2022 NRF Show Highlights

Published on January 25, 2022

Despite the New York City ice and snow, the January 16-18, 2022 National Retail Federation Show went on – in person! Over 800 companies exhibited new technology at the multi-day event, and a range of promising products and updates were revealed. In this post, we’ll cover what we noted as some of the most exciting highlights for retail companies at the show.

Stockers and Cleaners and Robots, Oh My!

Co-automation was a central trend of the 2022 NRF Show, with companies like Locus Robotics, AutoStore, and Ottonomy introducing robotic machinery designed to complement the work of human team members. From robotic floor cleaners, curbside delivery robots, and inventory control automation technology, be on the lookout for technology that works with your employees rather than replacing them entirely.

“Do you take Bitcoin?”

You probably don’t take Bitcoin, and hey – neither do we (yet). But the reluctance of many communities to take cryptocurrency seriously didn’t stop the wave from taking over the 2022 NRF show. Keep your eye out for names like NCR, LibertyX, and RocketFuel Blockchain, companies that aim to help your stores accept and process Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at point-of-sale systems and online. Is it strange? Maybe! But there are some benefits: for example, there are no chargebacks when customers use cryptocurrency, unlike credit cards.

No touching!

Companies like NCR, Accuvia Software Group, and Mashgin are leading the way for a future where customers never have to touch anything other than items they want to purchase. You’ve heard about Amazon’s cutting-edge storefronts where customers just pick up their essentials and walk out, their cards charged as they exit. These companies are working hard to bring similar AI frameworks to all retail stores.

And in a similar vein, companies like Robomart are bringing storefronts to customers’ curbsides, but not in a typical delivery sense. Robomart’s vehicles can be “hailed” via mobile app, and when the vehicle arrives, the customer can hand-pick snacks, medicines, and other essentials right from the vehicle.

Going Even Greener

“Sustainability” is proving to be more than just a buzzword. Research shows that customers, particularly younger generations, are willing to pay a premium to make sure suppliers and retailers keep sustainability salient. Presentations at the 2022 NRF show from leaders at Ikea, Walmart, and Rothy’s (a washable women’s shoes and accessories company) highlighted advice for advancing your organization’s sustainability initiatives without “greenwashing.”

Looking to Stay Ahead of Retail Technology in the Future?

Mercom offers comprehensive depot repair and support to retail chains across the country. As an industry expert with over 25 years of experience, retail Chains with 100 to 5,000 stores rely on Mercom for repair and deployment services of their critical hardware. We support all types of POS and Barcode equipment with fast turnaround times. And what’s more, we’re always staying ahead of changes in retail technology. Contact Mercom today.

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