Retail’s Next Chapter. What We Learned at #RECON25

1. AI Is Now a Core Business Tool, Not a Future Trend 

With AI adoption in New Zealand surpassing 80%, the message was simple: if AI isn’t part of your workflow, you’re already behind. 

AI tools are evolving at a pace that demands behavioural change, not just new software. The speed of search, customer interaction and content creation is reshaping productivity expectations across every sector - including retail, design and development. 

But there was a caution too: AI accelerates good thinking; it does not replace it. Strategy, judgment and strong retail planning and creativity remain irreplaceable. 

2. Connection Is Becoming the Product 

The Urban Room made a compelling case: cities are “transaction machines,” but people increasingly crave places that deliver more than commerce!  Safety, street trees, reason to dwell, and edges that feel human-scale all support meaningful engagement – even Sex! 

Great retail centres are becoming social infrastructure — places for gathering, experience, and belonging. 

Image: The Atrium at Queen’s Wharf - the central walkway and key bookend to the heritage walk, forming the retail spine that threads the precinct together just won the UDIA award for Masterplanned Communities & Urban Renewal. 

3. Localisation Over Standardisation 

IKEA’s insights into the NZ market reinforced something we see often in design: global ideas only succeed when they are reinterpreted through a local lens.  Range, scale and customer experience must reflect the rhythms of the community. “One size fits all” no longer works; “designed for here” does. 

 4. Hospitality Shows the Power of Clarity 

Despite tough economic conditions, the breakout hospitality brands are winning through authenticity and focus. 
A clear identity, a strong singular offering, and environments that feel comfortable without being overdesigned are proving to be the formula for resilience. 

Image: Hospitality sits at the heart of the Richmond Mall reimagining — creating a warm, social anchor that connects people, moments, and movement through the precinct.

5. Culture Is Setting the Pace for Retail Innovation

From youth-driven collabs to the rise of sleep wellness, retail is moving in step with culture.
East Asia, particularly Seoul, continues to lead globally in beauty, wellness, luxury, and experiential retail, offering a preview of what consumers will soon expect here.

The takeaway?
Retail’s next chapter is defined by culture, community, and technology working together.
Spaces that adapt, connect and reflect the people they serve will continue to lead and designers, developers and brands who embrace this shift will shape the most exciting work ahead.