← ISE: Trends and Insight
ISE 2025
ISE is a hub of innovation, highlighting how technology is transforming the retail industry. With digital signage becoming smarter, more affordable and faster, we saw a growing interest in e-paper, while AI continues to drive the delivery of personalised content.
Here are the key takeaways from the show:
Transparent Screens
The evolution of transparent displays were one of the key trends at ISE 2025, offering a seamless integration of digital content into physical environments. Although the clarity of image still has some way to go, the opportunity to bring to life in-store displays and enhance storytelling by layering brand content over physical products is interesting.
Imagine a store window that functions as both a display case and an interactive marketing tool. Allowing fashion retailers, for example, the ability to showcase mannequins behind a transparent screen while overlaying dynamic digital content, such as outfit pairings, influencer videos, or live pricing updates. This merging of the physical and digital worlds creates a more engaging, immersive shopping experience that feels organic rather than intrusive.
Speakers That Look Like Art
We also saw the continued rise of aesthetic-first audio technology, with speakers that double as art installations or decorative elements. These speakers seamlessly blend into luxury retail spaces, high-end boutiques, and lifestyle-driven environments without disrupting the design flow.
Retailers are constantly looking for ways to enhance sensory experiences in stores, and sound is a powerful yet often overlooked tool. With design-led speakers, brands can control the ambiance while maintaining a polished and visually cohesive look.
E-Paper
E-paper technology is rapidly advancing, as a sustainable and cost effective alternative to paper, we saw advancements in colour appearance and clarity of information. Samsung are leading the way with the testing of hybrid variants for outdoor displays, with built in front lights to ensure content visibility in dark environments or at night, which can be turned off in daytime to save costs.
Esports Integration
This year’s ISE saw the launch of the Esports Arena, a 1000m2 space created in partnership with LVP, a global leader in Esports competitions. The arena demonstrates the incredible advancements in AV and broadcasting that goes into Esports production. Esports presents opportunities for retailers to engage younger demographics through in-store gaming experiences and related events. This integration can drive foot traffic and create unique brand interactions, aligning with the growing popularity of esports.
What This Means in Retail
The key takeaway from ISE 2025 is clear, retail spaces are evolving into experiential, tech-enhanced environments where digital and physical elements coexist harmoniously.
Transparent screens allow brands to integrate digital storytelling into physical displays seamlessly, although quality of image still has some way to go, barriers such as cost are reducing.
Art-inspired speakers prove that tech doesn’t have to be ugly or intrusive, it can be part of the aesthetic experience appealing to all senses.
E paper is advancing for wider adoption into retail, with paper thin designs creating a more streamlined aesthetic, without compromising the look of the retail display.
The future of retail isn’t just digital, it’s beautifully integrated, highly engaging and designed to captivate customers like never before.
