Retail Experiential Operations Strategies: Trends from NRF 2025

This IDC Market Note summarizes the key themes that emerged from NRF Retail's Big Show 2025, including loss prevention, optimized store operations, and employee empowerment; it provides an overview of solutions that leverage computer vision, RFID, and AI-driven insights, as showcased by technology providers at the event; and it reflects on key takeaways from the event, including the importance of a unified approach for store operations management, enhanced efficiency, and improved employee experience. "With retailers pushing for operational efficiency and seamless omnichannel customer journeys, consistency of execution has become non-negotiable. Store operations management, employee empowerment, and task management are essential for flawless execution. Clean and well-organized data unlocks the transformative potential of GenAI, from enhancing employee experience to tackling shrinkage." — Research Manager Filippo Battaini, IDC Retail Insights