NRF 2025, the world’s largest retail trade show, opened its doors on January 12 in New York, bringing together the industry’s key players. If there’s a space with rich discussions and identification of the most current and important market trends, this is it.
The first day of the event started strong, particularly with a focus on one specific topic: everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI). The technology dominated discussions, especially regarding its application in retailers’ and the industry’s daily tasks. The development and improvement of new tools in this field were also important topics in the debates.
And, as expected, when we talk about AI, we’re automatically also talking about data. In this sense, so-called ‘third-party data’ was at the center of conversations at NRF 2025.
This strategy aims to expand knowledge about consumers, allowing for more complete profiles and more assertive decision-making. In other words, it’s an area that works with more robust data, which consequently helps create more personalized campaigns and shopper-focused actions.
Everything is needed yesterday!
Along with the technologies themselves, another key point addressed in the new edition of NRF is urgency. The speed of decision-making is cited as crucial, with unanimous agreement in the sector about companies needing to dive headfirst into bold projects that truly transform the current landscape.
In an increasingly dynamic world with impatient consumers, the ability to act quickly and assertively is essential. Companies need to adapt and act with the speed the market demands.
Major missions like data usage, CRM, and customer relationship management—all these topics are paths that can’t be postponed or seen as trends yet to come. They already exist and need to be embraced by retailers as quickly as possible.
The future of retail has begun, and the debut of NRF 2025 is proof of that.
