What: IBM and Salesforce showcased their latest innovations at the National Retail Federation's Big Show.

Why it is important: Tech companies’ latest innovations showcased at NRF’24 emphasize generative AI, integrated commerce platforms and cloud solutions as the future of retail.

Changes in consumer preferences and advancements in new technologies are transforming the retail landscape, creating an environment where tailored shopping journeys, diverse payment methods, and seamless integration of in-store and online experiences are expected.

Generative AI-driven solutions are highlighted as key offerings at NRF’24, with a focus on creating intuitive and unified retail environments tailored to individual needs. Salesforce introduced several e-commerce features including 'Page Designer' and 'Return Insights in Order Management' driven by AI to optimize customer experiences and analyze return activity patterns.

Global retailers have seen operational efficiency improvements with AI, and 63% of marketers consider trusted customer data important for implementing generative AI in their businesses.

IBM and Salesforce Lead Transformation in Retail With AI-driven Innovations at NRF’24