CHICAGO — The second day of the NACS Show 2025 captured the spirit of an industry in motion. As the expo floor opened at McCormick Place, thousands of attendees filled the halls, eager to explore what’s next in convenience retail. The atmosphere was electric, with innovation defining every corner of the show — from product launches to new technologies reshaping operations and customer experience.
Thorvardur de Shong
A common theme among attendees MMR spoke to, from first-time guests to veterans of the show, was how dynamic both the event and the industry have become. In a marketplace increasingly driven by consumer wellness trends and fast-moving digital change, that adaptability has become essential.
PepsiCo stood out as a symbol of that transformation. Responding to growing demand for healthier options, the company is phasing out certain dyes and additives across its portfolio and rebranding Lay’s to spotlight its simplicity — potatoes, salt and oil.
Speaking at a PepsiCo event on the sidelines of the show, Michael Del Pozzo, president of PepsiCo North America Customer & Commercial, said the company is approaching this year’s event with a fresh outlook. With several reformulated and new products on the way, including Pepsi Probiotic and a new formula for Muscle Milk, the company has positioned itself to meet shifting consumer expectations while keeping innovation at the forefront.
Education took center stage throughout the day, with 15 sessions offering insights into leadership, operations, safety, technology, and the evolving needs of today’s consumers. Across these discussions, the message was consistent: the pace of change is accelerating, and success depends on creativity, connection, and courage to evolve.
That same spirit of innovation filled the Arie Crown Theater, where the Ideas 2 Go general session, hosted by Annie Gauthier, 2024-2025 NACS treasurer and CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company (Y-Not Stop), celebrated retail ingenuity. The session featured seven U.S. retailers and a special look at Japanese convenience stores, each offering a glimpse into how fresh ideas and customer-centric design are driving the industry forward.
As the day continued, the energy on the floor reflected a shared optimism. Exhibitors and retailers alike spoke of new opportunities, strong partnerships, and a collective sense that convenience retail is not only keeping pace with change, it’s helping to define it.
