The National Retail Federation’s Big Show is in the books for 2024 and the Weather Source and Pelmorex teams couldn’t be prouder of our showing this year!
At the forefront of our exhibit this year and our featured product was our Weather Insights Platform (WIP), the world’s most advanced weather-based demand forecast tool. From precise weather-driven demand forecasts down to the SKU and store level, to historical weather impacts, integrated and automated advertising and beyond, WIP is the only weather-based application that offers a comprehensive solution to help your business capitalize on the weather.
During the show we engaged with retailers and restaurants from the U.S. and around the globe, showcasing the ‘art of the possible’ and illustrating how our Weather Insights Platform (WIP) can revolutionize the way companies leverage weather. As we like to say, it’s about “making the weather work for you!” From continuous demos, to one-on-one meetings, to new introductions, the show went by in the blink of an eye.
We eagerly anticipate the continuation of the discussions initiated during the show and are committed to fostering and building lasting partnerships. Our Sr. Vice President of Business Development & Sales, Craig Stelmach, said it best “the reception that WIP received at the Big Show was amazing and clearly demonstrates industry appetite for a true weather based demand forecast platform.”
Beyond the Booth
NRF 2024 featured insightful keynotes, educational sessions, tech presentations and networking opportunities at every turn. There were thought provoking keynotes and sessions that lent insight into issues that impact businesses of every size and scope.
- The Economy in 2024
Despite inconsistencies and uncertainties in 2023, retail economists express “guarded optimism” for sustained economic strength in 2024. NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz acknowledges challenges such as regional bank failures, interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, and geopolitical flare ups but remains confident that the nation won’t fall into a recession. Factors contributing to market stability include a “very strong” labor market, the creation of 2.7 million new jobs, simultaneous wage and income growth, and a gradual post-pandemic shift from goods to services, as discussed in the panel “Prospects and Perspectives for the U.S. Economy” during the show. Read more
- The Evolution of Branding
NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show showcased the innovation among companies and brands, emphasizing new products, technology, and strategic store locations geared towards enhancing the customer experience and driving growth. Some brick-and-mortar locations focus on experiential retail, offering immersive experiences, while others feature food halls providing ready-to-eat meals and on-site dining rooms. While others are reinventing how they service their customers and even integrating delivery via drones. Read more
- Tapping into Gen Z
Companies continue to ‘decode’ Generation Z and are continually learning the best ways to reach them as discussed during the ‘Digital Strategies to Decode Gen Z’ session during NRF 2024. Panelists underscored the importance of recognizing that, when developing a Gen Z strategy, this demographic plays a dual role as both significant content creators and avid content consumers. Additionally, they highlighted Gen Z’s inclination to place greater trust in social platform personalities as opposed to more traditional authority figures like political leaders. The panelists emphasized the vital importance of consistently collecting customer data about this generation, especially given the accelerated pace of change they undergo. Read more
- GenAI
GenAI emerged as a major focal point during NRF 2024, reflecting the rapid business shift towards adopting and integrating this revolutionary technology. The rampant adoption of GenAI underscores its transformative influence, positioning it as a pivotal driver in reshaping industry landscapes. NRF 2024 solidified the growing acknowledgment and swift incorporation of this groundbreaking technology, emphasizing its critical role in fostering innovation and reshaping the business environment. Weather Source is the first weather data company to introduce GenAI into its business applications and within WIP users can quickly ask questions and get meaningful and actionable information.
The National Retail Federation consistently leads the way in addressing the most pressing and critical issues within the retail industry, providing insightful and thought-provoking sessions.
Looking forward to 2025
In 2025, Weather Source and Pelmorex are ‘movin’ on up’ to level three. Not only will we have a prime location, we’ll also be located in the sponsorship booth area – of course we’ve already started planning!
Our Weather Insights Platform (WIP) will continue to remain at the forefront, evolving and solidifying its position as the leading weather-based demand forecast tool. It plays a pivotal role in achieving retail excellence across various business facets, including merchandising, inventory, and supply chain management.
Did you miss us at NRF 2024, or maybe you didn’t have a chance to stop by our booth? Contact us to learn more about WIP and how it can generate actionable and accurate product demand forecasts down to the SKU and store level based on the highest quality weather data in the industry. WIP helps companies worldwide with pivotal business decisions including:
- Seasonal Product Rotations
- Product Recommendations
- Promotion Strategies
- Staffing
- Inventory Management
- Advertising and Marketing
With WIP, you can transform weather uncertainty into a strategic competitive advantage, leveraging our GenAI-driven platform to enhance retail excellence in merchandising, inventory, and supply chain management. Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule a demo today.
