Beyond the NRF 2025 Big Show: How Leading Retailers Execute AI for Success
The energy at the NRF 2025 Big Show was undeniable. From the moment attendees stepped through the doors, the excitement surrounding AI and new technologies was tangible. It was evident that once regarded as merely a shiny novelty or an experimental tool, AI has become an essential element of retail’s digital transformation. Unlike in previous years, AI is now integrated across many vendors’ solutions, and its capabilities are no longer just theoretical or futuristic—AI is practical, applicable, and delivering real results today.
Let’s examine some key themes our team witnessed at NRF 2025 and outline specific ways leading retailers are embracing AI.
Key Themes from NRF 2025
One of the most prevalent themes from NRF 2025 was not just the existence of AI but the pressing question: How can retailers effectively leverage AI to improve their processes, foster innovation, and grow their businesses? Nearly every vendor, consultant, and attendee engaged in this discussion: how to harness AI’s potential to achieve significant results. We noted that not all vendors and even some of the speakers could articulate specific and tangible use cases for AI in retail.
Partnerships emerged as another important theme. While AI is undeniably powerful, its potential can only be realized through close collaboration between retailers and solution providers. The show highlighted a renewed emphasis on genuine partnerships, with retailers and software vendors acknowledging that they cannot succeed alone. Establishing the right partnerships is crucial for effectively integrating and optimizing AI and other technologies, whether they involve technology vendors, third-party advisors, or consulting firms.
While there was a real sense of optimism about collaboration to bring AI innovations to fruition, we stress that retailers must select partners very carefully. This thorough vetting is essential because the speed of investment and innovation in retail AI over the next few years will likely be dramatically quicker than with previous retail technologies.
My favorite takeaway from NRF 2025 is a clever play on words: PICNIC, which stands for “Problem In Chair, Not In Code.” This is relevant because many technology projects will likely fail due to not having the right role in the chair (or process in place). Innovation means “new,” and if retailers don’t prepare their teams for that “new,” they will face numerous failed projects. So don’t blame the code. Rethink your processes and organizational design to support your vision. The design process is more critical than the specific innovations you select, as success is unattainable without it.
~ Dan Wittner
Ultimately, the enthusiasm surrounding AI and retail transformation made NRF 2025 an outstanding event. After years of discussions about AI’s potential, it has become a reality. AI is integrated into almost every vendor’s solution, and it is no longer just a gimmick or buzzword—it is a core technology that empowers retailers to reach their goals in new and innovative ways.
Enabling AI and Driving Retail Transformation
The real challenge for retailers is maximizing AI’s potential. Whether integrating AI into inventory management, customer service, or supply chain optimization, retailers must take strategic steps to enable these powerful technologies and drive business results.
Leading retailers are focusing on four critical areas to get the most from AI:
Real Results: Parker Avery Case Studies
Parker Avery has helped leading retailers embrace innovative technologies, optimize their business processes, and improve business results. Here are a few examples that demonstrate how we’ve helped companies take their AI and retail transformation initiatives to the next level:
A global jeweler sought to modernize retail operations and support growth with new technologies. Parker Avery developed a roadmap assessing the retailer’s systems, processes, and technology. Analyzing the jeweler’s needs, Parker Avery prioritized technology investments to enhance scalability and operational efficiency. The roadmap outlined enhancements in inventory management, customer engagement, and supply chain processes, positioning the retailer for growth through improved technology.
A leading manufacturer required enhancements to its supply chain operations to meet market demands. Parker Avery partnered with the company to develop and implement new supply chain processes while choosing the right technology to support these improvements. The project involved analyzing the manufacturer’s existing processes, pinpointing inefficiencies, and enacting a comprehensive transformation plan.
The initiative focused on optimizing inventory management, improving demand forecasting, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. As a result, the manufacturer achieved faster response times, reduced operational costs, and significantly improved its ability to meet customer expectations.
A global retailer aimed to improve business agility by implementing a new enterprise-wide planning solution. Parker Avery assisted in designing and implementing the solution, integrating long-range planning (LRP) and annual operating plan (AOP) forecasting into a single, AI-driven platform. This solution enhanced the retailer’s visibility, enabled more accurate forecasting, and streamlined the process of managing its planning cycles across various regions.
The project led to improved decision-making, faster response times to market changes, and a more cohesive approach to planning across global operations. The retailer now enjoys greater operational flexibility, ultimately resulting in increased profitability.
These case studies demonstrate the tangible results Parker Avery has delivered in partnership with clients. Our proficiency in capabilities assessment, roadmap formulation, process enhancement, organizational change, and solution execution positions us as a trusted advisor for retailers seeking to leverage AI’s potential.
Get Started: Unlocking AI’s Potential
Taking the steps outlined above can help retailers effectively harness AI’s capabilities, leading to improved efficiencies, customer experiences, and overall business performance.
If you’re ready to explore how AI can transform your retail business or need help refining your existing implementation, The Parker Avery Group is here to guide you. With deep retail expertise, proven case studies, and strong partnerships, we can help you navigate this exciting new landscape and ensure your AI initiatives achieve real, measurable results.
Contributors
You may also like
