ISPO Munich 2025 launches Retail Club for targeted exchange in the retail sector

With the launch of the Retail Club, ISPO Munich 2025 is expanding its offering specifically for sports retailers. The new programme is aimed at retailers in the sports and textile sectors and is intended to intensify exchange within the industry. The aim is to place greater focus on retail at the trade fair and to offer retailers a clearly structured platform for networking, knowledge transfer and strategic orientation. The Retail Club is free of charge and supports its members not only during the trade fair, but also beyond. ISPO Munich is thus responding to changing conditions in the retail sector. Increasing competitive pressure, changing consumer behaviour and new digital distribution channels are posing growing challenges for brick-and-mortar and hybrid retailers. The Retail Club is intended to create a format that offers practical support and promotes targeted exchange between retailers, brands and industry experts.

New format for retailers: More exchange, clear orientation

The Retail Club is designed as a service and networking offering that aims to make trade fair visits more structured and efficient. Members benefit from a free trade fair ticket, access to the Retail Lounge and guided tours of the exhibition grounds, among other things. The offering is complemented by a specialised conference programme that is explicitly geared towards the needs of retailers. The content focuses on topics such as product range strategy, omnichannel models, sustainability and digitalisation. The aim is not only to provide retailers with information, but also to open up concrete perspectives for action. Direct dialogue between retailers, industry and brands is specifically promoted, including through matchmaking formats and moderated discussion rounds. The offer does not end after the trade fair. The Retail Club sees itself as a continuous knowledge platform that regularly provides its members with market analyses, industry insights and strategic impulses. In this way, ISPO Munich aims to perpetuate the exchange and accompany the retail sector in the long term.

Retail friendliness as a central trade fair promise

With its new club concept, ISPO Munich is sending a clear signal to retailers. Under the guiding principle of ‘retail friendliness,’ trade fair formats will be tailored more closely to the needs of specialist retailers in future. This includes personalised offers, curated themed areas and networking formats that facilitate relevant contacts. For retailers, this means greater efficiency when visiting the trade fair. Instead of a confusing wealth of information, the Retail Club offers guidance and targeted access to relevant content. At the same time, the concept strengthens the visibility of retailers within the trade fair, which until now has often taken a back seat to brands and new products. The new approach also has advantages for exhibitors. By specifically targeting specialist retailers, more relevant contacts and higher-quality discussions are generated. ISPO Munich is thus positioning itself not only as a presentation platform, but also as an active facilitator of exchange and industry development.

Strategic importance for specialist sports retailers

Specialist sports retailers are facing structural changes. Issues such as sustainability, supply chains, pricing and customer expectations shape the everyday business of many companies. The Retail Club addresses these challenges and provides a space for discussion and joint solutions. The focus is not only on short-term trends, but also on long-term strategic issues. Networking with brands, start-ups and industry experts creates an environment in which new ideas can emerge. The club aims to help integrate retailers more closely into innovation processes and give them access to new ideas and technologies. ISPO Munich sees the Retail Club as a bridge between the market, product development and end customer proximity.

Industry network with strategic depth

The response from the retail sector has been positive. Associations such as FEDAS regard the Retail Club as an important step towards strengthening the European sports retail trade. Particular emphasis is placed on the combination of orientation, exchange and continuous access to knowledge. This strategic depth distinguishes the Retail Club from traditional trade fair offerings. With this new format, ISPO Munich 2025 is further expanding its role as a central business platform. The targeted focus on retail complements existing concepts and strengthens the relevance of the trade fair for all market participants. The next ISPO Munich will take place in Munich from 30 November to 2 December 2025. With a new hall concept and a clear commitment to trade relevance, the Retail Club is set to become an integral part of the trade fair experience.