safety planning reflects the reality of multi-employer retail environments.

While regulatory reform continues to be debated, retail organisations do not need to wait to take action. There are clear, practical steps businesses can take to better protect their teams.

1. Acknowledge the risk

The first step is cultural. Retail leaders must openly acknowledge that customer aggression is a legitimate workplace hazard. This recognition sets the foundation for meaningful prevention and signals to employees that their safety is taken seriously.

2. Develop clear violence prevention plans

Businesses should implement structured workplace violence prevention or control plans that include:

Identification of high-risk situations and environments
Clear procedures for responding to aggressive behaviour
Defined escalation pathways involving supervisors, security or police
Regular review and documentation of incidents

These plans should be written, communicated, and embedded into daily operations — not left as informal guidance.

3. Invest in training and early intervention

Frontline staff should not be left to manage abusive behaviour alone. Training in de-escalation, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to disengage is essential.

Equally important is ensuring workers understand that walking away from unsafe situations is supported, not penalised.

4. Support reporting and follow-up

Many incidents go unreported because staff believe nothing will change. Retailers can address this by:

Making reporting simple and accessible
Acting consistently on reported incidents
Supporting workers affected by abuse, including aftercare where needed
Actively managing repeat offenders

5. Strengthen collaboration in shared retail environments

For shopping centres, safety cannot sit with individual stores alone. Centre management,

tenants and security teams must work together on:

Emergency response planning
Information sharing
Incident coordination
Staff communication and training

A coordinated approach reduces confusion and improves response when incidents occur.

Safety is a business issue

Protecting retail workers is not only a moral and legal responsibility — it is also a business imperative.

Unsafe workplaces lead to higher staff turnover, reduced engagement, reputational risk and declining customer trust. Conversely, retail environments that prioritise safety foster more resilient teams, better service outcomes and stronger brands.

As the retail industry continues to evolve, so too must its approach to worker safety. Customer abuse and violence are not inevitable. With leadership, collaboration and proactive planning, they are preventable.

The challenge now is for the industry to move beyond acceptance and towards action — ensuring that retail work is not only essential, but safe.

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA). Submission to Safe Work Australia – Best Practice Review of the Model Work Health and Safety Laws. Submitted 3 November 2025.

References

Industry Insight: Emotional Branding Is Redefining Consumer Value

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Overview

In today’s highly competitive retail and FMCG landscape, differentiation based solely on price and product features is no longer sufficient. As market choice expands and products become increasingly commoditised, consumers are placing greater importance on how brands align with their values, identities and lived experiences. This trend highlights a strategic shift toward emotional connection as a key driver of relevance and loyalty within the modern retail ecosystem.

Traditional competitive levers such as price, promotions and product specifications remain important, but they are no longer the primary frames through which many consumers evaluate brands. Instead, emotional resonance — the degree to which a brand reflects personal values and lifestyle — increasingly shapes consumer decisions and long-term loyalty. Retailers and FMCG brands alike are recognising that the emotional dimension of the customer experience is no longer optional, but fundamental to differentiation in an experience‑driven market.

Why Emotional Branding Matters

How Brands Are Building Emotional Connections

Across the sector, innovative brands are using narrative and design to cultivate deeper engagement. Examples include:

Immersive in‑store experiences that evoke familiarity, nostalgia or cultural relevance, helping physical retail environments connect with shoppers on a personal level.
Brand communities and value‑led positioning that transcend transactional incentives and focus instead on shared principles and identity.
Experience design elements such as cohesive visual identity, tone of voice and cross‑channel consistency that reinforce brand meaning at every touchpoint.

These approaches demonstrate how emotional engagement — from aesthetic cues to purposeful storytelling — shapes not just perception, but memory and preference.

The Importance of Authenticity

Emotional branding is only effective when it reflects genuine brand behaviour. Consumers are highly attuned to inconsistency; when messaging or value claims appear superficial or disconnected from lived brand experience, credibility and trust can be quickly eroded. Authentic emotional positioning requires that expressed values be demonstrable through actions, communication and customer experience.

Implications for Retail Strategy

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, the brands that achieve sustained differentiation are those that move beyond transaction‑centric models and embrace emotional relevance as part of core strategy. Emotional value — expressed through purposeful design, narrative and experience — is increasingly as influential as functional value in driving consumer choice, loyalty and long‑term growth.

Conclusion

The emergence of emotional connection as a strategic imperative reflects broader shifts in consumer behaviour and competitive dynamics. Retailers and brands that prioritise meaningful engagement over commoditised differentiation are better positioned to navigate complexity, cultivate loyalty and lead within the next era of retail evolution.

