Visit cambridgeretailadvisors.com to explore their Strategy, Selection, and Implementation services in depth. Review their white papers and RetailWire commentary for their perspective on retail trends. Connect with them on LinkedIn to see client success stories and industry insights. Or simply call 401.827.0551 for a preliminary conversation about how CRA might help with your specific retail challenges.

Ideally before. The pre-show briefing and customized roadmap help you approach vendors strategically, armed with the right questions and realistic expectations. However, CRA is also valuable midstream (if you're confused by conflicting vendor claims) or at the end (to help you synthesize what you've learned and plan next steps). Many successful clients use a bookend approach: briefing on Day 1, execute the roadmap on Days 1-2, debrief with CRA on Day 2 or 3 to process findings.

Download CRA's 'Surviving NRF' guide for comprehensive preparation tips. Key steps: register early for your free Expo pass, book your CRA briefing meeting, review the exhibitor list and flag vendors addressing your priority areas, schedule any vendor demos you want to see (popular vendors book up), plan comfortable walking shoes (the Javits floor is massive), bring phone chargers, and set realistic expectations—you can't see everything, so strategic focus is essential.

Book as early as possible. CRA's meeting slots fill quickly, especially prime times like Sunday afternoon (perfect for pre-show briefings before Monday's Expo rush) and Monday morning. Scheduling 2-4 weeks before NRF ensures your preferred time slot. If you wait until you're on the show floor, you may still get a meeting, but your options will be more limited. Book at cambridgeretailadvisors.zohobookings.com or call 401.827.0551.

Yes. CRA's website features white papers, strategy guides, and thought leadership on retail technology topics. Their 'Surviving NRF' guide is particularly valuable for maximizing your show experience. CRA also publishes regular RetailWire commentary providing expert perspectives on breaking retail news and trends. While these resources are valuable independently, they're even more powerful when combined with CRA's personalized consulting for your specific situation.

Absolutely. CRA maintains relationships with retail executives at all stages of their technology journey. Subscribe to CRA's insights, read their RetailWire commentary for quick takes on retail industry trends, connect on LinkedIn, or simply save their contact information (401.827.0551) for when questions arise. Many of CRA's best client relationships began with informal knowledge-sharing long before a formal engagement.

Start timelines vary based on project complexity and CRA's current client commitments, but many NRF Show Special arrangements include expedited project starts. For urgent needs, CRA has begun engagements within 1-2 weeks of NRF conversations. More typically, formal projects kick off 3-6 weeks after initial meetings, allowing time for proposal development, stakeholder alignment, and contracting. Early discussions at NRF help secure preferred timing if you have deadline-driven initiatives.

A comprehensive vendor selection engagement typically spans 12-20 weeks, depending on system complexity and your internal decision-making pace. The process includes: requirements gathering (2-3 weeks), market research and RFP development (2-3 weeks), vendor response evaluation (3-4 weeks), demonstrations and finalist evaluation (4-6 weeks), reference checking and final selection (2-3 weeks), and contract negotiation support (2-4 weeks). CRA can accelerate timelines when urgent business needs require faster decisions.

Following your NRF meeting, CRA typically provides: a written summary of your customized show roadmap and recommendations, follow-up materials relevant to your specific challenges (white papers, case studies, vendor information), a scheduled call or meeting to discuss your NRF findings and next steps, and if there's mutual interest in working together, a detailed proposal outlining scope, timeline, deliverables, and investment. There's never pressure—CRA focuses on building long-term relationships based on genuine fit and value.

Both. CRA offers flexible engagement models including: project-based consulting (fixed scope and price for defined deliverables like vendor selection), time-and-materials arrangements (hourly or daily rates for variable scope work), retainer relationships (ongoing advisory support with monthly fees), and hybrid models combining elements based on your needs. The optimal structure depends on whether you're tackling a single initiative or need ongoing strategic guidance across multiple projects.

CRA tailors engagement scope and pricing to match your project complexity, timeline, and budget. Services range from focused consulting packages (vendor selection for a specific system) to comprehensive multi-year partnerships (strategy through implementation across multiple initiatives). During your NRF meeting or initial consultation, CRA will discuss your needs and provide transparent pricing options. Many clients find that CRA's guidance saves far more than the consulting investment by avoiding expensive vendor mistakes, accelerating timelines, and ensuring successful implementations.

Yes. CRA has extensive expertise in retail systems customization and integration across POS, inventory management, CRM, e-commerce platforms, and supply chain solutions. They help you determine which customizations genuinely add business value versus unnecessary complexity, design integration architectures that connect disparate systems seamlessly, and oversee development ensuring modifications don't compromise system stability, upgrade paths, or vendor support agreements.

CRA's Implementation approach focuses on ensuring new systems actually deliver promised value in your real-world operations. Services include: project planning and governance structure design, requirements validation and configuration specification, integration architecture design, data migration strategy and execution oversight, testing plan development and user acceptance coordination, training program design and delivery, cutover planning for minimal business disruption, post-go-live optimization, and issue resolution. CRA serves as an extension of your team, bridging the gap between vendor deliverables and operational success.

