Game Changers in Retail: What to Watch at NRF 2025
By Carsten Krause, CEO & Chief Editor | January 8, 2025
For the second year in a row, The CDO TIMES is proud to join NRF: Retail’s Big Show onsite as official press. From January 12-14, 2025, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City will host over 40,000 attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and retail leaders from around the globe. As Chief Editor of The CDO TIMES, I’m thrilled to bring our readers exclusive insights, interviews, and live coverage from this unparalleled event.
This year’s theme, “Game Changing,” reflects the massive transformation the retail industry is undergoing, fueled by innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies like AI. Pro members of The CDO TIMES can look forward to premium articles, behind-the-scenes coverage, and expert insights dropping live during the event. If you’re not a Pro member yet, now’s the perfect time to subscribe for unparalleled access to the future of retail.
Why NRF 2025 Is a Must-Attend/ Must Subscribe to CDO TIMES Pro Membership
The retail industry is evolving faster than ever. According to McKinsey, retailers who embrace cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models are seeing revenue growth 15% faster than their peers (Source: https://www.mckinsey.com). NRF 2025 is your chance to learn, connect, and take actionable strategies back to your organization.
This year’s agenda features an impressive lineup of notable speakers and keynotes, including:
- David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., in a fireside chat with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay (Source: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/goldman-sachs-chairman-ceo-speak-retails-big-show).
- John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S., discussing Walmart’s customer-first strategy (Source: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com).
- Brian Cornell, CEO of Target, sharing insights on data-driven decision-making.
- Mary Dillon, President and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc., exploring strategies for connecting with Gen Z shoppers.
- Artemis Patrick, President and CEO of Sephora North America, speaking on brand innovation in beauty retail.
The CDO TIMES Exclusive: Stay tuned for my deep dive into the fireside chat with David Solomon and how Goldman Sachs is helping retail leaders navigate economic uncertainty. Pro members will also receive our premium coverage of Walmart and Target’s visionary leadership.
1. Tech and Innovation: AI Is Leading the Way
Key Stats:
- 85% of retailers are increasing AI investments in 2025 (Source: Gartner, https://www.gartner.com/en/research).
- Retail AI spending will reach $19 billion by 2027 (Source: Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/retail-ai-spending).
Expert Insights:
“Generative AI is a game changer, enabling real-time customer insights and hyper-personalized shopping experiences,” says Jane Smith, Chief Retail Strategist at Deloitte (Source: https://www2.deloitte.com).
At NRF 2025, sessions will explore:
- How generative AI is revolutionizing marketing campaigns.
- The role of first-party data in creating personalized consumer experiences.
- Real-world applications of AI in inventory optimization and supply chain management.
Chart:
Chart 1: AI Adoption Trends in Retail (2023-2025).
The chart illustrates the increasing adoption of AI in the retail sector. Retailers implementing AI jumped from 60% in 2023 to a projected 85% in 2025. This rapid growth signifies the critical role AI plays in transforming retail operations, from personalization to inventory optimization. The trend highlights how organizations that embrace AI are positioning themselves for competitive advantages.
Pro Members Only: Dive deeper into exclusive case studies on how leading retailers like Walmart and Target are leveraging AI for competitive advantage. Articles drop January 13th, live from NRF!
2. Business Models: Sustainability Meets Innovation
Retailers are adapting their business models to align with shifting consumer values.
Key Trends:
- 73% of consumers prefer brands committed to sustainability (Source: NielsenIQ, https://nielseniq.com).
- Retail media networks are projected to become a $50 billion industry by 2026 (Source: eMarketer, https://www.emarketer.com).
What to Expect:
- Insights into payment innovations shaping customer experience.
- Case studies on reverse logistics and upcycling.
- Strategies to capitalize on emerging “white spaces” in retail.
Chart 2: Growth of Retail Media Networks (2020-2026).
(Source: eMarketer, https://www.emarketer.com).
What Are Retail Media Networks?