Speaker Video: Google’s Thu Ya Kyaw on AI Innovation in Retail

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:22:38 GMT

Speaker Video: Google’s Thu Ya Kyaw on AI Innovation in Retail

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to welcome Thu Ya Kyaw , Developer Advocate at Google Cloud , as a keynote speaker at the upcoming event in Melbourne.

In this exclusive speaker video, Thu Ya Kyaw shares a preview of his keynote session, “Google AI Innovations and Applications for the Retail Industry.”

The session will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the retail landscape and enabling more personalised, engaging customer experiences.

During his keynote, Thu will discuss how retailers can leverage technologies such as generative AI , product discovery , visual search , image and video generation , and virtual try-on to better understand and serve increasingly niche customer segments. He will also examine why these innovations are becoming critical for retailers seeking to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

As a Developer Advocate at Google Cloud, Thu Ya Kyaw works closely with developers and organisations to help them apply cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies to real-world challenges. His insights offer practical perspectives on how AI-driven innovation can unlock new opportunities across the retail industry.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place on 22 September 2026 in Melbourne , bringing together retail leaders, technology experts and innovators to explore the future of retail.

Watch the full speaker video above and join us at Retail Show Australia 2026 to discover how AI is shaping the next generation of retail experiences.

Four Signals Shaping Australian Retail in 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 01:00:02 GMT

As Australian retail enters 2026, a series of verified developments are revealing how the sector is adapting to shifting consumer behaviour, cost pressures and structural change. From extreme discounting to consolidation and policy-driven cost relief, these signals point to a retail environment increasingly defined by value, efficiency and strategic focus.

Below are four key trends shaping the year ahead.

1. Extreme discounting continues to drive foot traffic

Post-Christmas, Kmart rolled out deep clearance sales, with some seasonal items reduced to 50 cents or less. Once again, aggressive value pricing translated directly into in-store traffic and widespread social attention — reinforcing the enduring power of price in a value-conscious market.

2. Consolidation in discount retail accelerates

Struggling value retailer Cheap as Chips has been acquired by Choice The Discount Store, allowing most locations to continue trading while a small number close permanently. The deal highlights ongoing consolidation pressure across Australia’s discount retail sector.

3. Supermarket competition tightens

Recent financial results show Coles delivering stronger sales growth than Woolworths, despite Woolworths’ larger scale. In a more rational consumer environment, cost control and pricing discipline are increasingly shaping competitive advantage.

4. Lower medicine costs may lift everyday spending

From 1 January, Australia’s PBS co-payment cap dropped to $25, easing healthcare expenses for households. While subtle, this policy shift may help free up discretionary spend across essential retail categories such as food and daily necessities.

What this means for retailers

Taken together, these four signals point to a clear direction for Australian retail in 2026:

Value, efficiency and structural adjustment are defining the market.

Retailers that balance cost discipline with customer relevance — whether through sharper pricing, more efficient operations or clearer value propositions — will be best positioned to navigate the year ahead.

Retail Show Australia will continue to track these developments and explore what they mean for the future of retail in the lead-up to Retail Show Australia 2026, where industry leaders will examine how these forces are reshaping the sector.

Nick Gray Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Featured Speaker

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:28:30 GMT

Retail Show Australia is proud to announce that Nick Gray, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IGU Global, will join the speaker line-up for Retail Show Australia 2026, taking place 22–24 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

With more than 25 years of global retail and brand experience, Nick brings a unique perspective that bridges strategy, creativity, technology, and human behaviour. His career spans some of the world’s most influential retail and lifestyle brands, including Adidas, Nike, Diesel, Sneakerboy, and Westfield, where he has led initiatives across brand transformation, customer experience, and commercial growth .

A Leader at the Intersection of AI and Human-Centred Retail

As the Founder and CEO of IGU Global, Nick works with leading retailers and brands to unlock growth through AI-driven strategy, emotional intelligence, and customer psychology. His approach focuses on helping organisations balance advanced technology with authentic human connection — a challenge facing retailers globally.

Nick’s insights have been featured in Inside Retail, and he has been recognised by Rethink Retail as one of the Top Retail Experts , reflecting his influence on the future direction of the industry. Known for his practical frameworks and thought-provoking perspectives, Nick challenges leaders to rethink how performance, culture, and customer trust are built in an increasingly data-led world.

Session Highlight: The Human Operating System

Session title: The Human Operating System: Why Emotional Intelligence Will Define the Next Decade of Retail

In this session, Nick will explore why emotional intelligence is becoming a critical capability for retail leaders navigating rapid technological change. As AI, automation, and data analytics reshape operations and decision-making, Nick argues that human-centred leadership will be the defining advantage of successful retailers.

