EuroShop will commemorate its 60th anniversary with a large-scale event, the “Global Retail Festival”, taking place from 22–26 February 2026 at Messe Düsseldorf. The five-day programme will highlight developments in the retail industry since the fair’s inception in 1966.
Six Decades of Change in Retail
EuroShop was first held in June 1966, attracting 330 exhibitors from 11 countries and more than 30,000 visitors. The focus at the time was on shopfitting, display systems, and retail hardware such as refrigerated cabinets and cash registers. While initial reception from retailers was mixed, by its second edition in 1968, the event had already gained attention in international trade circles.
The fair has adapted over the decades in response to industry changes. By the 1970s, the inclusion of modular shop systems and early electronic tills prompted a shift in its format, including the adoption of a three-year cycle from 1975 onwards. Technological advancements in the 1980s, such as barcode scanning and automated stock management, were reflected in the event’s content, alongside growing interest in cashless payment and recycling infrastructure.
In the 1990s and 2000s, retail began to evolve as a branded experience. EuroShop addressed this transition with showcases of POS technologies, electronic pricing, virtual reality demonstrations, and early-stage e-commerce platforms. The first independent spin-off event, EuroCIS, launched in 2001 with a focus on retail IT and continues to operate on a separate schedule.
The 2010s brought a stronger emphasis on sustainability, omnichannel integration, and emotional branding. In response, EuroShop introduced new event zones, such as the Designers’ Village, and thematic awards like the reta. The 2020 edition coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in visitor numbers. However, in 2023, the show returned with a focus on digitalisation, energy management, and operational sustainability.
2026 Programme Highlights
The upcoming 60th edition will feature approximately 1,900 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. In addition to the core exhibition, the event will include seven dedicated stages, guided innovation tours, and curated store visits throughout Düsseldorf.
Special areas such as the Designers’ Village and a new VM Experience section will form part of the structured programme. Co-working zones and informal networking sessions are also planned to encourage discussion and idea exchange among participants.
Expansion into the Middle East
Following the anniversary event, EuroShop Middle East will make its debut in Dubai from 26–28 October 2026. The expansion marks a continuation of the brand’s international growth, which includes events such as China in-store and in-store Asia.
EuroShop began as a focused exhibition on modern shopfitting and has since developed into a broad event addressing multiple aspects of the retail supply chain, including design, logistics, technology, and store experience. The upcoming anniversary edition aims to reflect the scale of that evolution, while offering attendees insight into current and future developments in retail.
