The Future Retail Congress 2026, held on February 16, showcased the profound ways in which the transformation of retail is reshaping business management across various domains, including demand planning, pricing, logistics, and customer experience. A key focus of the discussions was the critical advantage that is increasingly realized through the consistent integration of processes and data. Edyta Kochlewska, editor-in-chief of dlahandlu.pl, noted that the industry is maturing towards a systemic approach where automation and artificial intelligence are no longer viewed as isolated components but as interconnected elements leading to improved business performance.

The opening debate, titled "Retail 2030: A Game for the Future. Who Will Win Tomorrow’s Market?", gathered insights from participants who expressed common themes such as accelerating algorithms, increasing excess choice, and cost pressures. Alongside these challenges, the discussion highlighted the growing importance of trust in retail operations, which is crucial for sustaining customer relationships in the face of overwhelming options and market dynamics. Participants emphasized the need for a concerted effort to harness technology not just for efficiency, but also for fostering customer confidence.

Overall, the conference served as a critical platform for industry leaders to discuss future-oriented strategies that leverage advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, for navigating the complexities of retail. As the sector continues to evolve, the insights and strategies shared at the congress will likely influence the direction of retail innovations moving forward, with a clear call for enhanced synergy between technology and consumer trust.