Key themes will include:

How data and AI can coexist with empathy, creativity, and human judgment
Why emotional intelligence is essential for building resilient retail teams
The role of trust and psychology in customer loyalty and brand performance
Practical strategies for leaders to future-proof their organisations

Attendees can expect actionable insights that connect leadership, culture, and customer experience — offering a clear roadmap for thriving in the next decade of retail.

Part of a World-Class Speaker Line-Up

Nick Gray joins a growing line-up of influential speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026, where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers will come together to explore the forces shaping the future of retail across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Join us at MCEC this September to hear from Nick Gray and other industry experts redefining what’s next for retail.

Australian Supermarkets Are Upgrading for the Future

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:41:27 GMT

Australian Supermarkets Are Upgrading for the Future

2025: Major Supermarket Innovations

From checkout counters to shopping baskets, 2025 has been a year of rapid transformation in Australian supermarkets — driven by technology, changing consumer behaviour, and competitive strategy. Here’s what retailers and industry observers should know:

Smarter Shopping Tools: Scan & Go + Smart Trolleys

Coles and Woolworths introduced Scan & Go and Smart Trolleys in select locations — allowing customers to scan as they shopand reduce checkout time, blending digital and in store experiences.

Enhanced Security Measures

Retail theft has risen in recent years, prompting major chains to upgrade entrance/exit gates, expand surveillance tech, and redesign store flow to reduce shrinkage.

Online grocery shopping continued strong growth in 2025, with Coles and Woolworths reporting doubledigit increases. Both supermarkets also strengthened partnerships with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Growth of Online & Fast Grocery Delivery

Both Coles and Woolworths expanded their ownbrand product offerings — with Coles launching over 530 new SKUs — helping priceconscious shoppers stretch their budgets. Shoppers can save up to ~42% by choosing these lines in some categories.

Increase in Private Label/Home Brand Ranges

2026: What’s Next for Grocery Retail?

More Click & Collect / Direct-to-Boot:

Collection service points will expand to meet rising demand for quicker, contactless pickup options.

Increased Store Security:

Expect even broader rollout of advanced security technologies and redesigned entry systems across supermarket chains. 

Supermarkets are developing “Special Buys” aisles similar to Aldi’s popular middleaisle offerings, broadening promotional appeal.

Special Buys & Seasonal Deals:

Following strong demand, Coles, Woolworths and Aldi plan to continue growing exclusivebrand offerings.

More Home Brand Expansion:

Why It Matters for Retail Professionals

These shifts reflect a broader industry pivot toward technologyenabled, customercentric grocery experiences. From AI checkout to smarter logistics and personalised pricing, supermarkets are evolving rapidly — and retailers should be ready to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Thanks for staying ahead with Retail Show Australia insights!

Dean Salakas’ 2025 Retail Naughty & Nice List: Key Lessons for Australian Retailers

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 05:49:51 GMT

Dean Salakas’ 2025 Retail Naughty & Nice List: Key Lessons for Australian Retailers

This month, Dean Salakas (Retail Doctor Group) released his highly anticipated 2025 Australian Retail Naughty & Nice List — a definitive review of performance across our nation’s leading retail brands. This list is far more than a ranking: it reflects the core dynamics shaping retail success and failure in 2025, and delivers critical takeaways for all retail operators navigating our competitive market.

We have summarised Dean Salakas’ key findings and curated the core industry reflections for you below, for your reference and strategic planning.

✅ Core Highlights from Dean Salakas’ 2025 Naughty & Nice Retailer List

Dean Salakas’ core premise is clear: Retail success in 2025 has not been driven by luck, but by clarity of positioning, cost discipline, regulatory compliance, operational consistency and timely strategic action.

⚠️ The Naughty List | Key Challenges & Failures

Retailers on this list (including Mosaic Brands Ltd, City Beach, The Good Guys, Target Australia, David Jones, Jeanswest and more) faced significant operational and financial headwinds this year — including administration, liquidation, substantial regulatory fines, revenue decline and store closures.The root causes shared across this cohort are consistent: unsustainable cost structures and years of accumulated losses, critical compliance failures with long-term reputational damage, blind expansion masking weak store-level profitability, structural inefficiencies (high fixed costs, vague market positioning), and delayed strategic change in the face of market shifts. Even strong brand recognition was not enough to offset poor unit economics for many of these brands.

✅ The Nice List | Benchmark Success & Strengths

By contrast, Australia’s top-performing retailers (JB Hi-Fi, Bunnings, Chemist Warehouse, Kmart, ALDI, Officeworks, Harvey Norman and others) delivered exceptional and consistent results in 2025, with strong revenue, healthy profit margins, robust cash flow and high returns on capital.These leading brands all hold core competitive strengths: strict cost and inventory discipline, rock-solid compliance standards, scale and network advantages, mature private label portfolios, resilient balance sheets, and a willingness to adapt — including restructuring, digital investment and experience-led retail innovation. All have mastered the fundamental pillars of sustainable retail success.

