Anniversary edition for EuroShop
EuroShop 2026: the global retail industry gathers in Düsseldorf for an anniversary edition
Every three years, EuroShop brings together the entire global retail ecosystem in Düsseldorf. In 2026, the event will take on a very special dimension as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Created in 1966 around a founding question “What will the retail of tomorrow look like?”, EuroShop has, over the decades, become the global benchmark for retail innovation.
From 22 to 26 February 2026, Messe Düsseldorf will host nearly 1,900 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, spread across over 100,000 m² of net exhibition space, confirming EuroShop’s status as an essential platform to understand, anticipate and experience the future of retail.
The event is still structured around its 7 dimensions, covering the entire retail value chain:
- Shop Fitting & Store Design
- Lighting
- Expo & Event Marketing
- Refrigeration & Energy Management
- EuroCIS (Retail Technology)
- Food Service Equipment
- Retail Marketing
In addition, there will be numerous dedicated areas, thematic conferences, guided tours and a major new feature for this anniversary edition: store tours across Düsseldorf.
EuroShop 2026 promises to be a true festival combining content, networking and inspiration, all within a logistics setup that remains as smooth and efficient as ever.
What I will be particularly observing this year
Of course, EuroShop remains the ideal place to take stock of retail fundamentals:
- in-store operations optimisation,
- the latest advances in robotics,
- the evolution of self-checkout,
- solutions to reduce losses linked to scanning errors or theft,
- and more.
But if there is one theme I will be following very closely in 2026, it is Agentic AI.
AI has been widely discussed for several editions. This time, what I am looking for are concrete use cases and operational solutions capable of:
- improving in-store flows,
- assisting frontline teams,
- genuinely enriching the customer experience,
- and generating a measurable impact on performance.
The good news: many exhibitors are already announcing tangible applications, far removed from purely conceptual demonstrations. These are precisely the kinds of solutions I intend to challenge.
A few practical tips to prepare your visit
- Book your ticket in advance and plan your agenda ahead of time. EuroShop fills up quickly, and without preparation it’s easy to miss key content.
- Personally, I always favour a sustainable approach: the train is an excellent option to reach Düsseldorf. Public transport is particularly efficient. From the central station, a direct tram line takes you straight to the Messe. It’s simple, fast and very safe.
- Düsseldorf is also worth taking the time to explore. The city offers excellent breweries, a wide range of restaurants and easy mobility, whether by tram or on foot. A special mention goes to Little Tokyo, a unique Japanese district in Europe, appealing both to food lovers and manga culture enthusiasts.
- Finally, take the opportunity to visit a few inspiring stores:
- Edeka Zurheide (already featured on 20/CENT Retail),
- the Coolblue flagship store,
- and many other concepts well worth the visit.
My 20/CENT
EuroShop is simply an unmissable event.
It only takes place every three years, and in Europe — and even worldwide — no other event truly rivals its scale and quality.
The organisation is exemplary: transport, parking, hall layout, signage… everything is designed to make the visit easy.
Conference content is relevant, stages are well structured, and exchanges are rich.
But above all, exhibitors reflect, at each edition, both current and upcoming trends: what our shelves will look like tomorrow, how the customer experience is evolving, and how in-store and back-office working methods will transform in the very near future.
I hope to see you there.
EuroShop 2026 is not just a trade fair: it is a must-attend event for anyone who takes retail seriously.
EUROSHOP 2026, 22–26 February 2026, Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, https://www.euroshop-tradefair.com
EuroshopMesse DusseldorfDusseldorfRetailTechnologyRetailtechDigitalArtificial Intelligence