NRF 2025 was a whirlwind of activity, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the incredible week we shared with our partners, clients, and the broader retail community. From thought-provoking conversations on the future of commerce to moments of camaraderie over games and good food, this year’s event reminded us why NRF is the must-attend gathering for retail innovators.
Top Trends and Topics from NRF 2025
NRF 2025 was packed with conversations about the evolving retail landscape, and certain themes consistently stood out in our discussions. From the growing demand for integrated commerce solutions to the accelerating role of AI in retail operations, it’s clear that businesses are looking for innovative ways to stay agile and competitive. Here are the top trends shaping the industry this year:
Standalone eCommerce Platforms are a Commodity: Retailers are increasingly seeking full-stack solutions that seamlessly connect online, in-store, and fulfillment operations.
The Tech Partner Ecosystem Connected to OMS is Exploding with Potential: The ecosystem around OMS, including KIBO partners like Shipium, Jump Mind, and Optoro, is driving innovation and creating new opportunities for retailers.
Modern Technology is Paramount: Many retailers are burdened by legacy platforms that are costly to maintain and require significant staffing. Modern, flexible technology solutions are becoming essential for staying competitive.
OMS is the True Business Case to CX Strategy: A polished front-end experience means little if the back-end operations aren’t modernized. Order management systems (OMS) serve as the backbone of an exceptional customer experience.
Frustration with Vendor Lock-in: Many retailers expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility and high switching costs associated with monolithic large vendors. Businesses are seeking solutions that provide agility and freedom from restrictive ecosystems.
AI and Retail: AI is playing an increasingly vital role in retail, and conversations at NRF revealed a broad spectrum of use cases. KIBO’s advancements in AI-driven commerce, such as Agentic Commerce and GenAI Productivity Tools, are designed to streamline workflows and improve accuracy.
Top Trends and Topics from NRF 2025
Throughout the show, the KIBO booth attracted hundreds of visitors. A standout feature? The putting green. It brought a bit of fun to the floor, giving visitors a break from the hustle of NRF. Of course, the real star of the booth was our product demos. From order management and eCommerce to subscription solutions, our team showcased how KIBO’s composable commerce platform can transform retail operations and elevate customer experiences.
The excitement comes on the heels of KIBO being named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Order Management Systems, Q1 2025. KIBO earned the highest score in the Strategy category as well as the highest scores possible in 18 criteria—including Omnichannel Order Management, Enterprise Inventory Management, and Fulfillment Automation.
Forrester noted in the report, “Customers we spoke to expressed more satisfaction for KIBO than any other vendor we evaluated. [Customers] feel heard and express the sense that all customers enjoy that treatment.” Hearing this validation from our customers motivates us to continue delivering exceptional solutions and experiences.
What’s Coming Up
NRF 2025 was only the beginning—the KIBO team feels energized about the connections made and the opportunities ahead. We’ll be at Shoptalk Spring March 25-27 in Las Vegas, followed by our annual KIBO Client & Partner Summit May 7-8 in Chicago.
Huge thanks to everyone that visited the KIBO booth at NRF, we look forward to continuing our conversations. If you missed us, don’t hesitate to reach out—contact our team and see how KIBO can help support your commerce goals.