�� Critical Industry Reflections & Key Takeaways (Derived from Dean Salakas’ Analysis)

For the Australian retail industry, this list is a masterclass in what defines resilience and growth in our current market. These insights are essential for every retail business, large and small:

Fundamentals over fortune: Luck has no place in modern retail. Success is earned through laser-sharp clarity on your core customer base, unwavering cost discipline, and compliance embedded into every operational decision — not an afterthought. No brand is immune to failure if these basics are ignored.
Compliance is non-negotiable competitive advantage: The record fines handed to City Beach and The Good Guys serve as a stark industry warning. Regulatory compliance is not a cost, but a foundational requirement for trust and longevity. A single compliance misstep can cause irreversible reputational and financial harm that far outweighs short-term gains.
Growth must be profitable growth: Rapid, unplanned expansion has proven a fatal trap for many retailers (colette by colette hayman, Ally Fashion). Scale without sustainable unit economics only amplifies risk; strong brand recognition alone cannot rescue a business with flawed operational fundamentals.
Adapt early, or fall behind: Delayed strategic change is the single biggest risk for retailers in 2025. All brands on the Naughty List shared a failure to address structural weaknesses or pivot in response to market pressure — a mistake that leaves no margin for error in Australia’s hyper-competitive retail landscape. Even top performers (Kathmandu, T2 Tea) have invested in restructuring, digital transformation and AI/ data innovation to stay ahead.
Positioning clarity wins in crowded markets: Brands like Target Australia continue to struggle due to a lack of distinct positioning in the value retail space, compounded by high fixed costs and oversized store footprints. This underscores a critical truth: in a saturated market, clear differentiation and laser focus on core customer value are non-negotiable.

✅ Final Key Insight from Dean Salakas

The standout retail winners of 2025 are not perfect — but they are intentional. They know exactly who they serve, they control costs rigorously, they operate with compliance at their core, and they embrace change proactively and early. This is the blueprint for retail resilience in Australia, now and into 2026.

We hope these insights provide valuable context for your business strategy as we head into the new year, and we look forward to bringing together Australia’s retail leaders to connect, learn and innovate at the Retail Show Australia 2026.

Retail AI's Trailblazer – Google Confirmed to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:45:13 GMT

We’re pleased to announce a new addition to the Retail Show Australia 2026 speaker lineup —

Thu Ya Kyaw, Senior Developer Advocate at Google Cloud.

At Google Cloud, Thu Ya helps developers and businesses learn, build, deploy and scale applications on Google Cloud. He is passionate about applying AI and machine learning to solve real-world challenges, and regularly shares insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping industries.

RSA2026 KEYNOTE | 22 SEPT

Topic: Google’s Innovations and Applications in AI/ML for the Retail Industry

We’re pleased to announce a new addition to the Retail Show Australia 2026 speaker lineup —

Thu Ya Kyaw, Senior Developer Advocate at Google Cloud.

What You’ll Take Away

Core Understanding: Why AI and ML have shifted from “future technology” to essential infrastructure in modern retail — and how this change is redefining product discovery and customer experience.
Practical Insight: How Google’s generative AI innovations are being applied to real retail use cases, including visual search, virtual try-ons, and personalised shopping journeys at scale.
Future Outlook: What retailers need to prepare for in an AI-driven world — building adaptable systems, leveraging Google’s AI ecosystem, and thriving amid constant technological and consumer change.

RSA2026 Agenda at a Glance

DAY 1 – Innovation for Growth, Sustainability for Future
DAY 2 – AI & Big Data in Retail
DAY 3 – Store of the Future Tours (optional)

Australian Retailers Show Support for Facial Recognition in Government Consultation

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:01:37 GMT

Australia is convulsed as it seeks to strike a balance between competing concerns. Navigating the terrain of technological progress, privacy and citizens’ rights, security and crime, and between different commercial interests is a tricky feat. The ongoing regulatory framework being forged is of great interest to policymakers and stakeholders the world over in these burgeoning legal areas.

The Australian government is exploring areas of reform in supporting an outcomes-based approach to privacy, unlocking the benefits of consumer data, digital financial reporting and AI productivity potential. This is where facial recognition technology, under the AI umbrella, has featured in consultative submissions from interested parties as the government seeks feedback.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the Australian government’s efforts to modernize AI governance and reform the Privacy Act, which include facial recognition technology.

However, the organizations, which are proposing to amalgamate into the Australian Retail Council (ARC), say that reforms must support both innovation and consumer protection. Many retailers are small to mid-sized businesses that rely on third-party AI solutions and lack the scale or technical control to meet overly prescriptive obligations.

