As the global retail community gathered for NRF 2026, the message was clear. The era of digital experimentation has ended. Retailers now demand proof that innovation delivers practical, measurable value at scale.
Throughout the event, four dominant themes emerged. Each one highlights how the Cust2Mate smart shopping cart platform aligns with the future of global retail.
1. AI Value Moves to the Frontline
Artificial intelligence has matured. Retailers no longer treat AI as a novelty; they view it as a core operational pillar focused on immediate impact.
The focus is migrating from back office functions like forecasting into the store aisle. This is where Cust2Mate excels. Our smart carts bring AI directly to the shopper, facilitating faster decisions and friction free experiences. Instead of overwhelming customers, this technology simplifies the journey and enhances every interaction.
2. Actionable Insights Over Information Overload
A major NRF takeaway was the prioritization of data utility. Retailers often have complex dashboards but lack the clarity to turn numbers into action. The industry is pivoting toward data that is reliable, repeatable, and easily applied.
Cust2Mate smart carts provide this exact clarity by capturing genuine shopper intent within the physical store. This direct link between behavior and decision making allows retailers to move faster, basing strategies on what happens at the shelf rather than on distant assumptions.
3. The Evolution of Operational Retail Media
Retail Media expectations have evolved beyond standalone digital screens toward solutions that integrate seamlessly into store operations. As highlighted by Forbes, Cust2Mate is leading this shift by transforming traditional “steel warhorses” into “chariots of commerce,” effectively opening a new frontier for in-store digital engagement.
The platform enables personalized interaction at the exact moment of a purchase decision, allowing brands to deliver contextually relevant content that drives conversion without disrupting the shopping flow. This approach unites media, shopper intelligence, and store performance into one cohesive experience that benefits retailers, brands, and customers alike.
4. Store Level Tech as a Strategic Core
The primary investment focus for grocers remains technology that strengthens daily performance. They are prioritizing tools that empower associates, ensure product availability, and streamline the environment.
Smart shopping carts are now essential store infrastructure. Alongside location analytics and digital shelf labeling, the Cust2Mate platform supports seamless execution through real time intelligence. Each cart serves as a connected hub, bridging the gap between operations and customer engagement.
The Bottom Line
NRF 2026 confirmed that retail technology is now about execution and measurable impact. As AI, data, and Retail Media converge, retailers seek trusted partners who bridge the digital and physical worlds.
Cust2Mate leads this transformation. Our smart shopping carts bring intelligence and efficiency to the point of purchase, helping retailers turn every shopping trip into an opportunity to create lasting value.’
Join us at EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf to see our smart cart platform in action.
Ready to see how Cust2Mate can transform your stores? Explore how our smart shopping carts deliver measurable impact and seamless shopper experiences.
Contact us to schedule a personalized demo or explore partnership opportunities today.
