Insights /
Key NRF 2025 Trends and Their Application to Travel Retail
January 27, 2025
I've just got home after a week in New York at the NRF Retail 2025 event. It was particularly interesting to see how retail is moving forward and the technology being used to drive these innovations. Check out some of the top trends and how they could apply to Travel Retail below.
At NRF 2025, AI-powered mirrors and body scanners stood out as tools to deliver personalised shopping experiences as seen here from mysizeid smart mirrors. These innovations allow customers to virtually try on products, tailoring their purchase journey to their individual needs.
Application to Travel Retail:
• In duty-free stores, virtual try-on technology can allow travellers to experiment with products like sunglasses, perfumes, or cosmetics without physical contact.
• Health-focused body scanners in airport lounges could provide insights and recommend tailored products, such as travel comfort accessories or fitness gear.
Omnevo’s product suite is designed to integrate these new technologies and experiences into a unified travel ecosystem, offering passengers a frictionless, engaging shopping experience.
Smart carts equipped with AI and real-time tracking technology were another standout innovation. They enable dynamic promotions and ensure a personalised shopping experience.
Application to Travel Retail:
• Onboard trolleys could adopt smart cart technology to manage inventory in real-time and offer passengers personalised deals based on their preferences and loyalty status
• In airport retail, smart carts can enhance convenience by enabling a “click-and-collect” system for pre-ordered items.
Through collaborations with IPC Mobile, we’re integrating similar smart solutions for onboard retail, ensuring efficiency and satisfaction at every step of the journey.
Retailers are embracing QR code-enabled digital menus to deliver customised recommendations and promotions to shoppers.
Application to Travel Retail:
• In lounges and onboard settings, digital menus can provide personalised recommendations for snacks, drinks, or duty-free items based on passenger profiles.
• AI-driven systems can curate promotions specific to destinations, such as regional experiences, souvenirs or seasonal products.
Omnevo’s platforms already support these capabilities, creating bespoke retail experiences for passengers while driving ancillary revenue for operators.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising inventory management by predicting demand and optimising stock levels.
Application to Travel Retail:
• AI can ensure that travel retail outlets and onboard services stock the right products for specific routes, seasons, or traveller demographics.
• Smart shelves equipped with sensors can notify staff when items need restocking, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
Omnevo’s solutions leverage AI to enable data-driven decisions, optimising retail operations for maximum impact.
From autonomous robots to 3D printing, innovative retail technologies were prominent at NRF 2025.
Application to Travel Retail:
• Autonomous retail pods in airport terminals can provide 24/7 access to essential travel items and curated product ranges.
• In-store 3D printing can offer travellers personalised accessories like luggage tags or travel mementoes.
Omnevo’s adaptable modules are ready to support these advancements, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into the travel retail ecosystem.
Gamification was another big theme at NRF, engaging customers with interactive and rewarding experiences. As seen here with Odicci.com
Application to Travel Retail:
• Duty-free stores could feature interactive screens where passengers can play games to unlock discounts or promotions.
• Gamified loyalty programmes could reward frequent travellers with points redeemable for onboard or in-terminal purchases.
Our systems are built to support gamified experiences that not only entertain but also drive engagement and sales.
AI is enabling retailers to engage with customers through personalised recommendations and real-time assistance.
Application to Travel Retail:
• Beacons in retail spaces can deliver tailored promotions to travellers’ smartphones based on their location and preferences.
• Facial recognition on airport screens enables specific targeted products and promotions
• AI chatbots can provide real-time assistance for shopping, from product recommendations to directions within a terminal, like this one at Heathrow terminal 5 giving directions to the gates.
Customer engagement tools are designed to deliver these personalised, real-time experiences, ensuring passengers feel valued and connected.
NRF 2025 highlighted the transformative power of technology in reshaping retail. At Omnevo, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, driving the adoption of these trends in travel retail alongside our trusted partners like IPC Mobile.
From personalised shopping experiences to AI-driven inventory management, our solutions are helping travel operators deliver seamless, memorable experiences for passengers while maximising ancillary revenue.
Get in Touch: Ready to take your travel retail strategy to the next level? Contact us to explore how Omnevo can empower your operations with cutting-edge solutions.
