What to Expect from NRF 2025: The Hottest Trends in Retail
Saiba quais as tendências, tecnologias e insights do varejo que serão destaque na NRF 2025
NRF 2025 is set to highlight the transformative forces in the future of retail. From generative AI to redefined consumer expectations, here are the key trends to watch—with real numbers and insights into their impact.
About NRF 2025: The World’s Premier Retail Event
NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show is the global retail industry’s largest and most influential annual event, drawing approximately 40,000 retail professionals from nearly 100 countries. Attendees include representatives from department stores, independent retailers, restaurants, grocery chains, e-commerce platforms, and various vendors.
As the voice of the retail sector, the National Retail Federation (NRF) represents the largest private-sector industry in the United States. The retail industry encompasses over 3.8 million establishments, employs more than 52 million people, and contributes a staggering $3.9 trillion to the nation’s annual GDP.
NRF 2025 isn’t just an event—it’s a global showcase of innovation, networking, and opportunity. With such impressive stats, it’s easy to see why it’s called “Retail’s Big Show.”
The event will occur at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from January 11-14 and MJV will be there for the third consecutive year, exhibiting and sponsoring the retail store tours.
MJV’s retail know-how
With 27 years of experience operating in the retail sector, we’ve seen the industry transform in the digital age. With our expertise in putting together more than 500 retail & CPG projects, we are confident that we can unlock the answer no matter what your retail challenge is. We pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge retail and CPG solutions.
And what can we expect from NRF 2025?
To gear up for this monumental event, we’ve highlighted the key topics expected to take center stage at this year’s edition and shape the future of retail in 2025.
1. Generative AI and Hyper-Personalization
Generative AI is revolutionizing how retailers connect with customers, enabling hyper-personalized experiences that drive engagement and conversion. According to a report by Adobe, 72% of global consumers believe that generative AI will improve their customer experience. At NRF 2025, expect case studies and tech showcases demonstrating how AI tailors product recommendations, content, and pricing in real-time across channels.
2. The Rise of Gen Z and Alpha Consumers
By 2025, Gen Z and Alpha will represent a combined spending power of over $140 billion annually in the U.S. alone. These digital-native generations value authenticity, sustainability, and seamless online-to-offline experiences. Retailers must adapt to their preference for short-form video content, social commerce, and values-driven and NRF 2025 will explore strategies to engage these consumers.
3. Unified Commerce: The New Omnichannel
Omnichannel is evolving into unified commerce, where digital and physical retail merge into a seamless ecosystem. According to Adobe, 61% of consumers prefer brands that offer consistent experiences across online and offline platforms. NRF 2025 will focus on how retailers are integrating services into unified systems to drive efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
4. Supply Chain Resilience and Demand Forecasting
The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting retailers to prioritize agility and predictive analytics. Consequently, supply chain organizations are investing in technologies like AI and IoT to improve demand forecasting. At NRF 2025, expect insights into how brands are leveraging these tools to optimize inventory management.
5. Data Intelligence and Scalability
Retailers are swimming in data, but only those who harness it effectively will scale. According to Forrester, data-driven businesses are 23 times more likely to acquire customers. NRF 2025 will showcase platforms that enable real-time analytics, customer segmentation, and actionable insights, helping retailers stay competitive in a data-first economy.
6. The New Payments Paradigm
Digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), and biometric payments are redefining transactions. These methods are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15% by 2027. NRF 2025 will explore the future of frictionless payments and their role in a connected world.
7. Post-Purchase Experience and Customer Loyalty
A positive post-purchase experience is now as critical as the buying journey itself. A UPS study found that 66% of consumers review a retailer’s return policy before purchasing, and 15% abandon a cart when the returns policy is unclear. This year, NRF will highlight innovations in returns management and customer service tools designed to boost retention.
8. Shoppertainment and Immersive In-Store Experiences
The retail industry report on the stores that have incorporated elements of experience shows an average of 40% increase in dwell time for the customers and sales were up by 30% more than in traditional stores. NRF 2025 will showcase how retailers are integrating AR/VR, live shopping events, and interactive displays to create memorable in-store moments.
Take a look at how the last edition of the event went here.
Live: Discover the Key Insights from NRF 2025
As we gear up for NRF 2025, the retail industry is set for a wave of innovation, disruption, and transformation. From cutting-edge AI technologies to shifting consumer behaviors, this year’s event promises to provide an exclusive look into the future of retail.
Want to be the first to discover the latest trends and insights? Don’t miss out on our Trend Report NRF 2025, launching on January 21st. Stay ahead of the curve and gain valuable knowledge from the world’s premier retail event.
Sign up now to be the first to know the biggest takeaways from NRF 2025 and ensure you’re ready for the future of retail!
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