Promoting French Retail Technology

Tell me about you.

?I have been with Business France for 12 years, with experience in India, 5 years at our HQ in Paris within the Tech department, and 6 years in North America, always working in the Tech teams. Since September 2024, I am serving as the Managing Director for the Tech & Services industries at Business France North America. I lead a diverse team of 12 professionals based in Toronto, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, and Boston. My role focuses on driving the expansion of innovative French startups and SMEs across sectors such as retail tech, e-commerce, fintech, and more. Our team is dedicated to supporting high-growth French companies as they scale in North America. We've supported Exotec, Mirakl, Ab Tasty, Akeneo, and Botify.

Tell me about your mission!

?I work for Business France (French Trade Commission), where my primary mission is to act as a strategic bridge between the French retail ecosystem and the U.S. market. In this role, I focus on helping French startups by connecting them with key stakeholders and potential partners in the American retail industry. I facilitate collaboration and innovation by showcasing the strengths of French retail technology to a global audience, positioning French companies as leaders in the retail tech space.?

What are key priorities for French retailers for 2025?

For French retailers in 2025, several key priorities will shape their strategies:

• Digital Transformation: Retailers will continue to expand omnichannel approaches, with a strong focus on leveraging AI to deliver more personalized and seamless customer experiences and adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
• Sustainability: There will be a greater emphasis on integrating circular economy practices, reducing environmental footprints, and adopting sustainable business models to meet regulatory requirements and consumer demand for responsible retailing.
• Localization and Agility: Retailers will need to tailor their offerings to specific local markets, ensuring relevance and competitiveness while also maintaining the agility to adapt quickly to global trends and shifting market conditions.
• Employee Experience: In a competitive labour market, French retailers will prioritize upskilling their workforce and focusing on employee well-being to attract and retain top talent and foster a productive and engaged team.

What do you hope to see at the NRF show?

?At the NRF show, I'm excited to explore emerging technologies that can potentially transform customer experiences, particularly in fields like AI, robotics, and immersive retail. I also look forward to seeing how French startups collaborate with established retailers to drive innovation. Additionally, I'm eager to discover solutions that focus on sustainability and enhancing operational efficiency, as these are becoming increasingly crucial for the future of retail.

How can American retailers connect with your startups?

American retailers can connect with our startups by emailing me directly at [email protected]. I'd be happy to arrange a personalized tour of our French Pavilion at NRF 2025 to introduce them to the innovative solutions offered by our startups.

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