Recapping NRF 2025: Key Trends Shaping Retail Technology

NRF: Retail’s Big Show is the leading retail trade show in the United States. All kinds of retail tech companies attend, ranging from software vendors to resellers to hardware manufacturers. Retail is a fast-changing industry, so it is important for companies to stay ahead of trends and constantly innovate. Touch Dynamic has attended NRF for the past 2 decades, and has seen a fair share of retail technology trends emerge at the show. Let’s explore some of the most prominent and innovative trends we saw at NRF that are catching on in 2025 and beyond:

 

Emerging Trends in Retail Technology

AI-Powered Solutions

When AI first entered the scene, it threatened to turn everything upside-down. However, AI seems to have matured into a supplementary tool for companies to use in creative ways to further streamline their operations and expand their offerings. AI continues to grow in both niche and large-scale applications. Many examples of its breadth of uses were on display at NRF, including enhancing personalized shopping experiences, improving inventory management, or adding value through marketing software.

E-Commerce Technology

A common theme we saw among e-commerce solutions seems to be streamlining and simplifying the customer experience. Tools that focus on creating seamless online shopping and fulfillment are more important than ever. Features like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) demonstrate this. Similarly, the importance of integrating online and offline experiences continues to grow. For example, in-store spend that can result in rewards in mobile apps.

Unified commerce is also becoming a more common business structure that allows business owners to integrate all parts of their operation, from inventory management to sales channels to order fulfillment. This makes the entire shopping experience flow smoothly for customers.

Boosting Operational Efficiency

Business owners are constantly looking for ways to spend smartly. MDM solutions make it easy for them to set up and manage an entire fleet of devices at once, saving time and resources. Most importantly, the software provides a comprehensive way to get your systems back online quickly after an outage. All-in-one software systems and hardware also simplify retail processes to streamline operations and reduce confusion for both staff and customers. New automation tools are helping businesses manage repetitive tasks more efficiently, such as restocking shelves or processing returns. By freeing up staff from routine tasks, these tools enable them to focus on other activities, such as providing great customer service and closing sales.

 

Rethinking the In-Store Experience

Personalized Clienteling

Retailers are using technology to create individualized shopping journeys and connect with customers in a way that feels more customized. Personalized automated messages that retail associates can push out after purchases help them stay top-of-mind and encourage repeat purchases. This style of customer journey that originated in luxury retail spaces is increasingly expanding to all levels of retail.

Self-Checkout Solutions

This year we may see a continued growing preference for self-service kiosks in retail as opposed to cashier checkout. Jim Roddy, president of RSPA, said of kiosks, “Since COVID, implementation of any ‘self’-related technology has increased. If the NRF expo hall is any indication, kiosks will be a big seller in 2025.” Remote device management and diligent IT support may also become more essential to ensure smooth checkout operations.

 

 

Data-Driven Insights and Management

Warehouse and Inventory Management

Innovations in tracking and optimizing inventory continue to be made. Retailers increasingly demand real-time insights into their data in order to make informed business decisions. Services offering comprehensive and efficient data management and analysis are becoming more prominent. 

Customer Data

Data that helps retailers understand customer behavior remains a top priority. Tools that collect and analyze customer data can help retailers develop personalized clienteling. These insights are also being used to enhance marketing campaigns, ensuring that promotional efforts resonate with target audiences and drive engagement.

 

Memorable Booth Experiences at NRF

NRF 2025 saw many creative approaches to trade show displays. Attendee engagement strategies like free food and merch were everywhere. Strong, inviting branding and effective, concise product demos continue to be important to encourage guests to engage with your booth.

 

 

Essential Takeaways for Retailers and Partners

• Embracing AI: Companies may need to incorporate AI into their operations to keep up efficiency and meet customer expectations. There are many creative ways to use AI, from decision-making assistance to providing customer service, and businesses are challenged with figuring out which application makes the most sense for them.
• Clienteling and Unified Commerce: Strategies that put the customer first, like clienteling and unified commerce, are becoming more important than ever to improve convenience. These approaches involve using data to create personalized shopping experiences and integrating all sales channels to provide a seamless customer journey, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Leveraging Data: Collecting and analyzing data remains as important as ever for businesses to understand customer behavior, identify trends, and optimize marketing strategies. Data-driven decisions help improve product offerings, pricing, and overall performance by highlighting inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Creating Memorable Experiences: Engaging customers through creative, branded experiences both in-store and at events is key to building a strong identity and loyal customer base. Interactive attractions, immersive displays, and personalized services can drive foot traffic and create a sense of community among customers. 

Our team is happy to discuss any of these trends further, and see how our solutions can fit in with your goals. Contact Us to learn more.