Taking Retail to the Next Level: Niftmint’s Journey at NRF 2025

NRF NYC 2025

Attending industry conferences is often about much more than just setting up a booth or attending sessions. For Niftmint, the recent National Retail Federation (NRF) event in New York City offered an incredible opportunity to connect, share, and refine our value propositions for brands, retailers, partners, and investors.

NRF Conference Floor

Day 1: A Strong Start

From the Niftmint booth, we hit the ground running. Our conversations with attendees underscored the clarity and appeal of our value propositions. Brands and retailers appreciated how our solutions could address their challenges, while partners and investors saw the potential to integrate our offerings into their ecosystems. It was a promising start, setting the stage for deeper discussions over the next two days.

Day 2: Venturing Further

Day 2 brought even more opportunities to explore collaborations. Conversations with two corporate venture capital firms stood out, as they recognized how Niftmint’s solutions could complement their portfolios. These discussions were particularly rewarding, demonstrating the growing interest in the value of digital authentication and tokenized commerce.

On a personal note, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and industry contacts—many of whom were there when Niftmint was just an idea, four years ago. Meeting new faces from luxury fashion brands and retailers also gave us fresh perspectives on how different audiences respond to our products.

Beyond the Booth: Networking After Hours

One of the most valuable lessons from NRF was that the real networking often happens after the sessions end. Side events, happy hours, and informal dinners proved to be fertile ground for meaningful connections. Away from the structured environment of the expo floor, conversations felt more personal, leading to organic opportunities and memorable impressions.

Here’s why post-conference networking is so impactful:

• Deeper Connections: Smaller, more intimate settings foster genuine conversations.

• Unplanned Opportunities: Casual chats often lead to unexpected partnerships and ideas.

• Standing Out: With fewer attendees, it’s easier to make an impression and leave a lasting mark.

Highlights from the Show

That’s a wrap! What a fantastic few days in New York City for National Retail Federation! Niftmint had the opportunity to sponsor a booth and share our offering with Brands, Partners, Retailers, and Investors.

Some highlights from the show included:

• Connecting with brands who are exploring post-transaction engagement with their customers and seeing Niftmint as one of the only ways to achieve it.

• Following up with top fashion brands

• Reconnecting with two investors we met many years ago who are now very interested in diving into Niftmint as they see what we’ve long predicted coming into play.

• Meeting with corporate venture capital firms who believe our solution fits their brands and LPs.

• Building relationships with partners who believe they can add Niftmint to their products and co-sell with us.

• Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

All in all, it was a successful trip, and we will be back!

Industry Insights

At NRF, we discovered that Niftmint was the only company discussing digital twins, highlighting the uniqueness of our solutions. Our technology has potential applications in unexpected industries. For example, grocery stores could use it to authenticate and verify the provenance of products like baby formula. The FAA could document and ensure the provenance of cargo containing lithium batteries and other regulated materials. Drugstores could manage shrinkage and improve inventory control using our solutions. Additionally, we had insightful conversations with top fashion brands about authenticating products through digital twins, and corporate venture capitalists expressed strong interest in integrating our technology into their portfolios.

Looking Ahead

As NRF wrapped up, it was clear that the insights and connections we gained extended far beyond the conference itself. From validating our products with luxury brands to exploring venture capital opportunities, every interaction reinforced Niftmint’s potential to transform the retail space.

Just like that, the National Retail Federation is over. We made some great connections over these few days with Brands, Partners, and Investors. There’s lots of new business to be had, and the best part of the conference was the confirmation that what Niftmint has been building for the last several years is the correct path.

Now, as we pack up from NYC, the follow-up begins—because the true value of a conference is realized in the relationships and opportunities that grow long after the booths are taken down.

Taking Retail to the Next Level: Niftmint’s Journey at NRF 2025

Taking Retail to the Next Level: Niftmint’s Journey at NRF 2025

l Federation: Building Relationships On and Off the Floor

Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious

Seattle, WA | December 27, 2024

The latest data from the Commerce Department paints a promising picture for inflation, but the Federal Reserve isn’t letting its guard down just yet. In November, prices rose by only 0.1%, bringing annual inflation to 2.4%, which is just slightly above the Fed’s target of 2%. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile categories of food and energy, remains at a steady 2.8% annually.

What’s Behind the Numbers?

