NRF, Retail's Big Show, is back for another year of innovation. Held at the Javits Center in New York City, this year's event is expected to draw around 39,000 attendees and over 5,000 exhibiting brands, giving retailers the chance to connect with experts, peers, and technology leaders from across the globe. Ahead of the show, here are three key trends attendees can expect to see.
Focus on interactive in-store experiences
Putting the customer first has never mattered more. Reflecting on 2024, 91% of shoppers reported a positive association with a brand after attending an experiential event in-store, and brick-and-mortar stores are estimated to drive 72% of total US retail sales by 2028. Expect exhibitors to focus heavily on making the customer journey memorable, with mobile point-of-sale solutions on display to show how associates can spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time creating meaningful in-person moments. Teamwork Commerce will be demonstrating its Mobile POS at NRF 2025, showing how retailers can deploy POS technology that's both simple for associates and strong on customer experience.
Getting ahead of the game with tech
NRF has long showcased AI and RFID as ways to address theft, supply chain loss, and inventory management, and 2025 will be no different. Retail theft remains a serious problem, CBS reported a 24% rise in shoplifting in the first half of 2024, and estimates put the cost to US retailers at over $150 billion in 2026. Expect a strong showing of RFID-powered anti-theft tools alongside high-spec cameras and alarms. At NRF 2025, attendees can see live demonstrations of Teamwork Commerce's RFID-powered self-checkout, which streamlines product scanning for a checkout in 30 seconds or less and can trigger an alarm on unauthorized item removal.
Understanding the importance of seamless operations
Alongside the customer-facing experience, retailers need operations behind the scenes running just as smoothly. Full control over the supply chain, backed by accurate inventory data and customer analytics, is one of the crucial themes expected at NRF this year. Order management systems (OMS) make stock easier to manage, giving retailers real-time visibility for accurate order fulfillment. Teamwork Commerce will be showcasing its RFID-powered Stock Counter App, which keeps inventory records promptly updated so retailers can make informed decisions based on current stock data.
The wait is almost over
The countdown to Retail's Big Show is on. With technology and expertise from some of the biggest names in retail on display, NRF 2025 promises a strong look at what the year ahead has in store.