Written by Allie Haskell
Let’s be real: Retail is done playing the “Let’s try this and see what sticks” game. NRF 2025 proved it—we’ve officially entered the “Prove it or lose it” phase. For anyone still clinging to outdated ideas? The reality check was loud and clear.
One of my favorite parts of the National Retail Federation’s The Big Show (#NRF2025) wasn’t just the flashy tech or endless kiosks (though, wow, were there a lot of those). It was walking the floor, talking to tech companies, and seeing how everything—yes, even revenue-focused goals—ties back to one thing: bettering the customer experience.
AI predicting customer needs. Frictionless payment systems making checkout feel effortless. Grocerants redefining what grocery stores can be. Every trend screamed the same thing: The future is seamless, engaging, and human.
Didn’t make it to NYC? Don’t worry. Let me try to break some of it down for you.
AI That Finally Delivers
NRF 2025 wasn’t just another AI hype fest. This year, AI clocked in and got to work. Real-life applications showed how AI is solving problems, cutting costs, and creating better customer experiences.
Take Lowe’s Companies, Inc., for example. Equipped with Magic Leap 2 augmented reality headsets, store associates can overlay a digital twin onto the physical store environment. This AR capability assists in tasks like shelf restocking by comparing current displays with optimal configurations. Additionally, associates can access information about products stored in hard-to-reach areas without physical inspection, streamlining operations and improving safety.
By leveraging digital twin technology, Lowe’s not only enhances operational efficiency but also enriches the shopping experience, setting a new standard in the retail industry.
But here’s the thing: While Lowe’s is leading the charge, even smaller retailers can take inspiration by exploring predictive tech or inventory management tools tailored to their scale. Because if your AI isn’t solving real problems, it’s just expensive window dressing.
While AI is changing how retailers operate, let’s be clear—it’s not just about efficiency. The customer experience doesn’t stop there. It’s about creating spaces that invite customers to linger longer. Enter: grocerants.
Grocerants: The Hybrid Everyone’s Hungry For
If you want customers to linger longer (and spend more), you’ve got to feed them. Grocery stores and restaurants are teaming up in ways that are reshaping retail.
Grocerants are blurring the lines between grocery and dining, creating one-stop destinations where customers linger longer and spend more. For retailers, it’s not just about adding prepared foods—it’s about curating a high-touch experience that keeps customers coming back.
Take Look’s Marketplace in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as a prime example. Part grocery store, part restaurant, and even part brewery, Look’s has transformed into a full-blown destination. Whether it’s their Detroit-style pizzas, specialty sandwiches, or craft beer brewed on-site, they’ve perfected the art of blending shopping and dining. And they didn’t stop there—a butcher shop, bakery, and coffeehouse round out the experience, giving customers every reason to stay and explore.
Look’s Marketplace even caught the attention of Guy Fieri i, who called it “unique to the world.” That’s what grocerants are about—creating spaces where customers don’t just shop, but connect, indulge, and come back for more.
Hybrid grocery spaces like these aren’t an add-on anymore—they’re the main event.
Kiosks Everywhere, But Not All Are Equal
Kiosks were impossible to ignore. From sleek countertop setups to double-sided displays, they were everywhere. But here’s the catch: Not all kiosks are created equal.
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions stole the show with an intuitive kiosk design that screamed both style and functionality. These kiosks didn’t just look good—they streamlined the customer journey, eliminated bottlenecks, and proved that good design can be practical too.
The lesson here is simple: A flashy screen isn’t enough. If your kiosk is slow or confusing, it’s just an expensive mistake. Retailers that get it right aren’t just chasing trends—they’re using kiosks to cut labor costs, speed up service, and reduce checkout friction, keeping customers happy and coming back.
Take It, Leave It, Believe It
Take it: AI that works and grocerants that redefine what’s possible in retail—it’s about solving problems and creating seamless experiences.
Leave it: Shiny tech that’s all style, no substance. If it doesn’t deliver ROI, it’s just noise. Also, ditch the cheap solutions—they’ll cost you more in lost loyalty than you save upfront.
Believe it: Retail’s transformation isn’t waiting—it’s here. Smarter stores and personalized experiences are now the standard, not the exception.
Let me know in the comments: What bold move are you making to evolve with the industry? Whether it’s AI, grocerants, or smarter kiosks, I’m here to cheer you on—because retail’s future doesn’t wait for anyone.
