By Matthew Shay, President and CEO, National Retail Federation and Arnaud Gallet, Retail Business Unit Director, Comexposium
Published on Sep 10,2025 at 8:05 AM | Updated on Dec 16,2025 at 11:39 AM

A premier international retail gathering

By Matthew Shay, President and CEO, National Retail Federation
Welcome to the inaugural NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Paris! We are grateful you are here to experience this premier gathering of 15,000 retail professionals from around the world. 
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. Our mission is to advocate, educate and communicate the vital role retail plays in driving global economies. That mission is why NRF is expanding our international presence and bringing our events to key markets around the world.
We began the year with our flagship Retail’s Big Show in New York City, followed by Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore, and now Retail’s Big Show Europe here in Paris.
NRF has participated in Paris Retail Week for many years, and together with Comexposium, we are bringing our shared expertise, content and programming to Retail’s Big Show Europe.

Thank you for being part of this inaugural event that will offer even greater opportunities for collaboration, innovation and networking.
Together, let’s learn, grow and shape the future of retail around the world.


"A new chapter for retail"

By Arnaud Gallet, Retail Business Unit Director, Comexposium
Good morning and welcome to Paris for the very first edition of NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe!
Today we are opening the doors to more than 15,000 retail professionals from around the world, here to share insights, tackle challenges, and spark new ideas. This debut in Paris is more than just a launch—it’s an opportunity to rethink how we grow and adapt in an industry landscape affected by tariffs, shifting supply chains, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

We're kicking the show off this morning with opening remarks from Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation, alongside EuroCommerce President Juan Manuel Morales. Their perspectives will set the tone for three days of “Retail Together”—a theme that feels particularly relevant in the current context. Sephora’s Global CEO Guillaume Motte will then take the stage to explore how beauty, belonging, and community are reshaping global retail.

Beyond the rich conference programme we have in store, I encourage you all to explore the Startup Hub powered by La Retail Tech. With more than 60 early-stage companies presenting bold ideas in AI, customer experience, sustainability, and payments, among other topics, it’s one of the most dynamic places to see where our industry is heading next.

On the show floor, you’ll find global brands, ambitious newcomers, and practical solutions designed to inspire action. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your brand, refine your strategy, or discover new technologies, this is your chance to connect and learn.

As you enjoy your first cup of coffee this morning and look toward the day ahead, let’s all work to make the most of this new chapter for retail, together.