If regulators fail to account for this reality, they risk placing disproportionate burdens on businesses that are end-users rather than developers of AI models, the associations say. Their response was in reply to the government’s call for feedback regarding Pillar 3: “Harnessing data and digital technology.”

In addition, they say uncertainty around consent, exemptions and procedural requirements in the Privacy Act has hindered the use of FRT in retail settings. They argue that by classifying biometric data as sensitive information, the Act offers no clear framework for the lawful collection and use of facial images, leaving retailers unable to follow the example of counterparts in the UK and New Zealand.

“The ARA and NRA strongly support the responsible adoption of FRT as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce retail crime and improve staff and customer safety,” the joint statement said.

They argue that an outcomes-based approach to privacy regulation would better balance protection and innovation, calling on regulators to provide clear guidance and interpretation of new technologies rather than imposing strict mandates. This includes retail-specific issues including biometric technologies, data use and consent.

One of the ARA and NRA’s recommendations centers on SMEs. The associations believe that small and medium-sized retailers should not shoulder the same regulatory load as large tech firms or AI developers. “Simplified compliance options, template tools, and targeted support must be made available, particularly for businesses that use third-party AI products without the ability to access or alter system design,” they said.

They point to how smaller retailers often lack in-house privacy or legal teams and depend on off-the-shelf AI tools. The proposed removal of the small business exemption, they warn, would saddle low-risk operators with significant compliance costs just as international regulators are simplifying requirements. Without clear expectations around consent, proportionality and oversight, they argue, these businesses face a chilling effect on innovation even in cases where public safety benefits are strong.

Australian hardware retailer Bunnings supported ARA and NRA’s submission to the consultation. The group is seeking a meeting with the government to discuss outcomes-based regulation and enabling ethical use of tools such as facial recognition, and the need for a nationally consistent privacy regime.

The Woolworths Group did not mention FRT and leaned heavily in support of AI and the AI industry more generally in its submission. One of Australia’s largest private sector employers, the group, like other retailers, referred to EU regulations that apply to specific applications of technology, rather than the technology itself. Both Woolworths’ and the ARA/NRA submissions mention the EU AI Act, with the latter pointing to the Act’s four-tier risk classification as a model for international best practice.

In Bunnings’ submission, it refers to the recent determination by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) which found Bunnings Group breached Australian privacy laws by collecting face biometrics at store locations without the consent of those being recorded. Bunnings disputes the finding that it breached privacy laws and has lodged a challenge with the Administrative Review Tribunal.

“Privacy must be considered in the context of an employer’s strict liability and an occupier’s legal obligations to maintain a safe place of work and business,” it said in its submission.

Bunnings brought up the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner’s recent review of Foodstuffs North Island’s trial of FRT. The review acknowledged the privacy concerns, but found that with proper safeguards the risks become acceptable and that the system effectively reduced incidents of serious retail crime. The Commissioner concluded that, in this context, the use of FRT was lawful, proportionate and justified.

About Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia is thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated next edition of exhibition will take place 22-24 September, 2026. Next year, we're embracing a powerful theme: Resilience, Evolution, Rebounce. Join us as we celebrate the strength and adaptability of the retail industry, explore its dynamic evolution, and witness the incredible rebound of this vibrant sector.

Dates：September 22-24, 2026

Venue：Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Reference: www.biometricupdate.com

Australian Cosmetics Giant Mecca Opened a New Flagship Store in Melbourne Sparked Discussions about the Revival of Melbourne's CBD

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:01:36 GMT

The opening of a cosmetic giant's megastore in Melbourne has sparked discussions about the revival of Melbourne's CBD.

Foot traffic through the Bourke Street Mall has improved since COVID and shopfront vacancy rates are also dropping.

Retail experts say a number of city projects are likely to drive further investments and attract businesses.

As a cosmetics giant opened the doors to shoppers at a new flagship store on Friday, some wondered if the opening marked a turning point for Melbourne's hushed post-pandemic CBD.

"I think there's definitely going to be a halo effect in the CBD and you're already starting to see it," one woman who had taken a day off work to attend the opening said.

"I think you'll start to see neighbouring businesses opening up and it will give a lot of people hope.

"Melbourne may have slept for a little while during COVID but we're back."

It was a sentiment shared by others in line at Mecca's new multi-level emporium.

One woman said people had travelled from all parts of the country.

"I think it's going to bring more people in … even today, people have flown in from interstate just for today so what does that tell you?" she said.

About 20,000 people were expected to attend the grand opening with some eager customers lining Bourke Street as early as 4am.

"We had a curriculum day so we've got the day off to come down and see the new store," 17-year-old student Tess, who was waiting first in line, said.

The company's founder, Jo Horgan, said she envisioned the new store as a cultural institution to be associated with the city.

