Saurabh SinghIndustry Head CPG & Retail
Sign up to receive latest insights & updates in technology, AI & data analytics, data science, & innovations from Polestar Analytics.
With NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show wrapping up at the Javits Center in NYC), the buzz is still fresh, and I wanted to share my take on the standout conversations and trends. This isn't just a recap, it's a practical guide drawn from on-the-ground reports, keynotes, podcasts, and attendee insights, all aimed at helping you turn these ideas into actionable strategies for your operations.
The theme "The Next Now" couldn't have been more spot-on. Amid economic uncertainties like tariffs and shifting consumer spending, the event shifted from last year's AI hype to grounded execution. Retailers aren't dreaming about the future anymore; they're building it with tools that deliver measurable ROI today.
No surprise here AI dominated, but with a twist: it's all about agentic AI, those autonomous systems that handle everything from product discovery to purchases without constant human oversight. Sundar Pichai from Google kicked things off by announcing the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a collaboration with Walmart, Shopify, and Target to let AI agents seamlessly interact with retail ecosystems. Imagine an AI that not only recommends running shoes under $100 but also compares options, applies discounts, and completes the buy—all in real time.
Though we’ve yet to see true autonomy yet – we’ve seen a lot of potential of sophisticated chatbots. And a key caveat? Data readiness is everything only 29% of companies say their data is AI-ready, per an IBM-NRF survey.
Our Agenthood AI platform deploys over 50 specialized agents in minutes for tasks like sales forecasting, supply chain optimization, and personalized recommendations. Built on Databricks and powered by tools like Apache Spark and PySpark, these agents turn your complex data estates into actionable insights. For instance, one CPG client boosted promotion effectiveness by over 50% by using our agents to analyze real-time consumer behavior—echoing the NRF push for AI that enhances, not replaces, human decision-making.
Amid the tech talk, a refreshing counter-theme emerged: retail's roots in human connection. Leaders like Mary Beth Laughton from REI are stressing trust-building and emotional experiences. Physical stores aren't dying—they're evolving into hubs for "surprise and delight," like immersive setups at Dick’s House of Sport. This highlighted how technology should amplify relationships, not erase them: Innovation isn't breaking with essence.
This resonates deeply in CPG, where understanding the "why" behind spending—joy, community, family—is key to loyalty. Sessions on omnichannel and unified commerce (from PwC and commercetools) showed how blending digital and physical drives growth, with 48% of holiday shoppers using apps in-store.
Efficiency was another pillar, with talks on supply chain resilience, instant commerce, and reverse logistics. SPS Commerce and RetailNext highlighted agility as the new competitive edge speed over size. In-store retail media networks were dubbed a "sleeping giant awakening," with projections hitting $2B in revenue via digital signage and audience measurement (per Best Buy insights).
Sustainability tied in closely, converging with profitability through circular models like repair and resale. Policy chats touched tariffs and AI regs, reminding us that external factors demand adaptable ops.
Keynotes from Michael Rubin (Fanatics) and Fran Horowitz (Abercrombie & Fitch) drove home resilient leadership and people-first approaches. In a world of AI, retaining talent means empowering teams with tools that free them for creative work.
This is core to our philosophy at Polestar Analytics. We don't just deploy solutions; we partner to build agile models that develop your people. Our data science and engineering teams ensure your staff can focus on strategy, not spreadsheets driving that "people-forward" vibe echoed at NRF.
NRF 2026 wasn't about futuristic dreams; it was a roadmap for execution in uncertain times. From agentic AI's rise to human-centered experiences and operational agility, the message is clear: integrate tech with purpose, and the results follow.
If these insights spark ideas for your retail or CPG operations, let's chat. At Polestar Analytics, we're all about simplifying the journey from data to outcomes—whether it's deploying AI agents for supply chain wins, unifying your analytics for better forecasting, or optimizing promotions for revenue growth. Drop me a line at our site, and we'll explore how our certified Databricks-powered solutions can tailor to your needs. After all, in "The Next Now," the best moves are the ones you make today.
About Author
Industry Head CPG & Retail
Data will be the most important differentiator. Whoever is able to unlock the realm of data and strategically use it will win.
Related Blog
Aishwarya Saran
Aishwarya Saran