The leaders present at NRF 2025, largest retail fair in the world that started on January 12, in New York, they confirmed: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics at the moment. However, it is noticeable how the discussion is going far beyond a passing hype
This is mainly due to your background: the data. Leaders of giants like Levi's, Walmart and Craig highlighted in their talks that this is the true key to the success of this technology.
Several CEOs, CMOs, vice presidents emphasized the importance of organizing and investing in quality data, readily available to boost AI in different areas. Only then will the efforts surrounding this technological tool move in favor of the entire business, bringing real benefits
The Three 'Cs' of the Data Journey
Another interesting point in the debate about Generative AI at the fair was raised by Jennifer Acerra, vice president of Customer Insights at Walmart. The executive presented the three essential "Cs" for a successful data journey: curiosity, collaboration and courage.
The curiosity, according to her, it is the engine to explore opportunities from the data. Collaboration between teams allows discoveries to become reality. And courage is essential to embrace new digital tools and transform the potential of each of them into concrete results
Within this dynamic, it is also clear how much the role of the technology area has changed. CIOs and CTOs are moving beyond being just support and taking on strategic positions, actively participating in company decisions
For this reason, there is an increasingly attentive focus on the training of professionals in the sector. They need to develop beyond a technical scope, understanding each particularity and objective of the business
All these trends prove the growing importance of technology for the success of companies. The NRF 2025 makes it clear how much this scenario, guided by generative AI and data, it is already a reality and should be a major driver for promoting transformative results in the future of retail
