Insights and Innovations at the NRF Big Show in New York City

Today’s challenges for retailers

Retailers are continuing to address the need to digitise their internal processes and enhance customer experience in a fast-moving omnichannel world.

Recent advancements in AI have accelerated these trends, allowing better data utilization and personalization which can both reduce friction in online searches and increase conversion rates at checkout. Large retailers already have powerful AI strategies in place to transform customer understanding; their challenge now is to execute these strategies effectively in a constantly changing environment. 

Increasing conversion at checkout is crucial for e commerce players. The process needs to be secure, efficient and, above all, frictionless. The proliferation of payment methods including instant payments, BNPL offerings and APMs means retailers are increasingly acting as guides for consumers confused by a bewildering choice of ways to pay. 

Bricks-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of competing with e-commerce giants through bringing customers back to physical stores. To do this, they will need to create emotional experiences that make in-store shopping worthwhile. And above all, retailers who want to stay ahead of the game need to keep ahead of the trends, making events like NRF essential for international retailers.

EPI at NRF NYC: Strategic Insights and Key Trends

Attending the NRF Big Show is crucial for EPI as we aim to make Wero the leading European payment wallet. Our presence at the event allowed us to understand the latest global trends, stay updated on retail developments for 2025 and 2026, meet our partners, build future relationships, and learn more about our competitors. Pauline Ciutat and Laetitia Dorla from EPI attended the Big Show in NYC in January, and they observed several key trends and insights.

• Real life still matters Retailers are determined to bring consumers back to
  physical stores, recognizing their unique value in creating memorable
  shopping experiences. Flagship stores, once exclusive to luxury brands, are
  now common in wealthy and trendy districts.
• Creativity is key, with innovative store designs and unique merchandising
  strategies, like displaying cannabis in jewel cases. Music enhances the
  atmosphere, as seen in Footlocker’s club-like vibe.
• Customization services are on the rise, allowing customers to personalize
  products for a unique experience. High-end brands are also offering repair
  services to promote sustainability.
• Technological integration is on the rise, with retailer apps enabling
  preorders and digital tools enhancing the in-store experience. Mobile
  checkout devices are reducing queues and improving customer satisfaction.

The Value for EPI

By attending NRF NYC, EPI demonstrated its ambition and gained valuable insights into the retail environment. The event provided an opportunity to network with industry leaders and potential partners, gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends and technologies, and position EPI as a forward thinking player in the retail payments space.

Future Outlook

In this fast-moving world, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Events like NRF are key for international retailers, bringing together thousands of industry players looking to change the game. The future of retail lies in innovation, customer experience, and seamless integration of technology.

With its single integration offering retailers the complete suite of Wero features and access to more than 80% of customers in the three launch countries of Belgium, France and Germany, Wero is a powerful tool to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers.

Stay tuned for more updates from EPI as we continue to explore the latest trends and innovations in retail.