"We want it to be just as synonymous with Melbourne as the National Gallery of Victoria or the Australian Football League," Ms Horgan said.

Billed as Melbourne's "biggest retail opening" in 100 years, the Mecca megastore launch comes amid a revival of consumer activity in the CBD despite a slow post-pandemic recovery for the city overall.

Shopfront vacancies drop, online shopping rises

While data shows Melbourne has the highest office vacancy rate in the country — 17.9 per cent according to the Property Council of Australia — the retail sector is continuing to show promise.

The retail vacancy rate in central Melbourne (which takes in the city's main shopping precinct) was just 5.5 per cent last month after peaking at 27.9 per cent in 2021 while the city was in the midst of COVID lockdowns.

The broader CBD retail vacancy rate was last month 7.8 per cent, according to the City of Melbourne.

"We're seeing a strong surge in businesses opening their doors in Melbourne — from global brands to local heroes — fuelling the fire of the city's retail revival," Councillor Kevin Louey said.

Retail developments drive investment, expert says

Mecca's CBD flagship launch comes ahead of a number of other precincts being opened around Bourke Street Mall later this year — Melbourne Walk, Collins Arcade, and Town Hall station.

Retail leasing expert Zelman Ainsworth said those projects were likely to drive further investment and attract businesses of all scales.

"There's been several developments recently in the CBD retail core which coincidentally happened around the same time, so it created some disruptions to the traffic flow in the retail core," he said.

"But now they're all being delivered at the same time. The Melbourne CBD has never experienced such a rejuvenation, hype and uplift in decades.

"It's going to create an enormous amount of activity."

Mr Ainsworth said the city's retail resurgence was attributable not only to larger, more established chains but sole traders too.

"The artisan, more creative retailers that create the charm the Melbourne CBD is world-famous for, is only improving," he said.

"We're seeing retailers starting to go up multi-level buildings, into lower grounds, into laneways, into rooftops."

Mr Ainsworth doesn't believe the booming retail industry will be hampered by the otherwise high vacancy rates for CBD offices, an issue he argued had different underlying factors.

About Retail Show Australia 2026

Dates：September 22-24, 2026

Venue：Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Reference: www.abc.net.au/news

Australian Retail Vacancy Rates Decline as Market Shows Resilience

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:01:36 GMT

Australia's retail property market continues to strengthen with vacancy rates falling to 4.7 per cent in December 2024, down from 5.5 per cent a year earlier.

According to new research from JLL, CBD locations have seen the strongest recovery, with vacancy rates dropping from 11.6 per cent to 10 per cent, representing the largest decrease across all retail formats at 1.6 percentage points.

Neighbourhood centres also showed significant improvement, with rates declining from 5.9 per cent to 4.9 per cent.

James Hayward, JLL Research Analyst, said the sector has been holding strong last year.

“The retail sector has demonstrated resilience over 2024. CBD locations, in particular, have shown a strong recovery, with vacancy rates dropping from 11.6 per cent to 10 per cent,” Mr Hayward said.

“This significant improvement signals a revitalisation of our urban centres and renewed confidence among retailers.”

Regional shopping centres saw vacancy rates drop by 0.8 percentage points to 1.7 per cent, while sub-regional centres experienced a decline of 0.6 percentage points to 4.2 per cent.

Several factors have contributed to this positive trend, including improved consumer sentiment, with discretionary spending up 2.4 per cent year-on-year in December 2024.

A 25-basis point cut in the official cash rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia in February has also stimulated economic activity.

Limited new supply has played a significant role in the market’s recovery, with 2024 recording the second-lowest level of Australian retail completions since 1989.

Lee McLaughlin, JLL’s Head of Retail Leasing & Tenant Representation, Property and Asset Management, said that retailers and centre managers have successfully adapted to changing market conditions.

“The sentiment in the leasing market is decidedly positive,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“Retailers and centre managers have adapted well to changing market conditions and consumer behaviours.

“Their proactive strategies are now yielding tangible results, as evidenced by the declining vacancy rates across most formats and locations.”

About Retail Show Australia 2026

Dates：September 22-24, 2026

Venue：Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Reference: eliteagent.com

Retail Show Australia Returns in 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:09:07 GMT

The second edition of the Retail Show Australia is driving the next wave of ecommerce and AI-powered retail growth on September 22–24, 2026.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place on September 22–24, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), marking the event’s exciting return following its strong industry reception in 2025. Now entering its second year, the show is expanding in scale, ambition, and global reach—establishing itself as one of the most future-focused retail events across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia–Pacific region.

Driven by the momentum of its inaugural year, Australia’s dedicated next-generation retail show—Retail Show Australia (RSA)—continues its mission to build a dynamic platform where retailers, brands, suppliers, and innovators from Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia–Pacific can connect, collaborate, and explore the next evolution of retail. As the industry navigates rapid digitalisation, rising operational costs, and increasingly tech-driven consumer behaviour, RSA 2026 aims to serve as both a learning hub and a launchpad for new ideas shaping the future of retail across the region.

