RETAIL NXT, held in Bad Vilbel near Frankfurt, has evolved from a bold endeavor in 2023 into the central get-together for retail technology experts in the heart of Europe. The event, which took place from September 30 to October 1, has become a must-attend conference for the industry's thought leaders, with over 1,000 participants.

As co-chair of RETAIL NXT’s Advisory Council, a role he shares with Dr. Robert Zores, Prof. Manfred Krafft was pleased to contribute to the successful conference. On the main stage of the 2025 conference, he and Jürgen Brock from Case Western Reserve University presented the findings of a comprehensive study on digital transformation in retailing.

Keynote on Digitalization in Grocery, Consumer Electronics, and DIY Retailing

The insights were based on over 40 interviews with industry experts, managers from headquarters and stores, and front-line employees (FLEs). The speakers highlighted that while there is broad agreement at all levels on the necessity of digital transformation to remain competitive, efficient, and innovative, they also uncovered conflicting perspectives. Is digitalization perceived as an opportunity or a threat? A means to an end, or simply a way to digitize analog processes?

In-depth Discussion in an Expert Roundtable

A subsequent roundtable discussion, moderated by Ruben Doppelstein (FLEET Events), allowed for a deeper exploration of these topics. Together with Patricia Lichteneber (MediaMarktSaturn) and Tim Engler (OBI Group Holding), the panelists, including Prof. Krafft, were challenged to elaborate on the key success factors and impediments to digital transformation in retailing.