Retail Trends & High Street Tech Innovation: NRF '25 Recap

January 20, 2025
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Retail Media Networks: Driving Revenue and Engagement

Retail Media Networks (RMNs) were the talk of NRF, featured prominently across booths, talks, and demonstrations. RMNs are redefining how retailers and brands monetise their environments while enhancing customer experiences.

Key Insights
  • Industry Focus: RMNs are now a strategic priority, with retailers eager to unlock their revenue potential. Most exhibitors showcased a solid understanding of RMNs’ ecosystem and opportunities.
  • Tech Challenges: Despite the buzz, many companies lack clarity on the tools and technology needed to support RMNs, particularly in-store digital displays.
  • Shift to Modern DS CMS: Retailers are abandoning outdated content management systems in favor of modern platforms purpose-built for the complexities of RMNs.

The NowSignage Advantage

NowSignage is at the forefront of this shift, offering tools tailored to RMNs:

  • Proof of Play: Accurate ad performance tracking for accountability.
  • Ad Booking & Programmatic Integration: Simplified ad deployment and participation in automated marketplaces with third-party integrations.
  • Dynamic Pricing & Demographic Triggers: Real-time pricing updates and AI-powered, audience-specific content delivery.

These solutions empower retailers to unlock the full potential of RMNs, maximise revenue, and deliver personalised shopper experiences.

Hardware Innovation: Pushing Boundaries in Digital Signage

The evolution of digital signage hardware continues to redefine retail environments, offering bigger, brighter, thinner, and more cost-effective displays. At NRF, innovation in hardware took centre stage, with a focus on adaptability and creativity.

Key Trends
  • Non-Standard Form Factors: Displays in square, circular, and shelf-edge formats are now commonplace, enabling retailers to integrate digital signage seamlessly into store layouts.
  • LED Shelf-Edge Displays: LED technology is now a practical option for shelf-edge signage, providing vibrant and dynamic content in compact formats.
  • E-Ink Displays: E-Ink technology, while niche, is improving in affordability and quality, making it viable for battery-powered applications like digital shelf labels.

Flexibility Is Key

With diverse hardware options comes the need for adaptable solutions. Legacy systems struggle to meet these demands, driving retailers toward modern DS CMS platforms. NowSignage’s platform is built to support:

  • Compatibility with all form factors, from standard screens to cutting-edge shelf-edge and LED displays.
  • Scalable technology to accommodate future hardware advancements.
  • Advanced features like real-time content updates and programmatic integrations.

Digital cooler units with cutting-edge audience measurement technology were on display at the show, to watch them in action, view HERE.

Shaping the Future of Retail

NRF showcased how RMNs and hardware innovation are transforming retail. From unlocking revenue with RMNs to harnessing cutting-edge hardware, the opportunities are immense, but only for those equipped with the right tools.

At NowSignage, we’re empowering retailers and brands to thrive in this fast-changing landscape with flexible, future-proof solutions. Whether you’re building an RMN or adopting the latest hardware, NowSignage ensures you stay ahead of the curve.

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