[ProShip ParcelCast] Episode 43: The Pulse of Retail: ProShip's Insights from the NRF Show Floor

Earlier this month, ProShip was in the heart of New York City for NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show, where the retail industry’s brightest minds and leading innovators gathered to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the future of retail.

Amidst the show's excitement, we had the opportunity to record a special podcast episode where we asked four thought-provoking questions about the retail landscape.

In this ParcelCast episode

Hosting this month’s episode live from the NRF show floor is Katy Schroedl, ProShip’s Content Marketing Manager. As she sparks conversation around all things retail, she is joined by several ProShip shipping experts including Justin Cramer, Co-Founder, Eric Levine, Sales Executive, Miranda Dowler, Enterprise Sales Executive, and Dave Salter, Business Development. From the biggest buzzwords bouncing throughout the conference to the forces of volatility that retailers should prepare for, this episode provides forward-thinking insights into how the retail landscape is changing. Tune into this episode to hear valuable takeaways to the following questions:

1. Biggest Buzzword at NRF: Is It Living Up to the Hype?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): You must acknowledge its growing impact in many areas, however, when it comes to fulfillment, it still has a long way to go. Despite this, AI’s potential in retail will continue to evolve.

• Carrier Volume Balancing (CVB): This ensures retailers meet volume metrics to secure negotiated rates while also benefiting from rate shopping across carriers. CVB is already proving its worth in optimizing shipping costs and performance, making it a buzzword worth watching.

2. ProShip's One Piece of Advice for Retailers in 2025

• Be Prepared for Volatility to Continue: Retailers should ensure their systems are set up to adapt quickly to shifting market conditions, allowing them to stay resilient no matter what challenges arise.

• Single Carrier Strategies are Dead: While it might seem like a way to secure better rates, having a broader range of carriers provides retailers with the flexibility to pivot, keeping them competitive and able to respond to changes in the market.

• Keep Asking Questions: The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and what doesn’t work today might be the perfect solution tomorrow. ProShip, with its customizable solutions, can adapt to the unique needs of each retailer, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.

3. Biggest Source of Volatility in Retail for 2025

• Potential Tariffs: With global shippers facing the possibility of new tariffs, retailers will need to stay agile. These tariffs could impact pricing and, ultimately, the ability of customers to purchase products, creating significant ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

• Increased Complexity in Order Fulfillment: The shift from shipping to stores to direct-to-consumer (D2C) deliveries has increased complexity, introducing more address and carrier-specific requirements. This raises the potential for errors,