The NRF Big Retail Show in New York is the premier event for uncovering retail trends shaping the industry’s future. With over 175 sessions, 1,000 exhibitors, 40,000 attendees, and 5,000 brands, this year’s event provided a valuable view of the innovations and strategies retailers need to thrive in an evolving market. Our CEO and VP of Sales attended this year’s show to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge solutions, and bring back insights to help our platform stay at the forefront of retail innovation.
Attending events like these is essential for us to stay informed and actively shape our platform’s future roadmap. By understanding where retail is headed, we can continue developing solutions that help retailers remain competitive, adapt to evolving consumer expectations, and leverage technology for smarter, more efficient shopping experiences.
A key theme that emerged from NRF 2025 was the power of data and AI in optimizing retail strategies. From price optimization and competitor analysis to hyper-personalized shopping experiences, AI-driven insights transform retailers’ operations. Among the standout trends were:
- Generative AI,
- Electronic shelf labels (ESLs), and
- Personalization
Let’s dive in!

Generative AI: Saving Hours Through Automation
Generative AI was one of the most talked-about retail trends at NRF 2025, with a focus on its real-world applications beyond marketing automation. Retailers are increasingly using AI to analyze consumer behavior, optimize pricing strategies, and enhance the efficiency of their marketing efforts.
For instance, AI-driven tools can assess competitor pricing in real time and adjust a retailer’s pricing dynamically to stay competitive while maintaining margins. Additionally, AI-powered demand forecasting helps retailers predict trends, ensuring they stock the right products at the right time.
A prime example is Sephora, which uses AI to generate personalized product recommendations based on purchase history, browsing behavior, and even facial recognition in-store. AI is also used to create dynamic content, such as automated ad copy and personalized email campaigns, ensuring customers receive marketing that aligns with their preferences.

Electronic Shelf Labels: One Of The Retail Trends Boosting Revenue
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) were another game-changing trend at NRF. They demonstrated how retailers can use real-time data to implement dynamic pricing strategies and improve efficiency. By automating price updates, ESLs eliminate the need for manual labeling, saving time and reducing errors.
The impact of ESL’s on revenue and efficiency is significant:
- Labor Cost Reduction: Automating price updates with ESLs can save retailers up to 50 labor hours per week, as seen in Naifeh’s Cash Saver, which projected a full return on investment in under two years after implementing ESLs.
- Dynamic Pricing Optimization: ESLs enable retailers to adjust pricing in real time based on demand, inventory levels, and competitor pricing. This is especially useful in grocery and fashion retail, where quick price adjustments can prevent markdown losses and optimize sales.
- Waste Reduction: Retailers dealing with perishable goods, such as supermarkets, can use ESLs to apply time-sensitive discounts, reducing waste while maximizing sales.
- Improved Pricing Accuracy: By ensuring that shelf prices match the point-of-sale system, ESLs help retailers maintain customer trust and compliance while reducing pricing errors.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: ESLs can display detailed product information, special promotions, and QR codes linking to online reviews, improving the in-store shopping experience.
For example, Carrefour has successfully implemented ESLs across its stores, enabling daily automated price adjustments. During peak hours or promotional periods, the retailer can offer flash discounts on slow-moving products, improving sell-through rates while maintaining profitability.

Source: Talking Retail
Personalization: Creating Hyper-Relevant Shopping Experiences
Among all the retail trends discussed at NRF 2025, personalization stood out as a major driver of future growth. As consumers demand tailored experiences, retailers leverage data and AI to create hyper-relevant shopping journeys.
Much of this personalization effort involves leveraging dynamic content, such as real-time product recommendations, location-specific promotions, and interactive digital catalogs. Nike is an industry leader in this space, using its app and membership program to track customer preferences, suggest personalized products, and offer exclusive content based on past interactions.
Retail media networks are also emerging as a key trend, allowing retailers to monetize their data and digital infrastructure. These networks provide highly targeted advertising opportunities, enabling brands to reach high-intent customers precisely. Delivering the right message to the right customer at the right time is becoming a competitive advantage for retailers prioritizing personalization.

The Future of Retail: AI, Data, and Seamless Integration
The NRF Big Retail Show reinforced the idea that data, AI, and automation are shaping the industry’s future. Retailers who embrace these technologies to optimize pricing, analyze competitors, and deliver personalized experiences will be best positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.
Key takeaways from this year’s event include:
- Retailers must move beyond static pricing models and implement AI-driven price optimization for real-time competitive advantage.
- ESLs are proving to increase revenue through labor savings, dynamic pricing, and improved pricing accuracy.
- Personalization is no longer optional—retailers need to use AI to create dynamic, hyper-relevant shopping experiences across all touchpoints.
- Retail media networks will play a bigger role, allowing retailers to leverage their digital assets for targeted advertising and partnerships.
As the industry continues to evolve, NRF 2025 made one thing clear: Retailers that leverage AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making will stay ahead of the competition. By integrating these retail trends into their strategy, businesses can drive customer engagement, increase efficiency, and enhance profitability in a rapidly shifting landscape.