At the NRF 2025 conference, First Insight CEO Greg Petro discussed the role of AI in retail, emphasizing its potential to enhance productivity rather than replace jobs. During the keynote, Nvidia’s Azita Martin highlighted that while AI can raise concerns, it is essential for employees to embrace it as a tool for improvement. Both speakers agreed that AI should be seen as a collaborative resource, making tasks easier and helping new employees train effectively. Petro warned that failure to engage with AI could hinder progress and encouraged workers to adapt for better results. This conversation underlines the importance of leadership support for successful AI integration in retail.
In a recent keynote session at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail was a hot topic. Azita Martin, the VP and general manager for retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) at Nvidia, shared some insightful thoughts during a conversation with Walmart’s John Furner. She highlighted the urgent need for employees to adapt to AI, stating, “No, but someone using generative AI may take your job, so embrace it.”
The discussion covered various types of AI, from generative AI that creates new data to physical AI that enhances robotics. Martin emphasized that retailers need to start implementing AI initiatives from the top down, ensuring buy-in from company executives. Walmart was cited as an example of an organization that has successfully embraced AI, proving its value in enhancing productivity for employees.
Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight, shared his insights on the benefits of AI in a presentation about his book, “The Tyranny of Now.” He noted that when AI is used in conjunction with human efforts, it leads to better outcomes than either could achieve alone. Additionally, AI can ease the training process for new employees, reducing productivity dips during their learning curve.
However, Petro also pointed out a significant challenge: employee engagement with AI technology. He stressed that the average worker needs to interact with AI as much as possible to reap its benefits, making it essential for organizations to foster a culture of collaboration between humans and technology.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in retail presents exciting possibilities, but it also requires a cultural shift among employees. By viewing AI as a helpful tool rather than a replacement, workers can enhance their productivity and embrace the future of retail.
Tags: AI in Retail, NRF 2025, Employee Training, Walmart, First Insight, Greg Petro
What is AI and why do people fear it?
AI stands for artificial intelligence. It’s a technology that can learn and make decisions, just like a human. Many people fear AI because they worry it might take jobs, invade privacy, or make harmful choices without human control.
How does AI affect my daily life?
AI is already part of your everyday life. It’s in things like social media recommendations, voice assistants like Siri, or even navigation apps. While AI makes many tasks easier, some people worry about how it collects personal data.
Can AI replace human jobs?
Yes, AI can automate some tasks, which might lead to job loss in certain fields. However, it can also create new jobs and help people work more efficiently. It’s important for workers to adapt and learn new skills.
Is AI dangerous?
AI has the potential to be dangerous if it’s misused. For example, if AI systems are trained with biased data, they might make unfair decisions. It’s crucial to use AI responsibly and set clear rules to prevent harm.
What can we do to feel better about AI?
To feel more comfortable with AI, you can learn about how it works. Understanding the benefits and limitations of AI helps reduce fear. Discussions about ethical use and regulations can also help ensure technologies are safe and fair.
