It’s Day 2 of NRF 2025, and the hits keep coming! The energy on the expo floor is contagious as retail leaders, innovators, and attendees keep the conversations—and ideas—flowing. From ZipTalks that sparked “aha!” moments to dynamic sessions on the future of retail, today wasn’t just about talking shop—it was about reshaping it.

We laughed, we learned, and we might have had one too many bagels (no regrets). 

Here’s what stood out to us:

🚗Innovation in Action at PacSun

The journey to the Javits didn’t stop there. We went on a road trip to the west coast! Lianne Prestamo,  Sr. Store Communications Specialist at PacSun, took attendees on a journey (a virtual road trip, if you will) through Pacsun’s innovation roadmap, showcasing how tools like Photo Task Approvals and Chaddy, PacSun’s AI-powered assistant, are empowering teams and enhancing operational efficiency. (It was a sunny spot in the cold winter NYC day)

This added layer of clarity gave us in our stores greater confidence in our execution,” says Lianne, “and greater confidence in our consistency.” 

Missed Lianne’s presentation? Can’t get enough of Lianne? We got you- take a deep dive into learning at the Big Ideas session on Tuesday, January 14, at 10:15 am. 

👉Add it to your calendar 👈

For us here at Zipline, we’re obsessed with how Lianne left attendees inspired to map their own journeys toward retail success. 🗺️

⚡Implementation at the Speed of Retail with Five Below

Steve Gerlach, Senior Manager of Communications & Planning at Five Below, took the stage for a fireside chat that explored how the brand successfully rolled out Zipline across 1,500+ stores in just 90 days—a feat that exemplifies agility and focus in retail operations.

With the right focus, clear alignment, and a bit of adaptability, achieving the impossible becomes just another day at Five Below! “It’s a big game of ‘Who Moved My Cheese?'” says Steve Gerlach, Senior Manager-Communications & Planning at Five Below. “You just have to move fast, adapt quickly, and embrace the process to find it.”

Steve’s practical advice on managing change, navigating tight timelines, and leveraging strong partnerships left attendees energized and ready to accelerate their own operational transformations.

💡 Top Theme from Day 2: Accelerating Retail Innovation

Day 2 at NRF 2025 highlighted a critical takeaway: innovation and agility are the cornerstones of success in today’s retail landscape. From AI adoption to leadership-driven transformation, speakers underscored actionable strategies to help retailers navigate rapid change and seize new opportunities.

AI Adoption as a Competitive Edge

Retailers are integrating AI into core processes, focusing on practical applications like customer sentiment analysis, loss prevention, and operational efficiency. Leaders from Canadian Tire and Ulta Beauty shared how AI-driven solutions are enabling predictive inventory management, automating workflows, and delivering personalized customer experiences. The consensus? AI isn’t just a tool; it’s becoming the backbone of modern retail strategy.

Leadership as a Catalyst for Change

Successful digital transformations rely on strong leadership and alignment across teams. Speakers emphasized that innovation flourishes when leaders create a vision that includes cross-functional collaboration. As one expert put it, “People support what they help create.” From embracing AI to investing in team training, fostering buy-in at every level ensures smoother implementation and faster results.

Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

Speakers also stressed the importance of aligning rapid innovation with long-term sustainability. Data integrity, privacy, and the responsible use of technology are top priorities for retailers. Leaders shared how prioritizing partnerships, maintaining clean data structures, and focusing on customer-centric solutions help future-proof their businesses in an ever-changing market.

Speed to Market: A Deciding Factor

In today’s retail environment, speed is critical. Retailers who prioritize clear communication and strong partnerships are better equipped to meet shifting consumer demands. From real-time inventory visibility to agile marketing strategies, fast decision-making is driving measurable results and customer loyalty.

From reimagining store operations to leveraging cutting-edge tools, Day 2 offered a blueprint for thriving in an increasingly dynamic retail world.

From inspiration to implementation, Day 2 delivered actionable strategies to not just keep up with change but to lead it.

👀 Coming Up Tomorrow: Your Perfect NRF Finale

✨ Let’s make the final day of NRF 2025 unforgettable! Here’s how to make the most of it:

🥯 Start Your Morning with Bagels and Inspiration

Fuel up for your last day at Booth #5157 with NYC’s best bagels from Tompkins Square Bagels. Chat with retail innovators to uncover how they’re driving bold ideas and creating seamless store experiences. It’s not just breakfast—it’s your morning inspiration station.

💡 Big Ideas on Stage

Don’t miss these two show-stopping sessions with insights from industry leaders:

• Better Training, Better Results
  🕒 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Level 1, Expo Stage 1
  Pacsun, Janie and Jack, and ASI share how they’re transforming employee training to drive operational success.
• Clear Vision, Seamless Execution
  🕑 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Level 1, Expo Stage 1
  Learn how effective communication helped Warby Parker scale from 120 to 270+ stores with insights from Melissa Wong (Zipline CEO) and Sasha Ludwig-Siegel.

🎤 ZipTalks: Lightning Insights at Booth #5157

• A Dash of Magic with Warby Parker
  Uniting a remote workforce with a central dashboard.
  🕛 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
• Brick by Brick: How a Global Toy Retailer Creates Holiday Magic
  Delivering seasonal excellence year after year.
  🕑 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

🤝 Last Chance to Connect

It’s your final opportunity to meet with Zipline experts! Stop by Booth #5157 to explore how we can transform your store operations.
👉 Book a Meeting Now

✨ End NRF 2025 on a high note with bold ideas, meaningful conversations, and (of course) one last bagel.

👋 We can’t wait to see you at Booth #5157!