NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe got off to a strong start yesterday with opening remarks from NRF President & CEO Matthew Shay followed by Eurocommerce President Juan Manuel Morales at the VusionGroup Theatre.
Published on Sep 16,2025 at 5:19 PM | Updated on Dec 16,2025 at 11:39 AM

Matthew Shay began his keynote by emphasising that the NRF “has been the voice for every retailer, large and small” and that today it is “broadening its scope around the world, playing a role in partnerships in places outside the United States.” He added that the NRF was “delighted to be here” after many years of partnership with Comexposium and important European retail players. Shay explained how a show in Europe fits in with the NRF’s overall strategy along with their flagship show in New York and their recently launched Asia-Pacific show in Singapore.

He stressed the importance of a regulatory framework with “free and open markets with fair trade
policies” for the industry, and before passing the mic over to Juan Manuel Morales, wished everyone “a great week building lots of relationships.”

Juan Manuel Morales spoke about building bridges between Europe and the United States together, and touched on the diverse and highly competitive nature of retail in Europe. Like Matthew Shay, he also emphasised the role regulations play in the industry, highlighting that the future of European retail requires “reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, supporting innovation and protecting the planet.” “Retail Together is more than a theme. It’s a call to action. Because we are stronger together,” he added.

Photo: © Anne-Emmanuelle Thion