Databricks at NRF 2025: The future of retail runs on the Data Intelligence Platform

Book at meeting with Databricks at NRF 2025!

As we approach January 2025, the retail industry is gearing up for another groundbreaking Retail's Big Show at the Javits Center in New York City. NRF 2025 promises to be a pivotal event where global retail leaders will converge to explore cutting-edge innovations, share insights, and shape the future of retail.

AI and Data Intelligence: The Cornerstone of Retail Innovation

This year, we anticipate AI to be more than just a buzzword. It's expected to be deeply integrated into every facet of retail operations. While many companies have been quick to rebrand their products with AI-centric names, the real focus at NRF 2025 will be on practical, scalable and cost-effective AI implementations that deliver tangible and high-quality results.

The spotlight is likely to shine on advanced data intelligence technologies that are making AI accessible and actionable across all retail roles. From inventory management, to supplier collaboration, to personalized customer experiences, the democratization of AI is revolutionizing how retailers operate and compete.

Overcoming Persistent Challenges to Growth

Retailers continue to navigate two primary challenges in the data and AI landscape:

Cost & Complexity Optimization: There's an ongoing push to simplify and streamline data management and AI operations, particularly in complex ecosystems with numerous point solutions. Complex landscapes consume operational budgets just to maintain their running, and inhibit investment in innovation.

Growth Imperative: Business leaders are looking to leverage AI, especially generative AI, to drive growth through enhanced customer engagement, improved employee productivity, and optimized supply chains. They are challenged with doing this in a way that is scalable, cost effective and that delivers the correct answers.

The Rise of Intelligent Data Platforms

The lakehouse architecture has emerged as a game-changer, addressing many of the data silos and integration challenges that have historically plagued the retail sector. Recent industry surveys indicate that over 80% of organizations have now adopted some form of lakehouse architecture, showcasing its growing importance.

Building on the lakehouse foundation, we're seeing the emergence of more sophisticated Intelligent Data Platforms. These platforms are not just repositories for AI models but are infused with AI capabilities at every level. This symbiosis of lakehouse architecture and advanced AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for real-time decision-making and predictive analytics in retail.

Data Partners build and accelerate retail use cases

Customers’ data intelligence environments do not exist in a vacuum. AI and ML projects are only as effective as the data that fuels them. That’s why we’ve seen the most success when advanced Databricks customers work with partners and 3rd party data providers to unlock new retail use cases. This year at NRF we’re excited to showcase these solutions at our booth. Discover how AdTech and MarTech partners like Hightouch, Amperity, and ActionIQ are enriching customer data to deliver real-time insights. By leveraging unified customer profiles powered by the Databricks Platform, retailers can enable omnichannel personalization at scale. Predictive analytics solutions, such as Nimble's pricing optimization, empower retailers to forecast demand dynamically, enhance loyalty, and achieve measurable ROI. These integrations ensure retailers stay competitive by turning data into actionable strategies that drive growth and customer engagement. And learn how to run a smarter supply chain and merchandising strategy with Crisp, Engine and Altana. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these partners in action.

Consulting partners turn customer insights into action

In the competitive retail landscape, every customer interaction is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, drive loyalty, and create value. Consulting partners leverage Databricks' Solution Accelerators, such as the Customer 360 Accelerator and Next Best Action Recommender, to help retailers rapidly unlock insights and implement personalized strategies. These tools enable predictive customer journeys and real-time engagement that drive loyalty and boost revenue. That’s why we were excited to feature demonstrations of partner-built retail solutions and accelerators in the Databricks booth at NRF. Come see how partners like Celebal Technologies, EPAM, Genpact, LatentView, Tiger Analytics, Tredence, West Monroe, Wipro and more are using the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to capture key insights that help retailers optimize logistics and supply chains, provide automated customer support via virtual agents, alleviate employee scheduling conflicts, and personalize marketing campaigns for improvements in click-through rates.

Databricks at NRF 2025

We're thrilled to announce Databricks' participation in NRF 2025! Discover how Databricks empowers retailers to turn data into meaningful insights with intelligent, AI-driven solutions. From real-time analytics to scalable personalization, the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform helps retail teams thrive in the era of data-driven decision-making. As a leader in data and AI solutions, we'll be showcasing our latest innovations in Data Intelligence tailored for the retail industry.

NRF 2025 is set to bring together over 18,000 retail professionals from more than 100 countries, making it the largest gathering of its kind. The event will take place from January 12-14, 2025, at the Javits Center in New York City.

Engaging with Databricks at NRF 2025

As you prepare for NRF 2025, here are some ways to learn more about Databricks at NRF 2025 connect with us:

• Visit our booth (#6621 on level 3) for live demonstrations of our latest retail-focused AI solutions
• Book one-on-one meetings with our experts to discuss your specific data and AI challenges
• Join us to celebrate data and AI on Sunday night!

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience firsthand how Databricks transforms retail with intelligent data solutions. Visit booth #6621 to see live demonstrations of real-time Customer 360 insights and predictive analytics that deliver unparalleled personalization and efficiency. Register now for NRF 2025 and discover how Databricks is shaping the future of retail through intelligent data and AI solutions.

Learn more about Databricks at NRF 2025 and book a meeting with us!