What RTS London revealed about the future of retail and payments
TL;DR:
RTS 2025 in London was all about artificial intelligence, unified commerce, digital innovation, cost efficiency and embedded payments. Raimac’s leadership team came away with insights into how these trends are reshaping the industry. And finally, why in-person events are still essential for driving innovation and building meaningful partnerships.
The Retail Technology Show at Excel London continues to be a must-attend event for retail and technology leaders. This year, Raimac’s CEO Frazer MacRae and Chief Commercial Officer Rob Harper were on the ground, gathering key insights into where retail tech and payments are headed next.
Top 5 Takeaways from RTS 2025
- AI Is Taking Over. In a Good Way
Artificial intelligence was front and centre, influencing everything from workforce planning to smarter data use and hyper-personalized shopping. Retailers are embracing AI not just to cut costs, but to better engage with customers and run more efficiently.
- Unified Commerce: The New Standard
Gone are the days of treating online and offline as separate. Unified commerce, where systems and channels are deeply connected, was a hot topic. Retailers are chasing seamless experiences powered by real-time data, and it’s paying off in both customer satisfaction and operational agility.
- Innovation: A Double-Edged Sword
While innovation is clearly critical, it’s also tough to manage. Many retailers are stuck between the need to evolve and the reality of outdated infrastructure. The takeaway? Strategic partnerships are the key to pushing forward without risking the stability of core systems.
- Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners
With economic pressures top of mind, the hunt for efficiency is on. From budget-friendly POS systems to next-gen tools like holographic sales assistants, businesses are exploring how tech can help them do more with less.
- Embedded Payments Are Here to Stay
A major theme was the seamless integration of financial services into consumer experiences. Embedded payments, like Raimac’s Programmable Payments, are reshaping what’s possible. Think flexible options that feel like “subscriptions on steroids.”
Real-World Impact
Retailers want innovation that fits into their existing frameworks, not disruptions that create chaos. As Rob Harper puts it, “More and more, companies are relying on agile startups like Raimac to bring fresh ideas into the fold, without tearing apart what already works.”
Frazer MacRae adds, “The conversations at RTS validated our focus on financial flexibility and inclusion. Our programmable payments are built to meet exactly these shifting consumer expectations.”
Ready to Evolve Your Payment Experience?
RTS 2025 was a glimpse into retail’s next chapter, and it’s clear that embedded, intelligent payments are at the heart of it. Interested in seeing how Raimac can help your business adapt and lead?
