Wow, what a week! NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show was nothing short of electric, and the LiquiDonate team had an absolute blast in New York City. From meeting incredible retailers to sharing our vision for a more sustainable future, we left feeling inspired, energized, and are already counting down the days until NRF 2026! Here’s a recap of the highlights, a few behind-the-scenes moments, and what we learned from this unforgettable experience.
Our Booth: A Buzzing Hub of Innovation and Connection
Being an exhibitor at NRF was a dream come true for us. Our booth became a hotspot for meaningful conversations and exciting ideas—we could feel the momentum building with every visitor. Here’s what went down:
- We got to showcase how LiquiDonate helps retailers turn their returns and excess inventory into something truly impactful—supporting nonprofits and communities while reducing waste.
- Our demo of the LiquiDonate platform had people saying, "Where has this been all my life?" (Yes, we blushed!)
- We listened to the real-world challenges retailers face with returns and sustainability and got to share how our solution can be a game-changer. Spoiler: they were excited.
It was a whirlwind of connection, learning, and laughter. Let’s just say our booth’s energy could have powered Times Square! And if you stopped by our booth, you likely met our incredible team. Check out one of our favorite moments captured at the booth in the main image.
Key Takeaways from NRF 2025
1. Sustainability Is No Longer a Buzzword—It’s the Main Event
Everywhere we turned, people were talking about sustainability. It’s not just a "nice-to-have" anymore; it’s a must. Retailers are laser-focused on reducing waste and creating positive change, and LiquiDonate is perfectly positioned to help them achieve those goals. The enthusiasm for our mission was infectious—it’s clear the industry is at an inflection point and businesses are ready for big, bold moves.
2. Tech Is the MVP of Retail’s Future
From AI to predictive analytics, technology is driving the next era of retail. LiquiDonate’s easy-to-integrate platform had retailers nodding along as we explained how it simplifies inventory routing to the nearest nonprofit, upcycler, or resale partner. Seeing their "aha" moments when they realized how seamless this can be was incredibly rewarding.
3. AI Is Leading the Retail Transformation
AI is not a new concept, but advancements in accessibility have made it a transformative force across the retail landscape. At NRF 2025, we saw how businesses are leveraging AI to unlock new possibilities:
- Predictive analytics are being used to build intricate models that map manufacturing hubs across supply chains, enabling better decision-making.
- Digital twins allow retailers to simulate real-world product movements within facilities, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
- Generative AI (Gen AI) and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping customer engagement and post-purchase experiences, creating personalized interactions at scale.
It’s clear that AI has moved from being a tool for innovation to an essential part of the retail strategy, offering solutions that are as dynamic as the industry itself.
4. Partnerships Make the Dream Work
Retail’s challenges are too big for anyone to tackle alone, and the spirit of collaboration was alive and well at NRF. Whether it’s teaming up with logistics providers, nonprofits, or platforms like ours, the message was clear: we’re stronger together. We’re so excited about the partnerships we began at the show and can’t wait to see what we can build together.
5. The Retail Returns Crisis Needs Heroes
With billions of dollars worth of merchandise returned every year, retailers feel the pinch. But here’s the good news: LiquiDonate offers them a way out. The conversations we had reinforced just how urgent this issue is—and how eager people are for a solution like ours that turns a problem into an opportunity for good.
A Special Highlight: Disney Petit Named Rethink Retail Top Retail Expert for 2025!
We’re so proud to share that our very own Disney Petit, Founder and CEO of LiquiDonate, was recognized as a Rethink Retail Top Retail Expert for 2025 during the show! This honor reflects the incredible leadership and passion Disney brings to LiquiDonate every day. It was such a proud moment for the whole team, and we celebrated with a team dinner filled with laughter and gratitude:
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Guess what? We’ve already booked our booth for NRF 2026—bigger and better, here we come! After the incredible momentum from this year, we can’t wait to bring even more innovation and impact to next year’s Big Show. NRF 2025 set the bar high, but we’re ready to rise to the challenge (and then some).
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who stopped by our booth, took a meeting with us, or even just smiled as they passed by—thank you. You made this experience unforgettable, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to share our mission with you. Your insights, questions, and excitement fuel what we do at LiquiDonate every single day.
We left NRF 2025 more inspired than ever to create a future where retail returns are no longer a headache but a chance to make a difference. Here’s to driving change, building partnerships, and doing it all with a big heart and a bigger smile. See you at NRF 2026—we’ll save you a seat at our booth!
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