NEW YORK — RFID companies, their products and their services were well represented in New York City at NRF’s Big Show 2025 held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from January 12-14.
Representatives from BrightSign, Crave Retail, Impinj, Optimum Reatiling, Oracle, Sensormatic, SML, Teamwork Commerce, Xemelgo, Wiliot and Zebra Technologies showcased how RFID products are fueling end uses by retailers and International companies with data to combat retail shrinkage, shopping, fueling artificial intelligence and a myriad of other issues that in the end benefit the consumer.
The show serves as a launching point for new products that will be rolled out in 2025. Below are a few that caught our eye:
SML IIS Launches RFID Ceiling Reader with Zebra
SML Intelligent Inventory Solutions (SML IIS) launched its RFID Ceiling Reader. Utilizing SML’s Clarity software solution and Zebra’s ATR7000 RTLS Reader, the RFID Ceiling Reader placed over store exits enhances a retailer’s loss detection capabilities. Registering RFID-tagged items as they pass through the exits, the RFID Ceiling Reader combined with various elements of Clarity enterprise software verifies if items have been purchased.
The solution adjusts the in-store inventory counts to provide an accurate inventory picture for in-store and omnichannel fulfillment. This provides an enhanced visibility of where the shrink occurs within the supply chain, and empowers customers to take corrective action to minimize inventory loss.
“More retailers are starting to see the clear value that item-level RFID can deliver to their inventory management,” said Dean Frew, president of RFID solutions division, SML Group. “With the technology’s proven return on investment, we are helping our customers explore the wider potential of RFID both in-store and within the supply chain. Our Clarity software, combined with Zebra’s advanced technology readers, are playing a significant role in increasing sales, minimizing shrink, and improving customer satisfaction.”
Optimum Retailing Launches Realgram AI
Optimum Retailing (OR), the in-store intelligence and merchandise management platform for the world’s most popular retail stores, today announced the launch of Realgram AI, a groundbreaking visual merchandising platform that auto-generates store-specific planograms in one click using real-time inventory and aligned with business goals.
Designed to solve one of retail’s most persistent challenges—managing in-store merchandising at the inventory level at scale—Realgram AI empowers retailers across industries to generate custom planograms for individual locations in minutes based on business objectives. This revolutionary platform redefines operational efficiency, profitability, and sustainability for retail brands managing hundreds or thousands of stores.
Realgram AI’s custom, store-specific planograms deliver four core benefits to retailers, each aimed at streamlining operations and improving business outcomes: effortless scalability, strategic merchandising; exceptional accuracy and Increased sustainability.
“Realgram AI represents a monumental leap forward for visual merchandising,” said Sam Vise, CEO and Founder of Optimum Retailing. “The ability to leverage generative AI to develop store-specific planograms in just one click will make it easier than ever for retailers to achieve precise, location-specific merchandising that drives profitability and supports sustainability goals.”
Xemelgo’s Smart Retail Suite Showcased
Xemelgo unveiled its Smart Retail Suite empowering retailers to seamlessly manage inventory across channels, streamline operations, and gain actionable insights into their supply chain.
Xemelgo integrates seamlessly with Zebra’s full suite of RFID hardware and mobility solutions, including printers, handheld readers, mobile computers, fixed RFID readers, and the new TC53e-RFID mobile computer featured at the show. These devices deliver advanced RFID scanning and rugged reliability, tailored for the fast-paced retail environment. With Xemelgo’s software built on AWS, they connect effortlessly to backend systems such as ERP, WMS, POS, and eCommerce platforms, enabling end-to-end visibility and streamlined operations.
Xemelgo’s RFID solutions are used by the leading luxury brands, e-commerce leaders, and innovative apparel companies like Good American. These solutions power diverse use cases, including supply chain management, back-of-store inventory tracking, order fulfillment, front-of-store operations, and loss prevention, delivering measurable benefits throughout the retail supply chain.
“Xemelgo has built its reputation on delivering real-time visibility and operational excellence in manufacturing and industrial environments,” said Garrett Gross, director of growth at Xemelgo. “We’re thrilled to bring that expertise to retail, showcasing how Zebra’s advanced hardware and Xemelgo’s RFID software built on AWS simplify supply chain complexities and drive meaningful results for our customers.”
Sensormatic Fight Against Shrink
Sensormatic Solutions showcased its most recent innovations—like its enhancements to Shrink Analyzer—alongside third-party solutions that are now available as part of its ecosystem of retail solutions and services.
To protect against organized retail crime activity, attendees received a first-hand look how Sensormatic Solutions analytic tools come together with enhanced Shrink Analyzer capabilities, extending beyond the store exit to retailer-defined high-risk areas, next-generation systems and an advanced EAS ecosystem that brings category-level shrink analytics to your acousto-magnetic LP programs.
