The International Retail Forum, hosted by the international SAP consulting firm retailsolutions, took place for the fourth time in Frankfurt am Main. The event on 24 and 25 June 2026 attracted 115 participants who gathered information on current industry trends. Key topics included future store concepts, transformation and processes, data and AI, omnichannel and core merchandising, as well as aspects of security, architecture and cloud applications.
The conference offered over 40 specialist presentations and discussion rounds. A central element was practical case studies from retailers such as adidas, Aramark, Coop, Ernsting's family, Harrods, Schwarz Digits and toom. Michael Niestroy, Managing Partner at retailsolutions, pointed out that an open exchange about project challenges and successes benefits participants in the implementation of their own transformation, AI, or cloud projects.
Key discussion points
A highlight of the forum was two panel discussions. One addressed the topic of Digital Transformation and included contributions from Guido Hoepfner of REWE digital, Marco Tietze of PwC, and Jörg Frisch of retailsolutions. Another discussion focused on Cybersecurity, with Mark Emery of Harrods and Michael Niestroy of retailsolutions participating. These formats allowed participants to delve deeper into insights and solutions from expert contributions and best practice examples and to network with industry colleagues.
- —Future store concepts
- —Transformation and process control
- —Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence
- —Omnichannel strategies and Core Merchandising
Participant feedback was described as positive. Michael Niestroy summarised that the International Retail Forum has established itself as a recognised platform for industry exchange. It brings together companies, experts and innovation drivers, creating space for the development of new concepts and cooperations within the retail sector.
The recurring event in Frankfurt am Main underscores the necessity for continuous further training and networking in a changing retail landscape. The broad range of topics reflects the complexity and technological demands that retailers must meet today to remain viable for the future.
