NRF 2026

by Andy Adelson, Senior Analyst, Michael Clarke, Senior Analyst, and Jackson Kuja, Associate with David Krebs, EVP

NRF 2026 underscored how retail technology adoption is becoming more pragmatic and execution-focused. Across AI, computer vision, RFID, edge computing, and workforce enablement, retailers are moving beyond experimentation and concentrating on solutions that improve store performance, reduce shrink, and integrate cleanly into daily operations. The show highlighted how reliability, scalability, and time-to-value are now shaping buying decisions as retailers plan for 2026 and beyond.

VDC Research’s NRF 2026 show report delivers expert analysis of the most important in-store technology trends, drawing on insights from Amazon Web Services, Axis Communications, BIXOLON, Bizerba, BlueStar, Brother Mobile Solutions, Citizen Systems, Datalogic, DPT, Epson, Everseen, Fujitsu Frontech, Honeywell, HP, Impinj, MediaTek, Motorola Solutions, NCR Voyix, Nedap Retail, Newland AIDC, ProGlove, Qualcomm, Samsung, SATO, ScaleFusion, Scandit, SeeChange, Sewoo, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, TSC Auto ID, Workday, Zebra Technologies, and other leading vendors shaping the future of retail execution.