NRF 2024 Highlights

Every year, NRF Retail’s Big Show is the biggest retail stage of its kind, “on the pulse of the changing retail landscape, offering invaluable insights and serving as a central hub for industry professionals.” Read along as Julia Brown, Director of Strategy, shares the top trends we’re watching at Kaplow.

“I’m feeling inspired after attending #NRF2024 Retail’s Big Show this past weekend. Not only did I have the opportunity to hear from some of the industry’s most influential executives, but also experienced the boldest innovations shaping the future of retail (think AI-powered shopping carts, robotic inventory systems, hologram advertisements and more!)”

Some of the top trends we’re watching at Kaplow:

• Retailers Adopt AI to Enhance Experiences: Retailers are investing in AI and tech to accelerate capabilities, create better experiences for shoppers and help associates deliver higher quality customer service.

• “Retail Everywhere” is the Future: From brick-and-mortar to the rise of e-commerce and DTC to a push towards omnichannel, the next phase of retail will be about reaching consumers seamlessly wherever and whenever they are as shopping becomes defined less by specific store trips or site visits.

• Personalization Continues to Drive Loyalty: Today, it’s not enough to simply know your customer, it’s about showing your customers you know them and delivering for them on a personalized level.

• Flexibility is Key to Engaging Gen Z: Retailers and brands with the ability to act with speed and authenticity will win Gen Zers who exhibit conflicting behaviors (e.g., seeking nostalgia for moments like ‘90s/Y2K fashion they didn’t live through) while continuing to gain spending power.