What does the future look like for retail media?
Retail Media is at a critical juncture.
As of 2025, the industry in the US alone is worth $54.8 billion, meaning more parties are joining the conversation and take advantage of the continued growth we all expect in the coming years. However, questions remain as to whether this growth is actually sustainable, and if it's been in the right areas. In recent years retail media has seen an increase in fragmentation, shifting brand expectations and the rapid rise of AI-driven solutions, too. All of this means retailers and brands must rethink their retail media strategies to maintain competitiveness and lead the conversation as the industry continues to boom. At Retail Media Pioneers 2025, it is our mission to address the key themes in retail media, and bring together leaders in the industry to discuss the future, the challenges ahead and where the opportunity lies to innovate.
Here, we'll be taking a look at some of the key themes shaping retail media this year, and how they may influence the industry in the coming years.
Key themes for retail media in 2025
1. AI and automation driving efficiency
86% of retailers now use AI to drive efficiencies in their RMN operations.
Automated personalisation and self-service tools are also becoming essential for advertisers.
2. The key challenges & opportunities for retailers and brands
Retailers need to manage costs, differentiate their offerings and building effective RMN strategies.
Brands are prioritising data-driven insights, omnichannel integration, and measurement standardisation to optimise ad spend.
3. First-party data and transparency as the new currency
Retailers see first-party audience data as a competitive advantage.
Brands now expect transparent reporting, better attribution models and integrated insights across retail media platforms.
But what's next for retail media?
In an effort to consolidate and standardise, predictions say that in response to an overcrowded market, brands will demand simplified RMN portfolios. There will also be more partnerships and interoperability, and RMNs will increasingly collaborate with media companies to enhance their reach and differentiation. Budget optimisation and full-funnel retail media will also be a focus according to some, as they predict retailers will focus on integrating retail media with loyalty programmes and upper-funnel activations.
In truth, the future is bright for retail media. However, while the industry's continued growth will provide a wealth of opportunity, it will also bring with it key challenges.
This is where we come in
On the 9th and 10th of September, we will be bringing together Europe's largest brands and retail media networks to network, collaborate and learn.
At the event we will be answering the biggest questions facing the industry, including:
How can RMNs create value beyond commoditised ad formats?
What role will AI & automation play in personalising retail media experiences?
Will RMN consolidation lead to a more efficient marketplace, or just more complexity?
How can retailers provide brands with transparent, standardised measurement frameworks?
The must attend sessions we have addressing these key questions....
How we supercharged retail media into a high-impact growth engine
Learn how leading RMNs are turning first-party data into engagement, revenue and market dominance.
How brands are using creativity and emotional connection to disrupt the shopper journey
A deep dive into how experiential marketing and programmatic in-store assets can optimise media investments.
How can retailers increase their data transparency to optimise advertiser campaigns?
How retailers and brands can use AI to transform targeting, personalisation, and ROI in retail media
So, whether you're a retailer looking to monetise your assets, a brand aiming to maximise ROI, or a solution provider offering cutting-edge retail media technologies, this is THE event to attend.
Join 200+ brands, retailers and thought leaders in shaping the future of retail media.
RETAIL MEDIA PIONEERS
09-10 September 2025
The Hurlingham Club, London