From January 11 to 13, our CEO Javier Ferrando was at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, at the most important event of the year for the retail sector. This is what we saw, learned and brought back.
What is NRF and why does it matter?
The NRF: Retail's Big Show brought together more than 40,000 retail professionals in New York Business Wire, turning the Javits Center into the global epicenter of commerce for three days. We are not talking about just another fair: we are talking about the place where the future of the sector is defined.
More than 175 sessions on industry trends, business strategies and innovative technology, an Expo with more than 1,000 partners showcasing the latest technological solutions, and the new AI Stage dedicated exclusively to AI, robotics and agentic AI National Retail Federation turned the event into a masterclass on where retail is moving.
For ImaCash, being here is no coincidence. Cash control is part of this transformation, and we wanted to understand first-hand how point of sale management is evolving and what businesses expect from technological solutions in 2026.
The conversation of the year: AI that works, not just promises
If anything was clear from day one, it was that the conversation moved from experimental AI to practical and operational deployments BizTech Magazine. It is no longer a question of “will AI work in retail?” but "how do we implement it tomorrow?"
Google presented the Universal Commerce Protocol, developed in collaboration with large retailers, to standardize AI capabilities in the personalization of shopping experiences Business Wire. Walmart announced its integration with Google Gemini to create frictionless shopping experiences. And companies like Kroger, Sephora and Ralph Lauren shared real cases of using AI in their operations.
But the most interesting thing was the human approach. Retail leaders emphasized the role of AI as a tool to empower employees and deepen customer relationships, not to eliminate the human element of commerce Galvnews. AI as an intimacy driver, not a replacement.
What we saw at the Expo: Surprising technology
The show floor was a festival of innovation. From autonomous robots scanning shelves to frictionless payment systems, through interactive displays and real-time RFID solutions.
Some things that caught our attention:
Modular Retail Hardware – An entire wall of mPOS devices and flexible terminals demonstrate that retail hardware is becoming more adaptable than ever. It is no longer about a fixed terminal: it is about building payment experiences that adapt to each business.
IoT and autonomous devices – We saw demos of IoT technology applied to retail, with connected devices that manage inventories, monitor transactions and optimize operations in real time.
Physical-digital experiences – Shoppertainment, physical-digital integrations, AI-powered personalization and frictionless payments lead the way towards more experiential and immersive retail Business Wire. Retailers are looking to make physical stores relevant again, but with technology as an ally.
Intelligent ticketing systems – Clean, intuitive interfaces designed to reduce friction at each step of the customer journey. From selecting tickets to completing payment, all designed to be quick and hassle-free.
Retail returns to the physical (but smart)
Although AI dominated the conversations, leaders also highlighted that physical stores are regaining importance as consumers seek richer in-store experiences Business Wire.
Dick's Sporting Goods introduced its "House of Sport" concept, which includes climbing walls, batting cages, party spaces and community events. It's not just a store: it's an experience.
From store design to leadership philosophy, the strongest signs point to brands that get physically and emotionally close to customers, rebuilding trust and creating moments that genuinely make people smile Galvnews.
What do we take back?
Three intense days in New York leave us with several reflections:
1. Technology has to solve real problems, today
It's not worth it with promises. Retailers are looking for solutions they can implement, integrate and scale now. If it doesn't solve a specific pain, it's not interesting.
2. Cash is still part of the equation
Although we talk about frictionless payments and digital wallets, cash management is still critical for thousands of businesses. And that's where ImaCash plays a key role: automate, control and optimize cash without complicating operations.
3. Integration > Isolated innovation
Retailers do not want
another tool. They want solutions that integrate with what they already have in place. That's why our approach of being the hub between POS and cash devices makes so much sense.
See you in 2027
NRF 2026 was exactly what we expected: inspiration, valuable conversations and confirmation that we are on the right path.
Thank you to everyone who came to talk, shared their challenges and helped us better understand where the sector is going.
See you at NRF 2027, from January 10 to 12.
Meanwhile, we continue working to make ImaCash the solution that retail needs: simple, smart and that works.