CRA's vendor-neutral selection methodology includes: detailed requirements gathering across all stakeholder groups, market research identifying vendors that fit your specific criteria, RFP development and management, vendor demonstrations facilitated with consistent evaluation frameworks, objective scoring and comparison analysis, finalist selection and reference checking, negotiation support, and contract review. Throughout the process, CRA acts as your advocate, ensuring vendors understand your needs and you understand each solution's true capabilities, costs, and risks.

CRA Strategy engagements typically include: current state assessment of your retail operations and technology landscape, future state vision development aligned with business goals, retail technology roadmap creation prioritizing initiatives by impact and feasibility, business case development with ROI projections, organizational readiness assessment, and change management planning. The deliverable is an actionable strategic plan that guides technology investments over 12-36 months, ensuring you're building toward a cohesive vision rather than solving problems piecemeal.

Absolutely. Even with a shortlist, CRA provides valuable guidance on: negotiation strategies and contract red flags, implementation planning and risk mitigation, integration requirements you may not have considered, realistic timelines and budget expectations, questions to ask during demos and reference calls, and objective comparison frameworks. CRA has seen hundreds of implementations and can help you avoid expensive mistakes even late in your selection process.

Yes! CRA welcomes team meetings and actually prefers them when possible. Bringing your CTO, IT director, operations leader, or other key stakeholders ensures everyone hears the same recommendations, can ask questions from different perspectives, and can make faster decisions about which vendors to prioritize. Just mention you're bringing colleagues when booking so CRA can allocate appropriate meeting space and time.

Initial briefing meetings typically last 20-30 minutes, providing enough time to discuss your situation, get strategic recommendations, and create a customized NRF roadmap. If you're exploring a specific partnership for strategy, selection, or implementation services, plan for 45-60 minutes to dive deeper into your requirements, CRA's approach, and potential engagement models. Scheduling flexibility exists at the booth for both quick consultations and extended discussions.

This is exactly where CRA's customized show roadmap shines. During your briefing, CRA will ask about your business processes, pain points, budget parameters, timeline, and strategic goals. Based on their deep knowledge of the vendor landscape (they've evaluated hundreds of solutions over decades), they'll recommend 5-10 specific vendors you should prioritize visiting, along with the right questions to ask and red flags to watch for—turning overwhelming chaos into focused, productive conversations.

No. While CRA works with many major national brands, they also partner with mid-market retailers, regional chains, and growing businesses that need enterprise-level expertise without enterprise-level internal resources. CRA scales their approach based on your size, complexity, and budget, ensuring you receive practical guidance appropriate for your business stage.

To maximize your meeting value, come prepared with: (1) A brief overview of your current retail systems and technology stack, (2) Your top 3-5 business challenges or pain points, (3) Your general timeline and budget parameters (even rough estimates help), (4) Any specific vendors you're already considering or questions about solutions you've seen, and (5) Key stakeholders' priorities if you're representing a buying committee. Don't worry if you can't answer everything—CRA's consultative approach will help clarify your needs.

Yes. CRA has extensive experience in project rescue and recovery situations. If your current implementation is over budget, behind schedule, or not delivering expected results, CRA can assess the situation objectively, identify root causes, develop a recovery plan, and either guide your internal team or provide hands-on management to get the project back on track. Many retailers have successfully salvaged major investments with CRA's intervention.

CRA frequently helps retailers tackle: outdated POS systems that can't support modern customer expectations, disconnected systems creating inventory accuracy issues, failed or stalled implementation projects needing rescue, vendor selection paralysis when evaluating dozens of similar solutions, omnichannel gaps preventing seamless customer experiences, supply chain visibility problems, and strategic uncertainty about which technologies will deliver ROI versus which are just hype.

Yes! Download CRA's comprehensive guide 'Surviving NRF: A Retail Insider's Guide' which shares insider tips from their decades of NRF experience. Additionally, CRA can provide relevant white papers, case studies, and retail technology insights tailored to your specific challenges—just ask at Booth #5320.

CRA's team consists of retail industry veterans who worked in retail operations before becoming consultants—they've been in your shoes and understand your challenges firsthand. CRA provides vendor-neutral advice, meaning they're not pushing specific products but rather helping you find the best fit for your unique business processes, budget, and strategic goals. Their focus is on practical, implementable solutions rather than theoretical recommendations.

Absolutely. CRA welcomes exploratory conversations with retail executives at any stage of their technology journey. Whether you're in early research mode, facing a specific challenge, or actively building an RFP, the complimentary briefing provides valuable insights and strategic direction with no obligation. Many long-term CRA client relationships began with casual conversations at previous NRF events.

