Navigating AI in Retail: Essential Resources for Tech Teams from NRF

Artificial intelligence is reshaping retail at a rapid pace. For retail technology teams, staying informed about AI trends, governance, and best practices is critical to building systems that enhance customer experience, improve operations, and maintain trust. The National Retail Federation (NRF) offers a wealth of resources designed specifically to support retail tech professionals in navigating AI’s evolving landscape.

This post highlights key NRF resources that retail tech teams can use to guide AI strategy, governance, and innovation. These tools and communities provide practical insights, policy guidance, and industry connections to help retailers adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

Retail technology workspace displaying AI analytics

Retail technology workspace showing AI data analytics in use

NRF Center for Digital Risk & Innovation

The NRF Center for Digital Risk & Innovation acts as the hub for all NRF activities related to technology challenges and opportunities in retail. This center produces reports, guidelines, and frameworks that address emerging risks and innovations, including AI.

Tech teams can access:

• Industry reports on AI adoption and risk management

• Guidelines for integrating AI tools while protecting consumer data

• Best practices for balancing innovation with compliance and ethics

  
  

This center helps retail tech leaders understand how to manage digital risks while leveraging AI to improve business outcomes.

Explore the NRF Center for Digital Risk & Innovation

Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Retail

NRF’s official document on AI principles provides a clear framework for AI governance in retail. It covers:

• Strategic planning for AI adoption aligned with business goals

• Ethical considerations to build and maintain consumer trust

• Transparency and accountability in AI decision-making processes

  
  

Tech teams can use this document to develop AI policies that ensure responsible use, reduce bias, and comply with regulations. It serves as a foundation for building AI systems that customers and stakeholders can trust.

Read the Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Retail

AI Working Group for Retail Leaders

The NRF AI Working Group brings together retail technology leaders to share knowledge, discuss policy, and establish best practices for AI use. Membership offers:

• Direct engagement with peers facing similar AI challenges

• Collaborative development of guidelines and standards

• Access to exclusive discussions on emerging AI trends and regulatory updates

  
  

Joining this group helps tech teams stay ahead of AI developments and influence industry-wide approaches to AI governance.

Join the NRF AI Working Group

NRF Blog and Research on AI Trends

The NRF regularly publishes blog posts and research reports that cover AI trends, challenges, and success stories in retail. These resources provide practical insights and real-world examples, such as:

• How AI improves product discoverability for retailers

• The impact of generative AI on retail operations and customer engagement

• Investment patterns and technology adoption rates in AI-driven retail solutions

  
  

These articles help tech teams understand how AI is transforming retail and identify opportunities to apply AI in their own organizations.

• Retail Trends in AI

• How AI can solve the discoverability problem for retailers

• Retailers stay ahead as GenAI transforms the industry

  
  

NRF Events and AI Innovation Showcases

NRF’s events, including Retail’s Big Show, spotlight AI innovations and provide a platform for retail tech teams to learn from industry leaders. Sessions focus on:

• New AI solutions and how they address retail challenges

• Case studies from retailers successfully implementing AI

• Networking opportunities with AI vendors and experts

  
  

Reviewing past and upcoming event sessions can help tech teams identify relevant AI tools and strategies to explore.

See a relevant NRF event session on AI

How Retail Tech Teams Can Use These Resources

• Build a strong AI governance framework using NRF’s principles to ensure ethical and transparent AI use.

• Stay informed on AI trends by regularly reading NRF’s blog and research to spot new opportunities and challenges.

• Engage with peers through the AI Working Group to share experiences and shape industry standards.

• Leverage NRF events to discover innovative AI solutions and hear firsthand from retailers applying AI successfully.

• Manage digital risks by following guidance from the Center for Digital Risk & Innovation to protect customer data and comply with regulations.

  
  

AI is no longer optional for retail technology teams. It is a key driver of competitive advantage and customer satisfaction. The National Retail Federation offers a comprehensive set of resources that help retail tech professionals adopt AI thoughtfully and effectively. By using these tools, teams can build AI systems that deliver value while maintaining trust and compliance.

Explore these NRF resources today to strengthen your AI strategy and connect with the broader retail technology community.

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