The retail industry’s most anticipated event, NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, returns to the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center in New York City from January 12 to 14. This annual gathering of innovators, leaders, and visionaries offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest in retail technology, learn from successful implementations and strategies, and connect with peers.
NRF 2025 showcases a notable evolution in the industry compared to last year. The buzz around AI has moved from theoretical potential to tangible, practical applications. Omnichannel strategies are maturing, with sophisticated integrations seamlessly connecting digital and physical retail experiences—a trend perfectly aligned with our expertise. Additionally, there’s a heightened focus on transforming the workforce, emphasizing employee experience and upskilling.
As always, the event promises a packed agenda over its two days. To help attendees make the most of it, we’ve created a handy guide to making the most of this year’s expo. Morning sessions will feature high-profile leadership talks with C-suite executives from top retailers, offering a macro view of industry trends and challenges. In the afternoons, the focus shifts to practical, solution-oriented discussions, with technical deep dives into case studies and actionable strategies.
Here are some of the top themes emerging at this year’s expo along with links to relevant sessions.
1. AI as an imperative
This year, the spotlight is on the transformative power of AI, not as a theoretical concept but as a practical tool driving real business outcomes. This year, retailers are focusing on AI’s tangible impact, with a clear emphasis on delivering measurable ROI.
Industry leaders from Walmart, NVIDIA, and Sam’s Club will share success stories at the NRF Chairman’s Opening Keynote, showcasing how AI creates value in key areas like inventory management, dynamic pricing, and operational efficiency.
One recurring theme this year is personalization—leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences through tailored recommendations and predictive analytics. This year’s show will highlight how retailers embrace AI-powered recommendations to craft tailored shopping journeys that enhance customer satisfaction. Digital experience enhancements and mobile optimization ensure seamless interactions across all touchpoints.
Leading brands like Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works, and Freedom Furniture exemplify how technology-driven innovation redefines customer engagement. From interactive apps to intuitive user interfaces, the focus is on creating frictionless and memorable shopping experiences.
Key session
Loyalty & Engagement: Shift From Knowing To Understanding Your Customers
Featuring leaders from Oracle, Hibbett, The Vitamin Shoppe, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Want to learn more about AI optimization in retail? Click the button below to schedule a meeting with Logic at our booth, #1647
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2. Actually, one thing’s better than AI: humans + AI working together
While AI and other advanced automation technologies are proving transformational on multiple fronts, retail remains reliant on human-powered touchpoints. This year, several sessions will explore the industry-wide shift toward human-centric innovation, where technology is designed to enhance rather than replace human capabilities.
Retailers are increasingly focused on striking the right balance between automation and the irreplaceable value of the human touch in customer interactions. AI tools are being deployed to empower employees, enabling them to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Additionally, there’s a strong emphasis on training and upskilling the workforce to thrive alongside new technologies. This ensures employees are equipped to adapt and excel in the evolving retail landscape. This trend underscores the importance of people-first innovation in the future of retail.
3. Customers crave authenticity. Are you “keeping it real”?
Brand authenticity will be central to this year’s expo as retailers prioritize building genuine, lasting customer relationships. Storytelling is a powerful tool that enables brands to connect with their audiences on a deeper, more personal level. Companies like Kendra Scott, Steve Madden, and Macy’s are leading the way, showcasing how meaningful narratives and community engagement initiatives can foster loyalty and trust.
Retailers are also innovating loyalty programs, moving beyond traditional rewards to create experiences that resonate with customers’ values and lifestyles. These efforts underline a growing trend: the most successful brands are those that forge authentic connections and make their customers feel like part of a larger community.
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Want to learn more about how Logic is helping retailers deepen customer relationships and improve loyalty programs? Click the button below to schedule a meeting with us at our booth, #1647
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4. Unified commerce evolution: leave no channel behind
The evolution of unified commerce is about delivering consistent and connected customer experiences across all channels. Real-time inventory visibility and mobile-first strategies enable retailers to meet customers wherever they are. Starbucks, Levi’s, and Bath & Body Works are setting the standard by integrating physical and digital channels into cohesive ecosystems.
Whether it’s buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), or advanced loyalty programs that work seamlessly online and offline, unified commerce is the backbone of modern retail success.
NRF Event
VTEX Connect
Monday 1/13 at 5:30 PM
The Glasshouse | 660 12th Ave – NYC
The evening will feature a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Accenture and Whirlpool, as well as a keynote address by the iconic Simone Biles
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5. Physical retail’s NOT dead; it’s evolving
Physical retail is undergoing a transformation, with stores evolving into experiential hubs. Retailers are blending digital technology with in-store experiences to create interactive and engaging environments. These spaces not only encourage purchases but also foster community connections.
From augmented reality mirrors to local events, experiential retail is about making every visit memorable. The focus on community building and innovation is ensuring that physical stores remain a vital part of the retail landscape.
6. There’s no analytics like predictive analytics
Advanced analytics are revolutionizing retailers’ decisions, leveraging predictive modeling, customer behavior insights, and inventory optimization. Real-world success stories from Ulta Beauty, Domino’s, and Sam’s Club demonstrate the power of data in driving efficiency and improving customer experiences.
Retailers are using these insights to anticipate customer needs, streamline supply chains, and ensure the right products are available at the right time, all while optimizing overall business performance. Companies like Lowe’s, Family Dollar, Blue Yonder, and RELEX are demonstrating how advanced tools and analytics can safeguard supply chains against disruption while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Key session
Solving the Consumer Demand Conundrum
Featuring leaders from RELEX Solutions, Lowe’s, Family Dollar, and C&S Wholesale Grocers
Want to learn more about using analytics? Click the button below to schedule a meeting with RELEX at our booth, #1647
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7. Scaling out innovation across your entire business
Retailers are scaling digital transformation efforts to drive enterprise-wide innovation. This includes modernizing legacy systems, migrating to cloud-based platforms, and optimizing technology for agility and growth.
Brands like Colgate, The Home Depot, and H&M are leading the charge, showcasing how integrated digital strategies can support everything from operations to customer engagement. This large-scale transformation is not just about adopting new technology but embedding it into every layer of the organization for sustained success.
By improving resource allocation and technology, companies are driving productivity gains through greater scalability and adaptability. Case studies from RELEX customers, VTEX, and Oracle implementations highlight how strategic use of technology can streamline operations, reduce overhead, and empower teams to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Key session
Scaling success: How Colgate transformed B2B commerce with VTEX
Featuring leaders from VTEX, Publicis Sapient, and Colgate Palmolive
Want to learn more about VTEX’s composable architecture? Click the button below to schedule a meeting with VTEX, RELEX, and Oracle at our booth, #1647
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