NRF 2025: A Week of Connection, Innovation, and Inspiration

NRF 2025: A Week of Connection, Innovation, and Inspiration

Kibo booth at NRF

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.

 

Kibo both at NRFPutting green at Kibo booth at NRF

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. Key use cases include:
    • Conversational agents that allow users to edit orders, configure discounts, revise product info, and analyze reports.
    • Intelligent Inventory and machine learning-based demand forecasting, offering real-time inventory insights and automated recommendations for supply chain optimization.
    • Enhanced order routing and fulfillment date calculations to ensure customers receive their orders efficiently and accurately.

The Booth Buzz

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.

People visiting the Kibo booth at NRF

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.

Beyond the Booth: Building Relationships On and Off the Court

NRF isn’t just about showcasing technology—it’s about building relationships. This year, we made it a point to create meaningful moments outside the expo hall:

  • Knicks Game: We kicked off the week with a Knicks game, sharing the excitement of Madison Square Garden with partners, clients, and prospects. It was a great way to connect and unwind during a busy week.
  • MACH Happy Hour: As a member of the MACH Alliance, we were excited to attend the MACH Happy Hour, where they provided early access to their latest research findings that will influence the MACH community and retail industry.
  • Partner Advisory Board Breakfast: Collaboration is key to driving innovation, and our Partner Advisory Board breakfast was a testament to that. We gathered with our partners to share insights, discuss challenges, and align on strategies to better serve our mutual clients.
  • SkillNet Spark! 2025 Event: KIBO co-sponsored SkillNet’s annual Spark event, where retail leaders shared success stories and strategies for navigating today’s dynamic market over cocktails.
  • Cathy Hotka Retail Insiders Party: Each year at NRF, Cathay Hotka hosts the Retail Insiders Party, which brings together senior technology and transformation leaders—including members of the KIBO team. The evening was filled with engaging conversations and sneak peeks at the latest technology innovations.
The Kibo team and partners meeting for breakfast

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.