5 Things to Look Out for at NRF 2017

As one of the largest events of its kind, NRF commands the attention of the global retail industry each year. But as anyone who has been to NRF before understands, knowing where to start can often be daunting.

With thousands of vendors spanning the breadth of the retail ecosystem, getting the most out of NRF requires preparation and planning.

To help get you started, we put together a list of the key themes the Alkemics team will be interested in at this year’s “Big Show.”

Retail Data In Action

Companies all over the world are grappling with how to access and utilize the data suddenly available to them. Perhaps nowhere is this scramble more evident than in the world of retail. Gaining increased access to data has been a key initiative for companies of all sizes in the last 3 years. Retailers and their suppliers know they need to use data intelligently to win in an increasingly digital environment. Yet deciding what to do with the data available has not been a simple task. 2017 will be the year companies start asking themselves how to leverage data into tangible strategy.

Although the agenda at NRF this year is filled with interesting speakers and topics, our attention will be focused on how retailers and manufacturers alike plan to address data in 2017 and beyond.

Key Talks:

• 15/1: From Data to Delight: An Insight-Driven Revolution of the In-Store Experience
• 16/1: Driving Retail Transformation: How Data and Smart Connected Technology Deliver Amazing Customer Experiences

Accessing the Global Retail Community

The expansion of new technologies in the retail ecosystem have created unprecedented opportunities for international and global expansion for businesses. NRF presents a unique opportunity to brush shoulders with people on all sides of the “global retail” equation. As we look to expand into new markets this year, NRF will allow Alkemics to gain valuable insight into a truly global retail community.

Particularly with the proliferation of mobile devices, local opportunities are quickly transcending regional and hemispheric restrictions. Problems that once seemed significant including compliance and translation are becoming manageable from anywhere in the world as companies seek to access new markets.

Key Talks:

• 15/1: Going Global: Taking Your Brand to New Markets (Parts 1 and 2)

Unlocking Collaboration Opportunities

Beyond the increased access to data, arguably the most exciting technological improvements in retail has been the ability to facilitate collaboration.

Opening communication channels between retailers, suppliers and customers opening has quietly changed the way we think about information and relationships in this space.

Key Talks:

• 15/1: A View from Walmart: How Retailers are Creating Economic Opportunity
• 16/1: Undying Brand Engagement in the Age of Continuous Disruption (Richard Branson)

Customer Journey 2.0

Dramatic changes in the retail customer journey are forcing brick and mortar industries to rethink how they engage with their customers. Armed with more information than ever before, today’s retail customers are changing the way the retail ecosystem does business.

In an environment powered by apps and peer reviews, retailers are investing heavily in the customer journey to ensure they drive customer loyalty and repeat purchases. Alkemics gives retailers and manufacturers the ability to use data to influence consumer behavior and drives sales. We’re excited to see how companies are addressing the issue of the changing customer journey.

Key Talks:

• 15/1: Tailoring the 21st Century Customer Experience

Retail Hardware in 2017

Beyond the truly transformational infusion of cloud based tech into the retail industry, hardware also poses an opportunity for retailers and manufacturers. Wearables, smart labels and virtual reality all present powerful opportunities while Amazon Go threatens to completely alter the way brick and mortar stores function. Alkemics is working with SES to introduce smart labels to retailers in France.

Given the wealth of disruptive technology on the horizon, incorporating and innovating in the hardware space is perhaps more essential in retail than in any other industry.

Key Talks:

• 15/1: Innovation Lab: Wearables

Stay tuned for a recap of NRF next week!

***Want to meet Alkemics at NRF 2017? Book a meeting with our CEO, Antoine Durieux!***