It’s one of our favourite events and a highlight in the retail calendar – this year was no different as NRF 2020 showcased the brightest ideas on the planet that are helping to transform retail and meet the evolving needs of the consumer and how they shop.
A consistent theme throughout the exhibition was the need for retailers to embrace tech and take it into their hearts in order to transform the industry. Yet tech alone isn’t the ‘silver bullet.’
The brands that succeed will be those who use tech to enhance and improve their offering, who keep the human touch and the values that form the core of their DNA, and who use both of these to delight their customers at every turn.
Here are our main activities at NRF:
1. The New Equilibrium
This two-day workshop arranged by Slash.ten and Retailpodden, took place immediately before NRF a so close to 40 super sharp e-commerce players, retailers and industry professionals/experts discuss how to build genuine relationships, relevant brands and physical places that last over time. With talks from the likes of Apple and Klarna, it was the perfect way to kick off NRF.
2. NRF2020: Co-exhibiting with Star Micronics
We were delighted to co-exhibit with Star Micronics throughout NRF. We work with some of the most ambitious and fast-growing retail brands on the planet and loved demonstrating how our mPOS platform is swiftly becoming the missing piece of the retail puzzle.
It was a perfect fit with data-driven, real-time, unified commerce being the biggest theme coming out of NRF. The combination of using cutting-edge tech and powerful data to create an ever-improving customer experience is transforming retail. NRF reaffirmed our conviction that the future of retail will be owned by the brands who can sell everywhere, fulfill anywhere and deliver outstanding experience in-store, online and in all the places in between.
3. Retail Breakfast Club
You can read the full round-up from our Retail Breakfast Club here and, once again, it gave us great pleasure to host this unique breakfast networking event. Serving up the inspiration (alongside coffee and breakfast!) was Anton Granlund, from Slash.ten, alongside Jens Levin and Tim Larcombe, from Sitoo. Together, the three speakers gave their unique perspective on how the industry is changing and what ambitious global brands can do to stay ahead of the competition.
4. Retail Store Safaris
Who doesn’t love a safari? Together with Insider Trends, our guided ‘Best of New York’ retail safaris explored stores that are truly leading the way. The aim was to allow participants to experience the latest retail trends first-hand and understand how to innovate and drive results.
These special tours were a blend of new stores who are disrupting traditional retail models alongside some of New York’s strongest retail experiences. The tours featured the best new openings showcasing the future of retail, established high-performing spaces and their strategies for success, and brilliant omnichannel initiatives – including low-tech ideas and quick, easy hacks.
Coming up next…
In February, it’s Europe’s turn to showcase the best of retail. We’ll be part of the Star Micronics booth during EuroShop which takes place on February 16th – 20th in Düsseldorf. If you missed us in New York during NRF come and see us at EuroShop and we’ll show you everything you need to know to be able to sell everywhere and fulfill anywhere.
