Retail Technology Show (RTS), the leading event that connects retail’s changemakers with tech innovators, has unveiled its theme for RTS 2026. 

Grooving to the beat of retail innovation, RTS will let the good times roll at ExCeL London on 22–23 April next year with a disco-themed retail extravaganza. 

Eat. Sleep. Retail. Repeat.

Bringing together the sector’s movers and shakers, the UK’s leading retail event promises innovation, energy, bold moves and good vibes, connecting retailers with the tools and tech they need to keep in step and never miss a beat.

From strut-worthy AI and move-busting metaverse experiences to omnichannel capabilities that help retailers ‘get phygital’ – the rhythm of retail will meet the future of innovation under the glittering lights of the RTS disco ball at next year’s show.

Get on down to retail town

RTS 2026 follows the event’s successful debut at its new home, ExCeL London, in April earlier this year, when it brought the carnival of retail to town.  Transforming the exhibition into a giant retail funfair, RTS 2025 welcomed over 14,000 retail professionals – a +11% increase on the previous year – and delivered its biggest ever tech showcase of 438 leading solution providers.

“Off the back of an incredibly successful first event in our new home, London ExCeL, RTS 2026 is already shaping up to be bigger, bolder and better,” said Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS.

“With a new theme – but the same incredible energy that unites the sector – we can’t wait to bring the funk, flair and future of retail to life as we look ahead to next year’s show.”

Matt Bradley, Event Director, RTS

Turning up the volume, vibes and visibility

Next year’s theme was soft-launched at RTS’ End of Summer Soiree, which took place at John Lewis’ Oxford Street Rooftop Bar, and hosted retail leaders from brand powerhouses, including Currys, Frasers Group, Liberty, Tesco and Pentland Brands.

It was also attended by key media partners, including 365 Retail, Retail Tech Innovation Hub, The Retail Bulletin and Green Retail World, as well as Flagship, which has been named as RTS’ official PR partner for 2026 to turn up the volume, vibes and visibility for next year’s show.

“As RTS continues to grow, key strategic and trusted partnerships are the bedrock of that continued momentum,” Bradley added. 

To register your interest for RTS 2026, visit: Retail Technology Show.