Heading into NRF 2025, the team at Optimum Retailing was feeling energized about the future of retail — specifically AI’s role in the mix.
Our hypothesis? AI is poised to change the retail industry for the better.
We were proud to introduce our industry-first Realgram AI solution at the event and contribute to this vision. The tool represents a major step forward for retailers ready to leverage AI capabilities to increase the sophistication, accuracy, and sustainability of their planogramming and merchandiszing efforts.
Now, just a few months after Retail’s Big Show, we’re discovering that our hypothesis was right — but we didn’t know just how spot on we would be.
As we’ve reflected on the experiences and conversations we had at NRF 2025 (and also the ones since the event), it’s clear that AI will not only change the retail industry for the better, but will completely redefine the retail landscape across every corner of operations.
If NRF is a predictor of what’s ahead (and we think it is), 2025 is going to be an important year for retail leaders, with AI positioned firmly at the center of the action.
If you’re not already on the AI train, it’s time to get on board
While retailers have been talking about and experimenting with AI-powered solutions for some time, the noticeable difference at NRF 2025 was how many of these hypothetical scenarios are now real and in motion.
The big takeaway: If you’re not already familiar with how AI can enhance your retail operations, it’s time to get to work.
Our AI-powered planograms are just one of many high-impact solutions coming to market with the shared goal of improving capabilities for retail storefronts and HQs alike. The types of AI transformations and real-time, data-driven optimizations we’re powering for visual merchandising strategies — or with tools like our Automated Photo Compliance (APC) — were echoed across a wide range of retail needs at this year’s NRF.
Workforce optimizations and reduced manual labor, improved store operations and execution, increased compliance, hyperpersonalized shopping experiences, sustainability — NRF 2025 was a showcase of the diverse ways retailers can, and should, capitalize on AI.
And the data supports our observations. Nearly 90% of retailers are actively using AI in operations or assessing future AI projects, and nearly the same percentage (87%) feel AI has already positively impacted their company’s annual revenue.
NRF 2025 reinforced that AI is no longer a future vision — it’s actively transforming our industry. If you attended NRF 2025, do you agree? Check out some highlights from our time at this year’s show.
What NRF 2025 means for retailers
Don't wait until NRF 2026 to realize your company hasn't moved forward with AI. Now is the time to experiment, learn, and take action.
To overcome any AI hesitations or perceived complexities, consider the following best practices, based on our takeaways from top trends at this year’s NRF:
- Prioritize quick wins. Start with practical AI applications that stand to deliver immediate value without requiring a full AI overhaul. AI doesn’t have to be everywhere all at once.
- Automate, don’t overcomplicate. If you’re experimenting with AI and feel like the technology is adding complexity, stop and reevaluate. AI should reduce manual work and improve execution, not cause headaches. For example, automating your merchandising strategies based on real-time inventory insights is a straightforward AI-powered application, which you can also easily link to pre-existing KPIs.
- Enhance store-level decision-making. An immediate source of impact is to apply AI at the store versus company level. Store-specific challenges like performance tracking, inventory management, and talent are all areas where AI can offer solutions customized by store location and geography, which you can quickly implement and then scale.
The most important thing is to get going. There’s so much to gain by embracing AI, and so much to lose by moving too slow.
Of course, intentionality with AI is still key, but increasingly so is timeliness. If you’re a retailer that prioritizes AI adoption, you stand to future-proof your business in all sorts of mission-critical ways.
You may improve the intelligence of your merchandiszing strategies to fortify against upcoming supply chain disruptions or tariff-related fees. Or you may retain current talent by making workflows more intuitive and manageable, while also attracting new employees among a workforce increasingly interested in spending time on high-value, technology-driven tasks. You might even boost the sustainability of your operations in ways that are not only good for the world, but good for the business.
We’re ready for our role in retail’s future, too
Our part in all of this? To stay ahead, so we can help you stay ahead.
We’ve worked hard to remain at the forefront of AI-powered retail improvements, but that work doesn’t stop now. It’s our job to keep inventing, paying attention, and evolving alongside our customers to further cement AI’s ability to bring retail experiences and operations into the future.
Because NRF 2026 will be here before we know it. And won’t it feel good to see all that we’ve accomplished with AI by then?
In the meantime, we hope to see you in London in early April for the Retail Technology Show, where we look forward to continuing conversations about AI’s impact on our industry. Visit us at booth L70. Our Realgram AI solution is also shortlisted for the event’s 2025 Innovation Awards!