The company is offering to streamline merchandising and inventory management through TrueVUE Cloud. The brand’s newly released, embedded RFID Seam Tags — which offer an integrated, discreet alternative to traditional tagging options — will featured at their booth.
Anther offering was their ShopperTrak Analytics, which enables visibility into traffic trends, selling opportunities and store performance for retailers to better understand conversion rates, while effectively managing staffing levels and delivering brand experiences shoppers expect.
“Sensormatic Solutions has always been committed to working in close collaboration with retailers and other technology partners to ensure we’re doing all we can to address the industry’s most pressing challenges,” said Tony D’Onofrio, president of Sensormatic Solutions. “From our collaborations with retail brands to our work with organizations developing cutting-edge technologies, we’re giving businesses the tools they need to redefine retail today and beyond.”
Goni Labs AI Dress Mirror
Goni Labs showcased its AI-powered mirror that offers offering users a virtual try-on experience, enabling them to try on that combines the best aspects of online convenience with the tangible feeling of in-store shopping, enhancing retail experiences.
The mirror integrates and leverages advanced AI technology to deliver an interactive in-store shopping experience. Designed with an intuitive user interface, it allows users to explore clothing options and share their try-on sessions with friends. Retailers can integrate this software into their existing digital platforms – such as apps and websites and the system’s management software allows retailers to connect inventory data, control which items are displayed, integrate checkout options, and generate reports.
“The Goni Mirror and our online virtual try-on solution enable fashion retailers to grow their business by bridging the gap between physical and digital retail,” says Shlomi Atias, CEO of Goni Labs. “These tools optimize both in-store and online shopping reducing return rates, increasing ROI, and encouraging customers to explore complementary items, ultimately boosting average order values.”
Grey Orange Partners with Pet Smart
GreyOrange announced the deployment of its innovative gStore platform across PetSmart stores nationwide. The strategic rollout of this retail SaaS store execution platform enhances PetSmart’s location management, inventory management, digital fulfillment and store operations for improved efficiency across its nearly 1,700 stores.
“We’re providing PetSmart with greater inventory visibility, in addition to improved task management, reporting and analytics, exemplifying our commitment to offering innovative solutions to our customers,” said Troy Siwek, gStore general manager at GreyOrange.
PetSmart, a leading pet retailer, selected the gStore platform to solve key operational challenges, specifically to track inventory and the capability for flexible location assignments and backroom organization. The platform optimizes PetSmart’s digital fulfillment by utilizing dynamic pick paths and real-time inventory for customizable routes, ensuring efficient management of all product locations.
“The deployment of GreyOrange’s gStore platform has provided a significant contribution in PetSmart’s journey towards operational excellence,” said Greg Fancher, executive vice president of IT and chief information technology officer at PetSmart.
Sensei Supermarket Solution
Sensei, a global leader in autonomous retail technology, introduces real-time basket technology and an autonomous experience integrated with assisted sales that coincides with the launch of its 1,200+ square-meter autonomous supermarket in Portugal, in partnership with MC (Sonae Group), the country’s leading grocery retailer.
The proprietary AI technology from Sensei combines computer vision, machine learning and sensors to achieve 99% accuracy in tracking consumer interactions with products, a significant improvement over existing autonomous solutions. Shoppers enjoy transparency, as their purchases are displayed in real-time, eliminating the friction of scanning and lines.
“Sensei’s technology goes beyond eliminating checkout lines – it enhances the entire shopping journey while providing retailers with invaluable real-time data to optimize their operations,” said Vasco Portugal, CEO and co-founder of Sensei. “We’re excited to bring this transformative solution to larger scale supermarkets and challenge the retail industry with what’s possible.”
Epson Labeling Solutions
Epson showcased a wide variety of technology solutions for retail businesses, with applications spanning check-out, labeling, grocery and deli, shipping, and back office.
Among the offerings Epson is highlighting include:
- Mobile check out – Mobilink compact receipt printers offer a sleek and rugged design with enhanced connectivity providing high-quality prints on-the-go. The OmniLink mSeries’ sleek and modern thermal receipt printers deliver enhanced connectivity and is engineered for reliable performance in a compact enclosure.
- Grocery and deli –Epson will be showcasing the integrated ColorWorks printer and Ishida Weigh Scale solution that can be used to create full-color labels in real time for prepared foods.
- Customer service – Whether utilizing buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), curbside pickup or delivery, OmniLink liner-free thermal label printer helps retailers improve efficiency in the way they serve customers and meet ever-growing demand for digital orders or item labeling in-store.
“Epson has long been committed to helping retailers operate more efficiently and effectively in a competitive market,” said Sean Gunduz, director of product marketing, business systems division, Epson America, Inc. “At NRF, we demonstrated how Epson technology solutions are designed to streamline checkout, improve inventory management and enhance operational workflows, all while elevating the customer experience.”