REWE Group's Christoph Eltze talks NRF 2025 as event serves as hotspot for innovations and future strategies

Christoph Eltze, Member of the Management Board REWE Group (Chief Digital and Technology Officer), has taken to social media to give his take on NRF 2025, which took place in New York earlier this month.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "REWE Group are active in 21 European countries – nevertheless, it is important to think outside the box and keep our finger on the pulse, especially when it comes to tech, digitalisation, AI or retail media. That's why I was at NRF 2025 last week - the world's largest trade conference for the retail sector and an absolute hotspot for innovations and future strategies."

"With around 40,000 visitors from all over the world, more than 1,000 exhibitors and over 100 events, NRF is huge and correspondingly diverse. And yet it has become clear which topics are moving the industry."

Eltze key takeaways as follows:

The use of AI continues to drive the industry forward. "Which use cases already bring real bottomline impact? This question ran through the entire shiw. The keynote, for example, was not about politics or the global economy, but rather NVIDIA manager Azita Martin and Walmart USA CEO John Furner discussed the impact of AI on retail - from stores to digital commerce to the supply chain."

There was a big focus on hyper-personalisation: "Thanks to AI, customer wishes can not only be predicted more and more precisely, but above all fulfilled more quickly. The result: tailored real-time experiences at scale."

The central availability of comprehensive, quality assured and easily accessible data is becoming increasingly important. "Because without data, nothing works in the field of AI. Data-based decision-making aids or automated decisions using AI are coming to the fore."

The agents are coming. "Last year still "the new thing", the first (simpler) agents are already in use. Powerful multi-purpose agents are expected in the second half of the year – the hoped for performance increases are revolutionary."

Keep an eye out for exciting startups such as Glean, which provides employees with easy access to the company's collective internal knowledge. "Startups without an AI component - hard to find."

"NRF is a great opportunity to connect with international partners and develop joint strategies. A highlight was the store tours, where we saw technologically very advanced stores from various retailers. The view of the New York skyline was of course a nice bonus," Eltze concluded.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

As AI sees increasing adoption in the retail space, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.

Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.

Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.

Is there a certain timeframe for nominated projects, initiatives etc? Yes, nominated projects, initiatives etc should have been completed (or substantially completed) during the last 12 months.

Who has visibility of our completed entry form and what information will be public should we win or be shortlisted? Only our Editor, Scott Thompson, and judging panel will view submissions. The information provided in the summary section of the entry form will be made public.

Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.

What is the shortlists process? Shortlists will be announced in April 2025, then shortlisted entries will be sent to our independent judging panel who will decide upon the winners and highly commended submissions. Shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July 2o25.

Do winners and highly commended companies receive post-event coverage? Yes, post-event coverage includes articles on our website and also an in-depth awards review in our printed magazine. There is also the opportunity for a company profile type piece to be published on our site and within our magazine.

When is the deadline for 2025 submissions? Friday, 23rd May 2025.

When will the 2025 winners be revealed? Winners will be announced at an event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal, awards ceremony, and after party featuring DJ until midnight.

Who will be judging submissions? Details of our 2025 judging panel will be announced in the near future.