As part of its preparations for EuroCIS 2027, the international retail tech trade fair has revealed six hot topics which will feature across the event next year.

Developed in collaboration with the EHI Retail Institute, it picked the 2027 hot topics that reflect retailers’ current challenges, including:

1. AI & data-driven retail

Linking inventory and retail sales data with market data enables retailers to make well-informed decisions – from assortment management to pricing to demand forecasts. AI increasingly translates data automatically into concrete recommendations for action and controls processes.

2. Employee empowerment

Digital solutions, such as workforce management, mobile task management or gamification apps, which support retail staff in their everyday work with the aim of reducing routine jobs while freeing up more scope for sales assistance and personal service.

3. Retail media

Physical and digital touchpoints are increasingly developing into advertising platforms. Digital signage, in-store screens and electronic shelf labelling make it possible to send context-related advertising messages right at the Point of Sale.

4. Future checkout

Self-service solutions, seamless-store concepts, digital receipts and AI-assisted product recognition change check-out procedures. The aim is to achieve shorter waiting times, more efficient processes and the most seamless and highly personalised customer journey possible.

5. Loss prevention

AI-based video analysis, real-time inventory control, smart fraud detection and sensors identify risks more swiftly and safeguard assets. At the same time, security and operational processes can be integrated more closely.

6. Progressive payments

Payment processes along all touchpoints become part of a seamless customer journey.

Cash, card, mobile payment, biometrics as well as instant payment and digital currencies increasingly move the payment process away from the classic check-out zone shifting it to the retail area or the app.

Growing demand for EuroCIS 2027

The release of its 2027 Hot Topics comes as demand for EuroCIS continues to grow, with a high response among exhibitor bookings.

“We are starting to allocate hall space with very good booking levels: 90% of the area available is already booked up,” Elke Moebius, Director EuroCIS, commented. “This underlines technology’s continued great relevance for the retail sector.”