At NRF 2025, the world’s largest retail trade show that began on January 12 in New York, the leaders confirmed: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics at the moment. However, it is noticeable how much the discussion is going far beyond a passing hype.
This is mainly due to its background: data. Leaders from giants like Levi’s, Walmart, and Craig emphasized in their talks that this is the true key to the success of this technology.
Various CEOs, CMOs, vice presidents stressed the importance of organizing and investing in quality data, readily available to drive AI in different areas. Only then will the efforts surrounding this technological tool move towards the entire business, bringing real benefits.
The three ‘Cs’ of the data journey
Another interesting point in the debate on Generative AI at the trade show was raised by Jennifer Acerra, Vice President of Customer Insights at Walmart. The executive presented the three essential “Cs” for a successful data journey: curiosity, collaboration, and courage.
Curiosity, according to her, is the engine to explore opportunities from data. Collaboration among teams allows discoveries to become reality. Courage is essential to embrace new digital tools and transform the potential of each into tangible results.
Within this dynamic, it also becomes clear how much the role of the technology area has changed. CIOs and CTOs are no longer just support and are taking on strategic positions, actively participating in company decisions.
For this reason, there is an increasingly attentive focus on the training of professionals in the sector. They need to develop beyond a technical scope, understanding every particularity and business objective.
All these trends demonstrate the growing importance of technology for the success of companies. NRF 2025 makes it clear how much this scenario, guided by generative AI and data, is already a reality and should be a major agent to promote transformative results in the future of retail.
