Event CoverageNRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show—Day 1—Everything Agentic, Plus Digital Twins, Robotics and Smart Stores John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research January 12, 2026 Reasons to ReadDiscover how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the retail landscape in 2026, with day one insights from NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: What is the next evolution of AI-driven retail, and how does it impact the shopping journey? How are industry leaders like PepsiCo, PayPal, and Wayfair approaching end-to-end digital transformation with AI? What role do partnerships play in accelerating AI adoption across retail operations? How can network connectivity, including 5G, influence the success of agentic AI in retail environments? What impact are digital twins and robotics having on physical retail spaces and in-store operations? Companies mentioned in this report include: AWS, dm-drogerie markt, Microsoft, Nvidia, PayPal, PepsiCo, Siemens, Shopify, T-Mobile, Target, The Home Depot, The Children’s Place, URBN, Walmart and Wayfair. Data in this report include: AI-driven platform growth; network connectivity statistics; operational efficiency gains through digital twins; AI adoption rates in retail. Other relevant research: All our insights on AI in retail Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in: Weekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 30: Claire’s Reportedly Plans to File for BankruptcyWeekly US Store Openings and Closures Tracker 2025, Week 33: FatFace To Close All Stores; 7-Eleven Announces Major Store ExpansionHoliday 2025: Government Shutdown-Related Reduction in SNAP, Other Payments and Salaries Could Meaningfully Impact US Holiday SpendingFinancial Optimism Remains Firm Since the Start of the Year: US Consumer Survey Insights
