The leaders present at NRF 2025, the world’s largest retail trade show that began on January 12th in New York, confirmed: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics right now. However, it’s noticeable how much the discussion is going beyond just passing hype.
This is mainly due to its foundation: data. Leaders from giants like Levi’s, Walmart, and Craig highlighted in their presentations that this is the true key to this technology’s success.
Several CEOs, CMOs, and vice presidents emphasized the importance of organizing and investing in quality data, readily available to power AI in different areas. Only then will the efforts surrounding this technological tool move forward for the benefit of the entire business, bringing real benefits.
The three ‘Cs’ of the data journey
Another interesting point in the Generative AI debate at the show was raised by Jennifer Acerra, Walmart’s Vice President of Customer Insights. The executive presented the three essential “Cs” for a successful data journey: curiosity, collaboration, and courage.
According to her, curiosity is the engine for exploring opportunities from data. Collaboration between teams allows discoveries to become reality. And courage is essential to embrace new digital tools and transform each one’s potential into concrete results.
Within this dynamic, it also becomes clear how much the role of the technology area has changed. CIOs and CTOs are moving beyond just support and taking on strategic positions, actively participating in companies’ decisions.
For this reason, there is increasing attention to the training of professionals in the sector. They need to develop beyond a technical scope, understanding every particularity and objective of the business.
All these trends prove the growing importance of technology for companies’ success. 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 in promoting transformative results in the future of retail.
