What: The International Retail Summit highlighted how customer proximity, digital transformation, and emotional connection are shaping the future of global retail.

Why it is important: The convergence of digital innovation, geopolitical change, and evolving consumer values is redefining what it takes to build loyalty and resilience in retail.

At the 75th International Retail Summit, industry leaders and researchers explored how global retail is being transformed by shifting consumer behaviors, technological advances, and geopolitical changes. Customer proximity—both physical and digital—emerged as a core strategy, with retailers like Valora and Babyone leveraging localization, “foodvenience,” and seamless digital integration to build strong, lasting relationships. The summit underscored the end of a “flat world,” as economic and geopolitical fragmentation force retailers to rethink supply chains, partnerships, and market entry strategies. The rise of the “emotional economy” was a central theme, with brands increasingly focused on building loyalty through shared values, community, and authentic engagement rather than just transactions. Trust, both within organizations and with customers, was identified as the foundation for innovation and long-term success. Finally, the growing influence of Chinese retail trends and platforms, such as TMall and AliExpress, was highlighted as both a challenge and an opportunity for European retailers, who must benchmark, collaborate, or compete to stay ahead.

IADS Notes: The 75th International Retail Summit’s focus on customer proximity, digital transformation, and emotional connection is strongly validated by recent developments in the retail sector. Forbes (February 2025), Inside Retail (March 2025), and Journal du Net (September 2025) all highlight the rapid adoption of AI agents and hyper-personalisation, with 38% of global consumers already using AI shopping tools and 71% expecting tailored interactions. These technologies are fundamentally reshaping how retailers approach localization, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. On the geopolitical front, BCG (January and May 2025) and GDI (August 2025) document the growing complexity of global trade, with brands restructuring supply chains and adopting agile, regionally-adapted models in response to rising fragmentation and the disruptive entry of Chinese e-commerce platforms. The rise of the “emotional economy” is reflected in the strategies of Selfridges, Lane Crawford, and others, as reported by Fashion Network (May 2025), Inside Retail (September 2025), and BoF (April 2025), where community-building, exclusivity, and authentic values are driving loyalty and profitability. Trust and strong corporate culture are increasingly recognized as foundations for innovation and resilience, as shown by McKinsey (June 2025), WWD (October 2025), and PR Newswire (December 2024). Finally, the competitive impact of Chinese retail trends is underscored by GDI (August 2025), Fashion Network (October 2025), and Inside Retail (August 2025), which detail the rapid market penetration of platforms like Temu and Shein and the urgent need for European retailers to innovate and adapt.

Key learnings from the 2025 GDI International Retail Summit