Several key factors are influencing these trends:

1. Decline in Goods Prices

   • Goods prices dropped by 0.4% year-over-year, reflecting reduced costs for many consumer products. Supply chain improvements and shifting consumer demand have contributed to this decrease.

2. Rising Services Costs

   • Services inflation remains elevated, up 3.8% compared to last year. This category includes areas like healthcare, education, and entertainment, which tend to be less influenced by short-term market fluctuations.

3. Housing Inflation Eases

   • Housing, a historically "sticky" category in terms of price adjustments, showed signs of slowing with just 0.2% growth for the month. This deceleration could ease pressure on renters and prospective homebuyers alike.

4. Modest Increases in Food and Energy

   • Both food and energy prices rose by 0.2% in November. However, energy prices are still down 4% year-over-year, offering some relief for consumers at the gas pump and in utility bills.

Income, Spending, and Savings

While inflation is easing, other economic indicators reflect a mixed bag:

• Personal Income rose by 0.3%, but this fell short of forecasts.

• Consumer Spending increased by 0.4%, also missing expectations. This suggests consumers are cautious amid economic uncertainty.

• Personal Savings Rate dipped slightly to 4.4%, indicating that households may be stretching their budgets to keep up with rising costs in essential categories.

The Fed’s Cautious Path Forward

Despite these positive signs, the Federal Reserve remains vigilant. After lowering interest rates to a range of 4.25%-4.5%, Chair Jerome Powell likened the Fed’s strategy to “driving on a foggy night”—a slow and deliberate approach to ensure the economy stays on course.

Powell’s caution reflects lingering uncertainties, such as labor market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and the potential for unexpected shocks that could reignite inflationary pressures. The Fed’s commitment to data-driven decision-making suggests further rate adjustments will be gradual.

What’s Next?

As inflation cools, markets and consumers are navigating a landscape of cautious optimism. Lower inflation rates are easing some of the pressure on households and businesses, but core categories like services and housing remain areas to watch. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s measured approach signals confidence but not complacency.

The takeaway? Progress is being made, but uncertainty lingers. While the road ahead looks less turbulent, potential bumps remain as markets adjust and policymakers continue to steer the economy toward stability.

Join the Conversation and Watch the Video

What are your thoughts on these developments? Are we moving toward economic stability, or is there still turbulence ahead? Share your insights and let’s discuss how these trends could impact consumers, businesses, and brands navigating this dynamic environment.

Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious

Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious

Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays

Seattle, WA | 12/26/24

The holiday season often brings joy and generosity, but it can also lead to financial strain. This year, 36% of Americans incurred holiday debt, averaging $1,181 per person, according to LendingTree. While this is an increase from $1,028 in 2023, it's notably lower than 2022's $1,549. With inflation still a significant factor, 44% of borrowers didn't anticipate the debt they accrued. Parents, millennials, and earners in the $30K-$50K range were among those most impacted.

To regain control of your finances, consider these proactive steps:

1. Lower Your Costs: Explore 0% balance transfer cards or consolidation loans to reduce interest rates. Transferring your balance to a card with a 0% introductory APR period can enable you to pay down debt faster, as your payments go toward reducing the principal instead of accruing interest.

   
   

2. Tackle Debt Systematically: Focus on high-interest balances using the avalanche method, or start with small debts for quick wins using the snowball method. The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on others, creating momentum.

   
   

3. Build a Buffer: Setting aside savings can help avoid future reliance on credit. Creating a budget tracker to control expenses can result in substantial savings.

   
   

4. Celebrate Progress: Break down debt into smaller goals and acknowledge milestones to stay motivated. Rewarding yourself as you achieve milestones, such as paying off a credit card, is essential for staying motivated.

   
   
   
   

Financial experts emphasize the importance of not feeling guilty for incurring debt during the holiday season, highlighting that a significant number of Americans experience this. Traditional budgeting advice often exacerbates stress and fails to address the realities of life, as many people cannot avoid debt due to necessary expenditures or to enjoy life enhancements. Instead, view debt as a tool rather than a source of shame, and focus on practical approaches like planning for some debt, keeping a spending diary for awareness, and exploring different financial strategies like savings automation or balance-transfer cards.

Remember, being debt-free offers security and comfort. By taking these steps, you can navigate the financial aftermath of the holidays and set a solid foundation for the future.

Watch the companion video here:

Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays

Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays