NRF’ Retail’s Big Show 2025‘, held in January 2025 in New York, once again reaffirmed its position as the world’s biggest retail event by bringing together leaders and visionary companies to discuss the sector’s future. This year, SISQUAL® WFM again consolidated its position alongside the most prominent global technology players, showcasing innovation and various new features. Under the theme ‘Game Changer’, the event highlighted a common point among the multiple debates and presentations: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Technology thus dominated the NRF as the biggest disruptor in the retail sector by implementing tools that are transforming the customer experience and operational management.
The Impact of WFM on Retail
AI was a central topic of conversation during the three days of NRF 2025, with practical demonstrations of how advanced algorithms can optimise processes and generate value for the sector. Among the main highlights were Workforce Management (WFM) tools, which, through machine learning technology, make it possible to generate sales patterns, predict customer needs and create efficient work schedules.
The main goal of WFM tools for retail is to reduce operating costs, improve the consumer experience, and increase employee satisfaction. In this sense, managers should support tools that automate processes and save time and resources for more strategic activities, one of the main focuses of SISQUAL® WFM solutions.
The success of the ‘WFM Timeline Game’
Among the numerous exhibitors with LED screens and state-of-the-art technology, SISQUAL® WFM surprised the public with a creative demonstration: a life-size game of physical pieces mounted on the stand wall. The idea was to present the dynamics of the phases of a workforce management process through a ‘puzzle’, challenging visitors to guess where to place the tool’s various modules.
‘The reception was incredible and, in a way, unexpected. At such a technological event, returning to something simple, almost playful, made our booth stand out,’ commented SISQUAL® WFM Vice President José Pedro Fernandes, adding that it was a unique way to engage visitors and bring about a deeper reflection on the challenges facing the sector.’ This immersive approach reinforced the importance of connecting technological innovation and human experiences, an essential balance for the future of retail.
Watch SISQUAL® WFM’s participation in the video below:
AI dictates competitiveness in the sector for 2025
As demonstrated at NRF 2025, AI is no longer just a trend but the main driver of retail transformation. As a result, automation and team management solutions help managers face specific challenges in the sector, such as seasonality and high turnover, while creating a competitive edge in the market.
With optimised work schedules, reduced operating costs, and a better customer experience, companies that adopt AI-based technological solutions are one step ahead in increasing productivity and the quality of life of their employees.
In short, NRF 2025 showed that the technological revolution in retail is just beginning and that AI is at the centre of this movement. SISQUAL® WFM’s participation reinforced the importance of combining technological innovation with solutions that can be adjusted to the specific needs of a constantly changing sector. Thus, companies that opt for AI solutions are not only keeping pace with change but, above all, leading the transformation in global retail.
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