The three-day event will bring together thousands of retail professionals and feature hundreds of exhibiting brands showcasing smart retail technologies, e-commerce solutions, shopfitting and store design, health and fitness brands, digital payments, AI-driven retail intelligence, and immersive consumer experience technologies. With more product categories and expanded exhibition zones, the 2026 edition promises an even richer experience for attendees.

A Fully Visualised & Experiential Retail Environment

A signature feature of Retail Show Australia is its immersive and highly visualised event environment. Rather than a traditional booth-based layout, RSA creates interactive real-world retail scenarios that help attendees understand how cutting-edge technology integrates into the customer journey. In 2026, these experiential showcases will expand further—giving visitors hands-on insights into how stores of the future will operate.

The environment will demonstrate innovations in areas such as connected store systems, robotics and automation, interactive digital displays, predictive analytics, next-generation POS, and frictionless customer pathways. By blending concept with execution, RSA allows retailers to explore practical applications that can be implemented immediately or guide long-term strategic planning.

A Premier Hub for Retail Innovation

Entering its second year, Retail Show Australia is rapidly becoming a key destination for the retail community in Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia–Pacific region. As markets across the region face structural shifts—triggered by digital acceleration, global supply chain pressure, workforce change, and the rise of AI—the 2026 event aims to deliver the insights and tools needed to navigate the next era of retail growth across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia–Pacific region.

The 2026 stage programme will feature a strengthened speaker lineup, bringing together influential leaders from global and local retail ecosystems. Attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions across critical areas, including:

The future of retail and changing consumer expectations
AI, machine learning, and data-powered retail intelligence
Sustainability, energy efficiency, and circular retail models
Omnichannel transformation and digital commerce evolution
Leadership, workforce development, and future retail skills
Global supply chain modernisation and last-mile logistics

Across the show floor, attendees will also experience upgraded interactive zones, including:

AI-Powered Zone – Offering hands-on demonstrations of AI-driven retail solutions, from smart operations to personalised consumer engagement.
Future Store Interactive Zone – A real-life, walk-through retail environment showcasing how next-generation smart stores will function.
Fitness & Sports Area – Presenting more than 200 brands, live product showcases, and competitive fitness activities.
High-Level Summit Forum – A premium knowledge-sharing platform connecting global retail decision-makers and trendsetters.

These zones are designed to deepen engagement and empower retailers with insights into how innovation can be applied in day-to-day operations.

Building Community

Retail Show Australia 2026 is gaining expanded support from industry associations, media outlets, retail communities, and technology providers. Building on its 2025 foundation, the show has continued to strengthen its partnerships—most recently welcoming Power Retail and Inside Retail as official media partners, further amplifying its influence across Australia’s omnichannel, digital, and mainstream retail sectors.

In addition to media partnerships, RSA 2026 is also supported by key industry associations, including the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the Australia Restaurant & Café Association (ARCA). Their involvement reinforces the show’s connection with the broader business events ecosystem as well as the rapidly growing foodservice, hospitality, and café retail segments across the region. These partnerships highlight RSA’s commitment to building an inclusive and forward-looking community that represents the full spectrum of retail in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia–Pacific.

To foster meaningful collaboration and business growth, RSA 2026 will introduce enhanced networking programmes, including:

1v1 Meeting Room – A structured matchmaking system designed to connect buyers and suppliers through targeted business meetings.
The Retail Leaders Summit – An executive-level gathering that provides strategic insights, high-level dialogue, and access to leading thinkers shaping global retail.

These programmes reinforce Retail Show Australia’s long-term vision: to build a collaborative, innovation-focused community that drives the retail sector forward.

A Vision for the Future of Retail

“Retail in Australia and New Zealand is entering a new era—powered by AI, shifting consumer behaviour, and a rapidly evolving physical retail landscape,” said the RSA organising team. “As we return for our second edition, Retail Show Australia 2026 is designed not only to help the industry understand these transformations, but to experience them firsthand. We look forward to welcoming the entire retail community back to Melbourne next September.”

Local and international retailers, technology innovators, industry leaders, and solution providers are encouraged to mark their calendars for one of the region’s most forward-looking retail events.

About Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia is thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated next edition of exhibition will take place 22-24 September, 2026. Next year, we're embracing a powerful theme: Resilience, Reinvention, Rebound. Join us as we celebrate the strength and adaptability of the retail industry, explore its dynamic evolution, and witness the incredible rebound of this vibrant sector.

