Meg Easterbrook shares insights from her trip to The Retail Tech Show 2025. Discover how leading retailers are aligning digital transformation with people-first strategies – and what this means for the future of hiring in retail.
Well, my feet are still recovering, but my mind is buzzing after two incredible days immersed in the vibrant chaos and cutting-edge insights of the Retail Technology Show last week!
Forget your usual corporate conferences; this felt more like a tech-infused carnival, complete with jugglers precariously balanced on unicycles and even a carousel and bumper cars.
The energy was infectious, and honestly, even the queues for the talks became unexpected networking goldmines – I even managed to borrow a phone charger from a lovely graduate eager to break into the industry (proof that kindness still reigns!).
Beyond the dazzling distractions, the real magic happened within the talks themselves. As a recruiter deeply invested in the future of retail talent, I was particularly keen to hear how leading brands are navigating the ever-evolving technological landscape and, crucially, how this impacts their people.
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom that really resonated:
Clarks: More Than Just Tech – A True Organisational Transformation
The talk from Clarks was a masterclass in holistic implementation. The key takeaway? This wasn't just about plugging in new software; it was a full-blown organisational project. This is music to my ears! Successful tech adoption hinges on buy-in and collaboration across all departments, not just the IT team.
I was also blown away by the sheer speed of their Commercetools implementation – a launch within 30 days of CIO Simon Clark joining the SLT! That speaks volumes about their agility and the seamless integration they achieved.
And let's not forget the tangible results. As a consumer who often sighs at slow-loading websites, the reported one-third increase in site speed and faster content delivery is genuinely exciting. It proves that investing in the right tech directly translates to a better customer experience.
Dune: Putting the Customer at the Heart of Everything
Dune echoed a similar sentiment to Clarks, emphasising that transformations of this scale are fundamentally business projects, not just IT initiatives. This reinforces the crucial understanding that technology serves the overarching business goals.
The impact this project has had on both their store and online operations was clearly significant. It’s inspiring to see how strategic tech implementation can create a unified and enhanced experience across all touchpoints.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Dune talk was their unwavering focus on becoming a truly customer-first organisation. This is the holy grail for any retailer, and it’s fantastic to see technology being leveraged to achieve this core objective. Attracting and retaining talent who are equally customer-centric becomes paramount in this environment.
Sainsbury's Prerana Issar: People Powering Progress
While technology is the engine of retail evolution, the human element remains the driving force. Prerana Issar's conversation about building diverse teams and fostering a people-first culture across Sainsbury's was genuinely captivating.
Her passion was infectious, and it was evident that this ethos isn't just lip service; it's deeply ingrained within the Sainsbury's DNA. I particularly admired hearing about her personal experience of working on the shop floor to truly understand the daily realities of store colleagues. This level of empathy and commitment from leadership is what truly fosters a positive and productive work environment.
Hearing Prerana's insights resonated deeply with me, especially considering the stories my sister, who also works in retail, often shares. The need for a shift towards valuing and supporting retail workers across the board is undeniable, and I sincerely hope that Sainsbury's example will inspire wider change within the industry.
Looking Ahead: Talent in a Tech-Driven Retail World
My two days at the Retail Technology Show left me feeling optimistic and energised. The innovation happening in this sector is incredible, and it’s clear that technology is no longer just a support function; it’s a core driver of success.
For us recruiters, this means understanding not just the technical skills required but also the collaborative spirit, the customer-centric mindset, and the adaptability needed to thrive in this evolving landscape. Attracting talent who can bridge the gap between technology and the human experience will be crucial. The carnival atmosphere was a fun bonus, but the real value lay in the insightful conversations and the glimpse into the future of retail.
I left feeling inspired and ready to help connect the right talent with the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. What were your key takeaways from the Retail Technology Show?
I'd love to hear your thoughts, connect with me on LinkedIn, or pop me an email at mege@eligo.co.uk.