EuroShop 2026 has closed after five trade-fair days in Germany, bringing together retailers and suppliers around investment priorities such as efficiency and the customer journey. Organisers reported more than 81,000 trade visitors from 141 countries and 1,840 exhibitors from 61 nations at the 23rd edition of the event.
Two thirds of visitors came from abroad, including one in five travelling from countries outside Europe. Exhibitors reported a very good overall mood and pointed to the high decision-making competence of visitors. Trade visitors said they were highly satisfied with the presence of market leaders and the completeness of ranges shown across 14 exhibition halls.
According to the organisers, budgets were spent selectively where increasing efficiency intersects with customer benefits. Areas of interest included AI-based applications and check-out solutions, energy-efficient refrigeration technology, modern LED lighting, and flexible store fitting concepts.
Among EuroShop’s seven Dimensions, the Refrigeration & Energy Management area highlighted the relevance of energy-efficient technologies in food service equipment and pointed to trends such as food service in retail and automation. The EuroCIS area, spanning four halls, focused on AI-based applications, automated processes and connected platforms designed to optimise workflows along the customer journey, from merchandise management to checkout.
The programme of side events drew strong interest, with discussions held on seven stages and in special areas, alongside Guided Tours and a Store Tour to selected store concepts. The next EuroShop is scheduled for 18–22 February 2029, while EuroCIS is set to run from 16–18 February 2027.
“EuroShop 2026 has demonstrated impressively that retail invests in its future – strategically, technology-driven and with a clear focus on efficiency and the customer journey at the same time,” said Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Düsseldorf.
