NRF 2025: Decoding Signals Beyond the AI Echo Chamber
Sure, everyone was buzzing about AI at NRF 2025 – but what if that's not actually the biggest story from retail's marquee event? In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating undercurrents that were easy to miss as the AI buzz grew louder. Get ready for some surprising revelations about what's really keeping retail executives up at night.
Through both main-stage presentations and those always-revealing hallway conversations, Carol uncovered something unexpected: retail's biggest names are quietly revolutionizing their approaches in ways that no one saw coming. We're talking about major retailers completely flipping the script on strategies that seemed unstoppable just months ago, while others are finding success by embracing what looks like total contradictions in how they approach everything from product selection to brand identity.
You'll hear directly from retail's heavy hitters from Walmart, Target, Foot Locker, Burberry, Macy’s, and more sharing surprisingly candid takes on their strategic pivots. Carol explores why some brands are boldly reclaiming their history and authority even as others push into new territory.
Carol also pulls back the curtain on how retailers are juggling the increasing complexity of their businesses – from reimagining store associate roles to managing an entirely new type of customer. And yes, she talks about AI – but not in the way you might expect! Instead of use cases and demos, Carol is looking at how it's fundamentally reshaping how retail organizations will operate and who's accountable for what.
While AI discussions dominated the halls at retail's biggest event, major brands and retailers are revolutionizing their strategies and refreshing their brands in ways that weave together technological innovation and fundamental retail principles.
Join Carol for an eye-opening look beyond the headlines that reveal the real forces shaping retail in 2025. Whether you're calling the shots in retail, analyzing the industry, or just curious about where things are headed next, this episode will change how you think about retail's future.
