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What’s Next in Retail | Key trends from NRF 2025 and HSO’s New York Tour
Discover the Retail trends we encountered from our New York store tour in Soho, Chelsea and 5th Avenue.
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We discovered five most important trends for retailers:
- AI in Retail
- Personalisation
- Convenience
- Sustainability
- Experience
in New York during our HSO Store Tour.
Welcome to New York, the place where retail innovates and pushes boundaries. During the annual NRF Retail's Big Show and our store tours through iconic neighbourhoods like 5th Avenue, Soho and Chelsea. Continue reading below to find out what exactly we discovered.
AI in Retail - Faster, Easier and Futuristic Shopping
AI is giving the shopping experience a huge upgrade. From personalised store suggestions to fully automated payments, AI is making shopping faster, easier, and futuristic. Think virtual try-ons, real-time recommendations, and walk-out stores without cash registers.
Personalisation - an experience that's all about you
Personalisation is transforming retail into an experience that’s all about you. Brands are offering customisation, with technology that takes your preferences into account. From products you design yourself to advice that feels like it was created just for you-shopping feels so intimate and unique.
Sustainability - Positive impact on the world
Brands are increasingly eco-friendly and want to have a positive impact on the world. It’s not just about responsible shopping, it’s about a future where we all contribute to protecting our planet. Think stores that breathe new life into old products, advanced technologies that promote energy efficiency and materials that are fully circular.
Experience - Making the right impression
Retail is increasingly about experiences that make an impression. Stores are transforming into destinations where customers discover, learn and are inspired. It’s not just about what you buy, it’s about what you experience.
Think spaces where technology brings products to life, workshops that teach you new skills, and concepts that tell stories in extraordinary ways. Shopping can be so much more than just transactions. This is retail you can feel.
Convenience - Efficiency and Accessibility
Convenience is an indispensable factor in modern retail. Stores that focus on efficiency and accessibility gain the trust and loyalty of their customers.
Think of technology that eliminates queues, smart tools that make information instantly available and systems that recognise personal preferences. Whether you are doing groceries, quickly grabbing a snack or looking for daily necessities. This is shopping without the hassle.
Read our latest Retail eBook: Seven Steps to Boost Customer Retention in Retail & Distribution in 2025
In 2025, the key to success in retail and distribution is not just attracting new customers. It's also about keeping the customers you already have.
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From AI to sustainability, New York’s retail scene is inspiring retailers worldwide. What can you learn from New York? Get in touch for more inspiration.