NRF 2026 sneak peek: How Qualcomm is empowering retail's intelligent future

What you should know:

• Qualcomm technologies enable fully connected retail environments where devices, interactions and data points work seamlessly together — unlocking real-time insights, enhanced customer experiences and streamlined operations.
• AI-powered edge computing helps retailers boost productivity, support frontline staff and adapt to changing consumer behaviors — driving growth and efficiency in challenging markets.
• The Qualcomm edge-first approach reduces cloud reliance, enabling faster, more secure AI operations that support autonomous decision-making and real-time adaptation for intelligent retail. For retail leaders, intelligent edge computing isn't just about deploying new technology — it's about transforming each store into a profit-generating, decision-making asset that directly impacts your bottom line.

As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, so too does the retail landscape. The retail sector is now firmly pivoting toward AI-enabled productivity, connected stores and data-driven monetization, shaped by a challenging economic environment and rapidly shifting consumer behavior.

As retail margins shrink, businesses are urgently seeking new avenues for growth and smarter, more efficient operations. What if you could not only keep up, but also define the very 'next now' for your business?

NRF 2026 is just around the corner, and this year, it's more than just a conference — it's a glimpse into the future of commerce. At Qualcomm, we're not just observing this shift; we're powering it. Join us as we unveil how Qualcomm is ‘Empowering Retail: From Storefront to Intelligent Edge in the Agentic AI Era.' Prepare to see how our innovations are connecting every aspect of the retail journey, unlocking unprecedented insights and experiences.

At NRF 2026, we are showcasing how agentic AI moves beyond automation to deliver true autonomy and collaboration across the retail ecosystem. The demonstrations inside Qualcomm’s booth illustrate how intelligent agents can proactively make decisions, coordinate tasks and adapt in real time, whether that is optimizing shelf inventory, guiding associates with contextual insights or personalizing customer interactions at the point of sale. By combining on-device AI with the Intelligent Edge, Qualcomm Technologies enables these agents to operate securely and efficiently without relying on constant cloud connectivity. This means faster responses, richer experiences and smarter operations, all powered by Qualcomm's advanced platforms. Agentic AI isn’t just the next step; it’s the foundation for a retail environment that thinks, acts and evolves alongside your business.

From 5G to Wi-Fi 7, Qualcomm core technologies intrinsically power retail’s agentic intelligent edge

Imagine a retail environment where every device, every interaction and every piece of data works in harmony, right where it's needed most. This is the promise of the intelligent edge, and Qualcomm Technologies is making it a reality. We're connecting the store, the consumer, the associate and the product like never before. In 2026, AI investments will increasingly focus on empowering frontline workers and improving execution through intelligent automation. The next evolution is agentic AI, where sophisticated, collaborative agents work across the entire commerce ecosystem. Qualcomm Edge AI technologies provide the essential backbone for this evolution. These powerful technologies enable on-device assistants, real-time shelf intelligence, critical inventory insights, and advanced vision platforms for asset protection and workplace security. At the heart of this connected ecosystem is Qualcomm's leadership in essential connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and 5G, alongside advanced Bluetooth LE connectivity crucial for precise location, speed and accuracy, as well as sophisticated hybrid location capabilities that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor positioning.

Data is the new currency of retail, but only if you can harness it effectively. Our solutions for connected retail are designed to unlock real-time, monetizable data insights that drive smarter decisions and new revenue streams. With retail media networks offering significant new growth opportunities, our solutions are more critical than ever. Discover how Edge shelf intelligence, advanced vision systems and sophisticated analytics can provide deterministic in-store presence, closed-loop attribution for retail media and invaluable path-to-purchase insights. Qualcomm Technologies solutions help unlock this real-time data, reduce IT complexity and optimize efficiency, so you can focus on what matters most: your customers and your growth. This isn't just about tracking; it's about understanding, acting and thriving.

At NRF 2026, we invite you to experience the future firsthand with our groundbreaking demos. We're showcasing 17 innovative experiences that bring the intelligent edge to life. Get ready to witness:

• Retail media closed-loop attribution: Explore an integrated consumer journey demo showcasing how Qualcomm technology (ESLs, hybrid location, Edge AI, RFID, and SoftPOS) delivers deterministic in-store presence, closed-loop attribution, dwell time and path-to-purchase insights to unlock powerful retail media monetization.

• Frictionless payments redefined: See an automated boba-making machine powered by GenAI and biometrics, demonstrating the speed and security of unattended retail. Explore the future of secure transactions with the groundbreaking Tools for Humanity crypto payment demo and discover how mobile driver’s licenses and multi-factor authentication are enhancing security and user experience in retail environments.

• Award-winning integrated RFID: Experience the power of the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690, the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities. Honored with a CES Innovation Award 2026 in Embedded Technologies, this groundbreaking technology — commercialized with partners like Zebra, Decathlon, Impinj and Honeywell — eliminates the need for external RFID reader modules, enabling smaller, more efficient device designs and superior global connectivity for proximity-aware experiences.
• Intelligent asset protection: Explore how our Qualcomm Insight Platform can track 'persons of interest' with security alerts and even identify VIP customers for personalized service upon entry.
• AI-empowered frontline: Discover how AI sales agents are assisting frontline workers with instant product knowledge and location, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. Don’t miss an opportunity to join us at a NRF Big Ideas session on January 12, featuring insightful discussions with panelists from Total Wine, Office Depot and Qualcomm Technologies. 

Don't miss your chance to be at the forefront of retail innovation. We invite media, analysts and retail leaders to visit us in Booth # 6729 at NRF 2026 to engage with our experts, see live demonstrations and discuss how we can help transform your retail strategy. Discover how we and our partners are simplifying integration, accelerating efficiency and enabling the next era of data-driven, intelligent retail.

Qualcomm is proud to lead the charge into retail's intelligent future at NRF 2026, and we are excited to share our vision and innovations with you.