Future of Retail 2026
October 6
FT Future of Retail Summit 2026 is a prestigious conference dedicated to the future of retail, organised by Financial Times Live. The event will take place on 6 October 2026 in London in a hybrid format (in-person and online) and will bring together key decision-makers from across the European retail sector.
The summit focuses on the major challenges facing modern retail: inflationary pressure, geopolitical tensions, shifting consumer purchasing power, and the rapid development of technology—particularly AI, omnichannel strategies, and sustainability. In response to these forces, retailers must redefine their business models, rethink how they engage customers, and build greater operational resilience.
The event attracts over 400 participants, with 76% representing C-level executives, and features 35+ speakers—market leaders, technology experts, and business practitioners. The programme includes strategic debates, consumer trend analysis, market data, and case studies showing how innovation is transforming retail in practice.
FT Future of Retail Summit also places a strong emphasis on high-level networking, offering participants the opportunity to exchange insights with industry leaders, Financial Times journalists, and experts shaping the future of retail.
This is an essential event for those who want to keep retail at the forefront of innovation, make well-informed strategic decisions, and prepare their organisations for the years of rapid change ahead.