The Visual Merchandising and Display Show is the biggest event in the calendar for visual merchandising, retail design, and display. Taking place from 9-10 April 2025 at London’s Business Design Centre, the show is the go-to destination for retailers, VM directors, store planners, creative directors, procurement teams, and visual merchandising managers looking to update their knowledge, network, and be inspired by the latest trends.
While retail is at its heart, the VM & Display Show also attracts professionals from hospitality, leisure, and entertainment sectors, helping them to enhance their physical spaces and improve customer experiences. From hotels, resorts, and restaurants to cinemas, museums, and theme parks, businesses across industries will find innovative solutions to create memorable and engaging environments for their customers.
An Unmissable Exhibition of Retail Innovation
With over 100 brands showcasing the latest advancements in retail visual merchandising and display, the show provides a comprehensive look at the innovations shaping retail and commercial spaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge solutions, gaining insight into how brands are evolving their physical presence.
From pop-up store solutions and seasonal display units to AI-powered retail experiences and immersive installations, the exhibition floor will be packed with ideas to inspire and inform. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of products and services, including signage, lighting, digital displays, sustainable materials, POP/POS, audio-visual equipment, large-format print, custom packaging, graphics, technology solutions, promotional stands, store fixtures, retail software, design agencies, merchandising accessories, interactive kiosks, Christmas decorations, wall fixtures, mannequins, ceiling hangings, shelving and racking, and lighting solutions – and much more. Whether seeking the latest materials, digital innovations, or creative retail strategies, the VM & Display Show 2025 promises to deliver a wealth of inspiration for industry professionals.
The POPAI ZONE Returns
The POPAI ZONE will once again offer a dynamic programme of expert talks and panel discussions, covering key areas such as shopper behaviour, store design, sustainability, and AI in retail. Kicking off the programme, Phil Day, Managing Director of POPAI UK & Ireland, will deliver an update on the latest industry insights, setting the stage for a packed schedule of discussions.
Following this, Sky will take the stage with “Sky: A Retail Adventure”, a session exploring the brand’s evolving retail strategy. John Magill, Head of Store Design & Merchandising at Sky, will discuss the company’s retail journey so far, the key questions driving improvements in their store design, and the introduction of SKYVM, a system for managing Sky’s complex retail estate. This session, running from 10:30 to 11:00 on day one, will offer valuable insights into how major brands navigate the challenges of modern retail environments.
Throughout the event, attendees will also hear from major brands at the forefront of retail innovation. The Card Factory will explore emerging trends, while Stella McCartney and Trison will focus on how sustainability and experiential design are shaping the future of physical retail spaces. A session with Crown Paints and Outform, titled “From Colour Hell to Colour Help,” will highlight the impact of colour psychology in retail environments, offering practical strategies to enhance customer engagement. Speakers including Sarah Skeete (Outform), Hannah Abbasi (Outform), and Huw Arthur (Crown Paints) will share their expertise on audience behaviour, differentiation, and the realities of implementing these insights in retail spaces.
Day two of the POPAI ZONE will feature a series of masterclass sessions designed to provide a deeper understanding of key industry topics. Martin Kingdon and Steve Lister, both from POPAI UK & Ireland, will lead a Sustainability Workshop, exploring how brands can integrate environmentally friendly solutions into their retail strategies. Nick Widdowson, also from POPAI UK & Ireland, will take the stage to discuss Shopper Strategy & Vision, examining how consumer behaviour is evolving and what retailers must do to stay ahead. The programme will conclude with a session on AI in Retail, where industry experts will discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in customer engagement and store operations.
These are just some of the insightful and informative discussions taking place in the POPAI ZONE, with further sessions and speakers to be revealed before the event.
BDS Student Challenge: The Next Generation of Retail Design
The BDS Student Challenge returns, with Hugh Baird and Dublin TU competing in a head-to-head final, judged by a panel of industry leaders. This competition will showcase the next generation of visual merchandising talent, giving students the opportunity to present their concepts in front of experts and gain valuable feedback from key figures in the industry.
Two Days of Inspiration and Innovation
Over the two days, the Visual Merchandising and Display Show 2025 will offer networking opportunities, product launches, and interactive displays, making it the ultimate event for retailers, designers, and visual merchandisers.
Andrew Colclough, Director of the VM & Display Show, commented on the excitement surrounding this year’s event: “The excitement around this year’s show reflects the importance of physical retail and the need to provide spaces that truly resonate with consumers. Creating an environment that captures attention and enhances the shopping experience is more vital than ever, and this is the place to find the answers. A one or two-day visit to the Business Design Centre can save weeks or even months of research and sourcing. We can’t wait to welcome the industry once again.”
With a record number of pre-registrations, this year’s show is set to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience with the latest retail innovations, and discover creative solutions that will define the future of visual merchandising and display. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, new suppliers, or expert advice, the Visual Merchandising and Display Show 2025 will provide everything needed to stay at the forefront of the industry.
For more information and to register, visit www.vmanddisplayshow.com
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
