The NRF Big Show is the world’s largest retail event, bringing together industry leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and groundbreaking strategies to shape the future of retail. Hosted in New York City, the event is a global hub for exploring innovative solutions and making meaningful connections.
This year, STCR was proud to attend once again, alongside our Canadian sister company, SIR Solutions. Together, we had the privilege of taking clients from across North America to meet with vendor partners and experience firsthand the transformative technologies being developed to meet the evolving needs of the retail and grocery industries.
Here are some of the standout themes and technologies from this year’s event:
________________________________________
AI Integration:
Vendors are incorporating artificial intelligence into their solutions to reduce complexity and labor, convert data into actionable insights, and minimize redundant tasks with user-friendly automation.
Cloud Enablement:
The ongoing shift from legacy, on-premise systems to cloud-based applications remains a dominant trend, with vendors innovating to provide more agile, scalable solutions.
Shrink and Theft Protection:
With loss prevention becoming increasingly critical, retailers are prioritizing technologies to detect and deter theft—an area particularly relevant for grocers.
Omnichannel Solutions:
Retailers are evolving to meet customers wherever they shop—be it in-store, online, or via apps—creating unified commerce experiences that seamlessly integrate multiple channels.
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
Toshiba’s booth was a hub of activity, showcasing next generation hardware platforms, which left many of our clients impressed. A highlight was ELERA Security Suite, adding AI-based Loss Prevention monitoring and Produce Recognition on Self-Checkout. Toshiba continues to lead the charge in combining hardware and software solutions to improve efficiency and combat theft.
________________________________________
LOC Software’s presence at NRF highlighted their latest innovation: the next-generation ThriVersa point-of-sale (POS) application. Clients were particularly excited by:
• Enhanced reporting and dashboards for operational insights.
• Refreshed user interface for ease of use.
• Versatile applications for kiosk, mobile POS, line-busting, and handheld devices.
LOC consistently proves its commitment to innovation, delivering tools that adapt to the evolving needs of retailers.
________________________________________
Vusion Group’s booth was a dynamic showcase of their advanced product portfolio, including:
• Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) for modern retail operations.
• Captana cameras for shelf availability and out-of-stock detection.
• Video rails and BI tools enhancing retail media and customer engagement.
• Instacart integration for increased shopper pick accuracy and speed.
Their range of end-cap displays and retail media solutions offers retailers impactful ways to optimize merchandising and shopper experience.
________________________________________
• Upshop: Focused on store optimization, particularly in perishables, this vendor presents exciting partnership opportunities for 2025.
• Local Express: Their enhanced e-commerce solutions integrate seamlessly with retail media and POS systems, offering a richer customer experience.
• Ingenico, Verifone, and Datalogic: These companies introduced impressive products, including Ingenico’s new pin pads with patent-protected theft protection and skimmer detection devices, a timely innovation given the rise in retail crime.
________________________________________
NRF 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of retail, highlighting trends and technologies that will shape the industry. From AI-powered solutions to enhanced security tools and e-commerce innovations, the landscape is evolving rapidly.
At STCR, we are excited to explore partnerships with these vendors and bring their innovative solutions to our clients. As retailers face growing challenges and opportunities, we remain committed to delivering tools and technologies that drive efficiency, improve customer experiences, and future-proof operations.
Stay tuned as we continue to push boundaries and explore these next-generation solutions in 2025!
________________________________________
NRF continues to be a key platform for connecting with industry leaders and exploring the forefront of retail innovation. We’re proud to share these insights and look forward to helping our clients leverage the latest advancements to achieve their goals.
