NRF 2025: What Trends Can We Expect to See at Retail's Big Show?
It’s almost that time of year again ... NRF, one of the biggest retail shows, is back for 2025. Retail’s Big Show invites more than 6,200 brands from around the world to the Big Apple to unveil the latest trends and insights the retail sector can expect throughout the year.
NRF 2025 is expected to focus on a number of important topics, including how retailers can create game-changing shopping experiences to elevate their brands, how to mitigate theft, and the role of artificial intelligence in retail. Attendees will also listen to expert panelists and witness companies come together and uncover the latest innovative retail solutions powered by technologies such as RFID and AI.
How AI is Redefining In-Store Experiences With the Help of RFID
The focus on the in-store experience will likely be crucial for retailers. NRF 2025 will see experts explore how brands can leverage AI to improve planning, personalization strategies, data analysis and customer experiences.
The agenda at NRF 2025 includes sessions on cutting-edge topics such as fostering trust and creating valuable customer interactions, the transformative role of AI, and how retail is adapting to align with shifting customer expectations. While AI is critical in analyzing vast amounts of data, the technology relies on data accuracy. Therefore, retailers must provide AI systems with accurate and real-time data for the technology to generate optimal results.
Attendees can expect to see a significant focus being placed on RFID technology for its ability to deliver accurate results and real-time tracking to improve omnichannel fulfillment for shopping models such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and buy online, return in-store (BORIS). Furthermore, RFID technology can also enhance the in-store experience by empowering customers through POI terminals to provide accurate stock information and personalized suggestions based on consumer preferences.
Retail Theft and the Role Tech Can Play
Retail theft was a hot topic throughout 2024. At NRF 2025, attendees can expect to see crucial discussions on the topic to navigate potential steps to mitigate the challenge. Experts are likely to discuss potential ways to use tech to minimize theft and reduce losses.
Attendees can expect to witness new and innovative technologies such as centralized security monitoring, advanced surveillance systems, and item-level RFID technologies that can act to mitigate theft in stores. Advanced RFID tags are capable of triggering alarms in case of unauthorized attempts to take items out of a store. This allows staff to quickly identify a shoplifting attempt, minimizing the risk of shoplifting in stores.
Key Technologies for 2025
Every year NRF unveils what innovative technologies will be taking over the retail scene. This year, attendees will likely see new payment technologies, smart dressing rooms, and efficient self-checkouts taking center stage, with solutions powered by technologies such as RFID and AI being top contenders for retailers in the new year.
Moreover, with more advancements being made in the technology space it’s clear that relying solely on a single technology isn’t enough. For example, a number of brands, including SML, will be exhibiting the latest solutions such as RFID robots and RFID ceiling reader solutions to revolutionize operations and improve the customer experience.
The Countdown Begins
This year, NRF isn’t just helping brands adapt to change — it’s empowering them to lead it and be a game changer. The industry can’t wait to attend the show to be equipped with the knowledge and connections to help shape the future of retail.
Dean Frew is president of the RFID Solutions Division at SML Group, the leading RFID solutions provider.
Dean Frew is the president of the RFID Solutions Division at SML Group, the leading RFID solutions provider.