Cambridge Retail Advisors offers exclusive show specials for NRF attendees, including complimentary strategy sessions, discounted consulting packages, and expedited project start dates for engagements booked during the show. To learn about current show specials and availability, visit Booth #5320, schedule a meeting through their online booking system, or call 401.827.0551 before the show to discuss your specific needs.

CRA partners with major retail brands across diverse sectors including specialty retail, fashion and apparel, grocery and supermarkets, home improvement, beauty and cosmetics, sporting goods, electronics, omnichannel retailers, and restaurant chains. Whether you're a single-location boutique or a national chain with hundreds of stores, CRA tailors their approach to your specific size, complexity, and growth trajectory.

CRA provides expertise across the complete retail technology ecosystem, including Point of Sale (POS) systems, Mobile POS, inventory management, Order Management Systems (OMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), e-commerce platforms, supply chain systems, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), store operations systems, business intelligence tools, and omnichannel integration solutions.

Cambridge Retail Advisors (CRA) specializes in three core areas: Strategy (developing retail technology roadmaps and business transformation plans), Selection (vendor-neutral guidance for choosing POS, inventory management, CRM, e-commerce platforms, OMS, and other retail systems), and Implementation (ensuring seamless integration and execution of new solutions). CRA's consultants were retailers before becoming consultants, bringing real-world operational experience to every engagement.

No, the briefing and customized show roadmap are completely complimentary. Cambridge Retail Advisors provides this service to help retail executives maximize their NRF investment by navigating the show efficiently and strategically, whether you're actively evaluating solutions or simply exploring what's new in retail technology.

You can schedule a meeting three ways: (1) Book online at cambridgeretailadvisors.zohobookings.com, (2) Call 401.827.0551 to arrange a specific time, or (3) Stop by Booth #5320 during show hours. Early booking is recommended as meeting slots fill quickly, especially for the popular pre-show briefings.

Visit CRA at Booth #5320 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during NRF 2026 (January 11-13, 2026). The booth is your hub for free briefings, show roadmap consultations, and connecting with CRA's retail strategy experts who can help you solve your toughest retail technology challenges.

Book your complimentary briefing at cambridgeretailadvisors.zohobookings.com or call 401.827.0551. Pre-show consultations are available in December and early January, with limited availability during NRF week itself.

Download Cambridge Retail Advisors' guide 'Surviving NRF: A Retail Insider's Guide' available at cambridgeretailadvisors.com/white-papers. This comprehensive resource shares insider tips from CRA's decades of NRF attendance and presentation experience.

Yes, CRA provides comprehensive support including technology strategy development, RFP creation and management, vendor selection facilitation, implementation oversight, and project rescue services. Many NRF connections evolve into strategic partnerships where CRA serves as a trusted advisor for major technology initiatives.

Key experiences include the Opening Keynote featuring retail visionaries, the Innovation Lab showcasing emerging technologies, NRF Foundation Student Program interactions, curated Retail Store Tours of innovative NYC locations, specialized networking programs, and of course, the massive Expo floor. Strategic side events like NRF ON provide valuable intimate networking complementing the main show.

Yes! Retailers can register for complimentary Expo passes that provide access to the show floor, Startup Hub, Foodservice Innovation Zone, and Exhibitor Big Ideas sessions. Full conference passes (including keynote sessions and breakout programming) require paid registration. Visit nrfbigshow.nrf.com to claim your free Expo pass.

NRF attracts CEOs, presidents, senior executives, technology leaders, merchandising directors, operations managers, and supply chain professionals from retail organizations of all sizes. If you're involved in retail strategy, technology decisions, digital transformation, or operational excellence, NRF provides unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show is the world's largest retail conference and expo, taking place January 11-13, 2026 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Under the theme 'The Next Now,' the event brings together 40,000+ retail professionals, 700+ exhibitors, and hundreds of speakers covering AI, innovation, customer experience, and the future of retail.

Cambridge Retail Advisors provides expertise across the entire retail technology ecosystem, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, order management systems (OMS), warehouse management (WMS), inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce platforms, supply chain solutions, and omnichannel integration strategies.

Absolutely. CRA specializes in independent guidance for retail technology strategy, vendor selection, and implementation. Whether you're evaluating POS systems, order management platforms, inventory solutions, or enterprise retail systems, CRA's vendor-neutral expertise helps you make informed decisions without sales pressure. Schedule a consultation at booth #5320 or call 401.827.0551.

Cambridge Retail Advisors offers complimentary pre-show briefings and customized show roadmaps to help you navigate the 700+ exhibitors efficiently. By understanding your priorities, CRA can direct you to the most relevant solutions, saving hours of aimless wandering and ensuring you don't miss critical vendors in your technology evaluation process.

The free briefing is a focused consultation where CRA's retail technology experts learn about your organization's goals, pain points, and evaluation criteria. They then create a personalized NRF roadmap highlighting must-visit booths, scheduled demos, and strategic networking opportunities aligned with your specific needs—essentially a personal concierge service for NRF.