BIG Digital's Jake Neiman on the Retail Gets Real podcast at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show.
Technology is reshaping the in-store experience, and Jake Neiman is helping retailers bring digital innovation into the physical world. The co-founder and CEO of BIG Digital joins Retail Gets Real to discuss how immersive kiosks, smart merchandising solutions, AI-powered interfaces and next-generation ePaper displays are transforming how customers engage with brands inside stores.
Jake Neiman, co-founder and CEO, BIG Digital
Reimagining engagement
Interactive kiosks and smart retail displays provide retailers with new tools to capture attention and drive sales. From portable battery-powered kiosks at store entrances to sensor-enabled “lift and sell” merchandising units that trigger product information when an item is picked up, Neiman says the goal is simple: Create meaningful engagement at the moment of decision.
Rather than replacing human interaction, he describes these tools as complementary. Some shoppers prefer speaking with associates, while others want to explore independently. Interactive displays offer product education, personalized recommendations and real-time information without friction.
AI plays an increasingly important role in this experience — practical AI applications include kiosks that can respond to customer inputs like size, fit preferences or specific needs, then recommend products instantly. Neiman says the key to adoption is simplicity: Retailers need solutions that are easy to understand, easy to deploy and clearly tied to sales performance.
Neiman also discusses how digital signage unlocks agility. Unlike static print materials, digital displays allow retailers to adjust messaging instantly, launch flash promotions and deliver timely offers that respond to real-time conditions.
One of the most promising developments is ePaper technology. Designed to dramatically reduce power consumption and eliminate the need for print materials, ePaper displays operate with minimal energy, including indoor solar charging.
Listen to the full episode to hear how experiential technology, AI integration and sustainable innovation are redefining what’s possible inside the retail store.
(00:00:00) Powering live events with interactive kiosks
How kiosks help users navigate massive events
Turning digital displays into new revenue-generating assets
What it takes to engineer weatherproof tech for extreme environments
(00:04:38) Building BIG Digital during a global shutdown
Why launching an immersive tech company during COVID was a calculated risk
How turnkey hardware, software and analytics drive measurable retail ROI
Where physical retail meets AI-powered engagement
(00:07:04) Bringing immersive technology onto the sales floor
How portable kiosks and smart displays capture attention at the door
Why sensor-driven merchandising changes the product discovery journey
Balancing AI-powered self-service with the human side of retail
(00:11:26) What holds retailers back from adopting new tech
Why upfront capital costs can slow innovation at scale
How hardware-as-a-service models reduce financial risk
(00:12:56) What’s next for digital retail innovation
How ePaper technology could eliminate print for good
Why ultra-low power displays change the sustainability equation
Turning AI, mobile and in-store tech into one seamless omnichannel experience
(00:17:34) The future of retail belongs to immersive experiences
Why physical stores must compete with the ease of online shopping
How gamification and AI can surprise and delight customers
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