Dates：September 22-24, 2026

Venue：Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Reference: Power Retail

Retail Show Australia 2026 News

Featured Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026: Insights from Retail Leaders

Retail executives, strategists and innovators will explore AI, supply chain, customer experience and the changing role of physical retail.

Microsoft Invests $1.8 Billion to Accelerate AI Adoption in Australia

Microsoft to Invest $1.8 Billion in AI Push in Australia

Exhibitor update:Honorgy confirmed to back at RetailShowAustralia2026

At Retail Show Australia 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Honorgy’s comprehensive range of products, including:

Elevating the Retail Experience with Purposeful Design

Visit Honorgy at Retail Show Australia 2026

Pop-Up Retail Trends Australia 2026: Experiential Retail & Temporary Stores

Pop-Up Retail Gains Momentum as Brands Focus on Experience

Aurora and Chillbot Expand to Platinum Sponsor at Retail Show Australia 2026

Australian Retail Spending Trends 2026: How Cost-of-Living Pressures Are Reshaping Consumer Behaviour

Australian Retail Spending Shifts Under Cost-of-Living Pressure

Intelo.ai Joins Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Driving Retail Transformation Through Collaborative Intelligence

From Insight to Execution

Powering Retail Innovation with Microsoft

Preezie Joins Microsoft Innovation Hub at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 is pleased to announce that Preezie will be featured in the Microsoft Innovation Hub at this year’s event, showcasing its role in the next wave of retail innovation.

AI Is Reshaping How Australians Shop — And Even How Prices Are Set A New Era of AI-Driven Shopping

Pricing Is Becoming Dynamic and Personalised

Implications for Retailers

From Browsing to Automated Decision-Making

Looking Ahead

Frasers Launches AI Shopping Assistant Ask Frasers

Frasers Group Launches AI Shopping Assistant to Enhance Retail Experience

A More Intuitive Shopping Journey

The Shift to Intelligent Retail

Driving Performance Through AI

Hanwha Showcases Intelligent Retail Security at Retail Show Australia 2026

Hanwha to Showcase Intelligent Video Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

From Monitoring to Intelligent Retail Security

Driving Smarter Decision-Making on the Shop Floor

Unlocking Insights Across Retail Operations

Visit Hanwha at Retail Show Australia 2026

Microsoft Joins Retail Show Australia 2026 as Strategic Partner

Western Sydney International Airport chooses Lagardère to run retail offer

Bunnings launches AI assistant Buddy to enhance customer experience

Why this partnership matters for travel retail

What This Means for Retail

A retail offer shaped by local identity and traveller needs

Retail fit-out to begin ahead of launch

Retail Show Australia 2026 confirms Microsoft as strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub

Retail Show Australia 2026 has confirmed Microsoft as a strategic partner for the Microsoft Innovation Hub, as the event continues to take shape across the ANZ market.

Erica Berchtold and Peter Jones to Headline Executive Fireside Chat at Retail Show Australia 2026

Erica Berchtold —

Retail & Commercial Perspective

The Conversation: Where Retail Meets Supply Chain

Peter Jones — Supply Chain Strategy Perspective

Bunnings Launches AI Assistant Buddy to Enhance Customer Experience

Bunnings launches AI assistant Buddy to enhance customer experience

Helping customers move from inspiration to action

A sign of where retail is heading

What This Means for Retail

Blending AI with trusted in-store expertise

Linda Johansen-James to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Reimagined: AI, Experience & The New Rules of Customer Service

A Timely Conversation for Retailers

Join Linda Johansen-James at Retail Show Australia 2026

Attendees will gain insights into:

RWTA Supports Retail Show Australia 2026 as Official Supporting Partner

Industry Collaboration:

﻿ RWTA Supports Retail Show Australia 2026 as Official Supporting Partner

Exhibition Overview

Strategic Significance of the Collaboration

RWTA’s Role in the Partnership

Dean Salakas to Speak at Retail Show Australia 2026 | Retail doctor Group

From Clown to Retail Consultant: The Journey and Lessons for Retail

A Real-World Perspective on Retail Growth

Join Dean Salakas at Retail Show Australia 2026

Attendees will gain insights into:

ME Group Australia to Showcase Retail Technology and Payment Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

ME Group Australia to Showcase Retail Technology and Payment Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Enabling Smarter Retail Through Technology

Driving Efficiency in Modern Retail Environments

Experience ME Group Australia at Retail Show Australia 2026

MAXIM to Showcase RFID, Labelling and Packaging Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

MAXIM to Showcase Global Labelling, Packaging and RFID Solutions at Retail Show Australia 2026

Supporting Retailers with End-to-End Solutions

RWTA Supports Retail Show Australia 2026 as Official Supporting Partner

Retail Show Australia 2026 Partners with AFGC to Drive Insights in Food & Grocery Retail