VisionR at NRF 2025

2025 was VisionR’s third National Retail Federation Big Show, and we managed to pack an enormous amount in while there. We were exhibiting from 12th-14th January at booth number 559, our largest stall to date. 

Our full first day in New York was spent getting things ready at the Javit’s Center, while taking in a bit of the city. Walking through Times Square and Central Park were a must, considering our hotel was placed mere minutes’ walk from both, and we spent a good amount of time at our spiritual home, Rudy’s Bar and Grill, home of the $4 pint with free Glizzy (slang for hotdog).

We were invited by Vusion, a large retail analytics company, to a mixer at the Skylark Bar, overlooking the Chrysler building. We ended up spending a lot more time there than originally planned as we were treated so well by the organisers and were given the chance to learn from several retail tech experts in a casual setting. 

The Innovation Breakfast at the Consulate took place at 200 Park Avenue, a pristine building with one of the largest lobbies I’ve ever seen. With representatives of Irish and US business in attendance, Sharon Yourell Lawlor, hosted a panel talk, detailing new technologies in the realm of physical retail space.

Oran Mulvey spoke on behalf of VisionR to a packed-out room, who had just been treated to a traditional Irish breakfast, which included both white and black puddings, scrambled egg, sausages, rashers, and lots of hot coffee and tea. 

On the opening night of NRF’s Big show, we were able to meet Paula Abdul, as the former LA Lakers cheerleader choreographer and pop music sensation wished us well on our retail insights journey. She is now a bonafide VisionR advocate, and we are thrilled to have her onboard as an unofficial/unwitting ambassador for the brand. 

The real standout of our time in New York however, was the time spent speaking with retailers either at our own booth or at events hosted before and after the main floor was open. We spoke to hundreds of people, all with incredible interest in measuring their in-store shopper activity.

Our stall featured an immaculate white couch, where passers by could rest their weary legs. We had two large television screens, showcasing how VisionR’s technology works via its edge-processing and live stream capabilities. Armed with brochures, battlecards, and chocolate, we spoke with interested parties for three days straight. 

Our stall was very popular, possibly due to the pyramid of complimentary Butler’s treats we had front and centre, which was very successful at attracting chocolate lovers, as well as retail insights afficionados. It was also a joy bumping into our friends from Ireland, including but not limited to Jean McCabe, Melissa Moore, Paul Gallagher, Seamus McHugh, Sean Higgins and Sharon Yourell Lawlor.

As always, we like to see interesting technologies in the modern retail space, one of which was PAL robotics, where Stockbot was featured, a 6-foot-tall robot on wheels. StockBot integrates RFID technology for accurate stock tracking and navigates autonomously to streamline inventory management. This NASA-looking bi-wheeled automaton, lit up of faces each time we passed him/her/they/it on the way to our booth. 

Booxi, another stall with very impressive displays and infographics, were a company we enjoyed having a chin wag with. They are an online scheduling appointments application that shoppers can use to plan their visits to stores and elevate their experiences.

Also, Inspectorio, were a lovely bunch of people, who are revolutionising supply chain management. Even though I cannot remember every aspect of what they do, I can confirm that they loved showing up to work each day and spreading the good word of their performance optimizing, resilience building solution, for brands, retailers, and their multi-tier suppliers. 

Overall, VisionR’s time in the Big Apple was enjoyable, productive, fulfilling, and dare I say, inspirational. We will most definitely return for NRF’s Big Show in 2026, where we’re hoping to mingle again with familiar friends, a whole new cast of characters, and of course, Stockbot.