Full House – Full Agenda: Insights from the Retail Leaders Summit
Full House – Full Agenda: Insights from the Retail Leaders Summit
More than 100 senior leaders filled the Retail Leaders Summit on 4 September – from MediaMarktSaturn, JD and Reliance Digital Retail to AMD, Microsoft, Meta and Cradle to Cradle. The mood: focused, forward-looking, and frank. The day’s big win was not only knowledge but connection – across industries, generations, and borders.
Retail in Motion: 6 Insights That Matter Now
At the official IFA 2025 opening press conference, managing director of GFU Dr. Sara Warneke presented “Imagine the Future – How Markets React”, a sharp analysis of the forces reshaping the global Home & Consumer Tech markets. These insights set the stage for the debates at the Retail Leaders Summit.
1. A Resilient Comeback
Retail is bouncing back: the global Home & Consumer Tech market grew by +4.6%, hitting 403 billion USD in H1 of 2025. It’s proof that innovation keeps the sector moving despite inflation, supply chain pressure, and political turbulence.
2. Category Frontrunners
IT & Office (+9.2%) and Photo (+7.6%) are leading the charge. Consumers are spending when products improve daily life – from remote work tools to new ways of capturing and sharing creativity.
3. Growth Shifts East and South
China (+11.5%) and the Middle East & Africa (+4.8%) are driving momentum. Retail is no longer West-centric – fast-scaling markets set the pace for innovation and consumption.
4. Value Is King
For 60% of consumers, good value for money is the ultimate trigger. It’s not about bargains, but about smart investments: durability, energy savings, long-term benefit.
5. Features Spark Desire
Robot vacuums up +34%, 120 Hz monitors up +35%: people don’t buy categories, they buy excitement and value added. Extra features turn ordinary products into something aspirational, giving retailers a story to tell.
6. Green Is the Baseline
Sustainability and smartness are no longer bonuses. Energy-efficient and connected products dominate investments in 2025 – not because it’s nice to have, but because it’s expected.
Dr. Sara Warneke:
“The Home & Consumer Tech market proves resilient, even in times of uncertainty. What drives growth in a mature and saturated environment is a strong value proposition – consumers want products that are smart, efficient, and worth their money. Premium only works if brands can explain why. At the same time, markets are shifting: China, the Middle East, and Africa are setting the pace, while sustainability and connectivity are no longer extras, but the baseline for every decision. These are the global forces shaping 2025 – and they will define how we all do business.”