Retail media networks (RMNs) are platforms created by retailers to monetize their first-party data by offering targeted advertising opportunities to brands. Through these networks, brands can deliver highly personalized advertisements directly to consumers as they browse retail websites, apps, or even physical stores. RMNs leverage detailed shopper behavior and purchase data, allowing for precision-targeted marketing that aligns closely with consumer intent.
The chart showcases the remarkable growth of retail media networks, with their market value rising from $10 billion in 2020 to a projected $50 billion in 2026. The trend reflects how retail media networks have become an essential strategy for retailers to monetize first-party data, offer targeted advertising opportunities, and enhance consumer engagement.
3. Customer Experience: The New Battleground
As customers demand more personalized and immersive experiences, retailers must innovate.
Key Stats:
- 68% of shoppers say their expectations for customer experience have never been higher (Source: PwC, https://www.pwc.com).
- Mall traffic has increased by 10% year-over-year, signaling a “mall renaissance” (Source: ICSC, https://www.icsc.com).
Focus Areas at NRF:
- In-store trust-building technologies.
- Retailers leveraging pop culture to connect with younger demographics.
- Strategies for creating meaningful in-person shopping experiences.
Chart:
Chart 3: Consumer Preferences for Retail Innovations in 2024.
(Source: PwC, https://www.pwc.com).
This is what consumers were
Teaser: Exclusive Free Article
Free for All Subscribers:
Get our top insights on how experiential retail is redefining brick-and-mortar stores. Available January 13th on NRF Showcase page!
Plus access to previous NRF coverage with deep insights.
The CDO TIMES: Your Insider Access
As official press, The CDO TIMES will bring to Pro Subscribers:
- Exclusive Live Expo Interview and Insights: Live and professionally edited extened recorded interviews and Insights from live sessions with CEOs of Walmart, Target, and Sephora and others
- Live Analysis: How AI, data strategies, and sustainability are shaping retail.
- Pro Membership Exclusives: Behind-the-scenes access to Consumer Research and Market Trends official NRF Press briefings, NRF’s Startup Hub and Foodservice Innovation Zone.
Subscribe today to get the most out of NRF 2025. Pro memberships give you access to detailed press coverage of major industry events like NRF, thought leadership pieces, and hands-on frameworks to transform your business.
The CDO TIMES Bottom Line
NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show isn’t just an event—it’s a crystal ball into the future of retail. The industry’s transformation is fueled by cutting-edge technologies like AI, sustainable business practices, and innovative customer experiences. Leaders who embrace these changes now will position their organizations for long-term success in a hyper-competitive market.
Key Takeaways for Executives:
- AI is the Game Changer:
Retailers that harness AI and generative AI are seeing exponential improvements in marketing efficiency, customer personalization, and operational optimization. NRF 2025 will feature real-world case studies and frameworks to deploy AI effectively across your business. - Monetize Your Data:
Retail media networks are reshaping how retailers profit, with many turning first-party data into high-margin revenue streams. Understanding how to implement RMNs effectively is critical, and NRF’s sessions provide the blueprints. - Sustainability is Non-Negotiable:
With consumers demanding more eco-conscious practices, retailers must integrate sustainability into their core operations. NRF will highlight innovative practices such as reverse logistics and upcycling, which are not only good for the planet but also profitable. - Customer Experience is Everything:
Consumers expect more immersive, enjoyable, and secure experiences in-store and online. Failing to deliver on this front is no longer an option. NRF’s agenda dives deep into strategies for staying ahead of shifting consumer expectations.
Why You Should Subscribe to The CDO TIMES Pro Membership:
The NRF 2025 event is packed with insights, but processing and implementing them requires a deeper dive. As official press for NRF 2025, The CDO TIMES delivers:
- Premium Articles: Exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the event, including interviews with retail giants like Walmart and Target’s CEOs.
- Live Reporting: Real-time analysis of key sessions, so you never miss a critical trend or innovation.
- Frameworks and Action Plans: Pro members get exclusive access to actionable tools and strategies to implement insights into their organizations.
Call to Action:
To lead in retail’s transformative era, you need access to the best insights. Subscribe to The CDO TIMES Pro Membership today and ensure your organization stays ahead in technology, AI, data, and innovation.
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