Retail Is Anything but Slowing Down
Anyone who believes the retail sector is losing momentum should have spent at RetailTrends Live in Amsterdam. More than 750 senior leaders from across the food and non-food landscape filled the Nieuwe DeLaMar Theaters for a day that showcased the energy, innovation, and resilience driving the industry forward. The event was impeccably organized by Gideon ten Holte and the RetailTrends team, who once again delivered a program packed with relevance and inspiration.
A Stage for Leading Voices in Dutch Retail
Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking perspectives from some of the most influential executives in the Netherlands, including:
- Ed van de Weerd, Kruidvat
- Michiel Muller, Picnic Technologies
- Pieter Zwart, Coolblue
- Aart Haren, PLUS Retail
- Philip Mountford, Chairman & Senior Board Advisor
Each speaker shed light on the forces reshaping retail — from digital acceleration and shifting customer expectations to operational excellence, sustainability, and the ongoing battle for talent.
Spotlight on Innovation: The Retail Rookies
One of the day’s standout moments was the Retail Rookies segment, where emerging concepts and ambitious founders pitched bold ideas with the potential to redefine the sector. A special congratulations goes to Dutchies, the winner of the Retail Rookie Award 2025, whose concept clearly captured the attention and imagination of the jury and audience.
A Valued Partnership
This year marked the fourth consecutive edition in which we proudly partnered with Sedna Executive Search to support RetailTrends Live — a collaboration that continues to underline our shared commitment to elevating leadership and strengthening the future of the industry.