January 29, 2026
Retail Technology Show Returns with M&S Chairman Archie Norman and the Customer Whisperer
The UK’s Retail Technology Show was my first eye-opening CXM road trip last year, and the show is back, bigger than ever in 2026.
Taking place at London’s ExCeL on 22–23 April, RTS brings together more than 16,000 senior retail professionals to the biggest showcase of retail innovation.
Across the show floor, keynotes and many sessions, leaders will spotlight the latest technologies shaping growth and long-term performance, as well as the companies delivering new ideas in retail, driving customer and employee experiences.
One of the headline acts is Chairman of UK retailer M&S, Archie Norman, who returns as a keynote speaker.
Meet Retail’s Customer Whisperer
Speaking on the Supernova Stage during Day 2 of the Retail Technology Show, Archie will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle MBE, for a wide-ranging fireside chat.
They will explore how deep-rooted customer trust, brand authority, technology innovation and the power of its own-brand product saw M&S voted the UK’s most trusted retailer in 2025.
Demonstrating the strength and resilience of the brand, even amid operational disruption and difficult external trading conditions.
Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS, comments: “Archie’s session was one of the standout moments of RTS 2025, with his no-holds-barred discussion and invaluable insights drawing a standing-room-only crowd, reinforcing just how strongly our audience wants to hear from Marks & Spencer.
As an iconic British retailer, M&S continues to set the pace, embedding technology and innovation across the business while maintaining the trust and confidence of customers in a fast-changing and unpredictable market.
We’re delighted to welcome Archie back to the Headline Stage in 2026 for what promises to be another unmissable conversation for retailers looking to drive long-term growth and customer connection.”
With the US version, NRF Retail’s Big Show just wrapped with a massive focus on AI, we’re keen to see how many European and UK firms are adopting the technology, and what other innovations can boost retail’s fortunes.
