NEWS

When the world arrives in Mexico for FIFA World Cup 2026, businesses will face a defining moment. Millions of visitors. Millions of transactions. Millions of opportunities. For retailers, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores, fuel retailers, and hospitality operators, the tournament represents far more than a sporting event. It is a unique opportunity to increase revenue, attract new customers, strengthen brand loyalty, and create memorable customer experiences o

Restaurant operators today face a difficult balancing act. Customers expect faster service, personalized experiences, and seamless digital interactions. At the same time, restaurants are dealing with rising labor costs, staff shortages, and increasing competition.

Today's shoppers expect speed, convenience, and flexibility. Whether they're purchasing a few groceries, grabbing a quick meal, or shopping for household essentials, customers increasingly want to control their own checkout experience.

The restaurant industry is undergoing one of the most significant operational transformations in decades. What was once considered a convenience feature has rapidly become a strategic business tool: the self-service kiosk.

Retail environments are becoming more demanding. Faster transactions. Continuous operation. Increasing system loads. At the same time, retailers are expected to deliver greater efficiency and lower energy consumption. These pressures are redefining what modern retail infrastructure must deliver.

Across the global QSR landscape, operators are navigating a new operational reality. Rising labour costs. Peak-hour congestion. Increasing demand for speed and personalisation. Growing expectations around accessibility and multilingual service. In fast-evolving markets such as Iberia and Latin America, these pressures are becoming even more pronounced.

At NRF 2026, one topic moved quickly from discussion to strategic priority: Agentic AI. Unlike traditional AI models, Agentic AI refers to intelligent systems capable of making autonomous decisions, adapting in real time, and continuously optimising retail operations.

At NRF 2026, one idea surfaced consistently across conversations with retailers, technology providers, and partners: Retail is no longer about adding new tools - it’s about making them work together.

At NRF 2026, one theme dominated every serious conversation across the industry: Everything is becoming AI-powered. What was once considered an innovation layer is now evolving into something far more fundamental - the operational backbone of modern retail.