Supporting Retail Security at NRF Protect 2025
The National Retail Federation (NRF) Protect is the retail industry’s most comprehensive cross-functional event, dedicated to global risk management and loss prevention. It brings together the industry’s top leaders in technology, insights, and next-generation security solutions. Key topics covered at the event include loss prevention and asset protection, cybersecurity, digital fraud, and enterprise and global security risk management. Attendees also benefit from a range of interactive sessions, where industry leaders share fresh insights on how to address today’s most pressing retail security challenges.
The NRF also offers memberships that give retailers, and the companies that protect them, opportunities to advocate on industry issues and network with loss prevention professionals. Gridless is proud to be an NRF member and to have a presence at NRF Protect, proving our commitment to helping retailers solve complex security challenges through innovation. In an industry where threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential to delivering reliable, adaptable solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore the key developments discussed at NRF Protect 2025 and how they’re shaping the future of retail security.
Leading with Power: How Gridless Stood Out at NRF
At NRF Protect, several key trends and themes emerged that are reshaping how retailers and loss prevention teams combat crime: the growing use of solar-powered systems and license plate recognition (LPR) cameras. While many companies showcased similar technologies, Gridless stood out thanks to our intelligent battery technology and the way our team leads with power as the foundation of the conversation. This emphasis on reliable energy makes us a more dependable choice in the off-grid space.
Our team also observed a notable presence of police departments and officials at the event. While our solutions were primarily tailored for retail loss prevention teams, conversations with law enforcement made it clear that our units have broader applications across other industries.
The need for off-grid solutions is becoming more essential for modern retail security applications. Today, retail environments require continuous, 24/7 monitoring to detect and prevent criminal activity. However, traditional grid-tied systems are often vulnerable to power outages, infrastructure constraints, and equipment failures, especially in remote or underserved areas. Off-grid systems address these issues by providing uninterrupted power through solar panels and advanced battery systems, often with backup mechanisms to ensure continued operation during disruptions. These solutions also offer a high degree of flexibility, enabling rapid deployment at temporary or remote retail sites. In addition to their reliability, off-grid systems present a cost-effective alternative by eliminating electricity costs and reducing the need for extensive cabling or trenching, making them a smarter, long-term investment for retailers focused on security innovation.
Empowering Retail Security with Gridless and Axis
The Gridless system enables the deployment of solar-powered License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras virtually anywhere, without the limitations of traditional infrastructure. LPR technology is proving especially valuable in retail environments, offering a highly adaptable solution for a variety of applications. These cameras capture license plate data instantly, triggering alerts that allow responders to take swift, informed action. This real-time intelligence gives teams the critical time needed to prepare, respond strategically, and deter criminal activity before it escalates.
For retail businesses, this rapid response capability is crucial in protecting assets and reducing financial loss. LPR systems not only help identify suspicious behavior but also provide a visible security presence that builds trust with customers and contributes to an overall sense of safety. At the same time, LPR supports ongoing crime prevention through continuous coverage, actionable data tracking, and enhanced public safety measures. While visible security can serve as a deterrent, covert surveillance also plays an essential role in detecting and documenting incidents without tipping off perpetrators.
To address that need, Gridless and Axis Communications have partnered to create a portable, covert surveillance kit designed specifically for loss prevention teams on the move. This compact solution includes a Gridless unit, speed mount, straps, tools, an AC charger, and Axis F Series sensors and cables, everything needed for a quick, discreet deployment. The entire system is powered by a single unit offering roughly 140 hours of runtime, depending on configuration.
The kit integrates seamlessly with most major Video Management Systems (VMS), includes the Gridless Management System (gMS), and connects via LTE or Wi-Fi. At its core are Axis F Modular Series sensors, which deliver up to 4K image quality, next-generation AI-powered analytics, and multiple sensor options tailored for indoor, outdoor, or mobile use. This temporarily deployed unit is fully equipped to discreetly detect, deter, and document criminal activity; quietly, quickly, and effectively, all within one self-contained, portable solution.
Why Gridless Is the Future of Retail Security
Retail security is constantly changing and evolving with new technology developments. In recent years, the need for reliable, independent power solutions has grown tremendously. Gridless is leading the charge in battery technology with a smart, robust system made up of military-grade batteries. This off-grid system eliminates the need for trenching and wiring, ultimately leading to fast and easy deployment to get your systems up and running with no limitations. Compared to other systems on the market, Gridless has many advantages, including the ability to own your whole security system and giving you complete control over every aspect of it. The technology also eliminates maintenance costs and site visits with its remote troubleshooting and gMS. Gridless also allows you to integrate seamlessly with any VMS system and is camera agnostic, meaning you can integrate any camera manufacturer of your choice.
Looking Ahead: Smarter Security Starts Now
Attending NRF Protect was a valuable and insightful experience for the Gridless team. NRF Protect is an opportunity for loss prevention and retail teams to connect and gain more insights about security solutions and foster meaningful partnerships with other industry professionals. This year, Gridless and Axis Communications showcased the covert unit in the Axis booth which enhanced enthusiasm from loss prevention teams across the board. Gridless was also lucky to have their own booth where we had a Gridless system set up allowing attendees of the show to get an up close look at the unit and get a chance to ask the Gridless team any questions about what we do and how we are revolutionizing security technology for retailers and other industries.
Throughout the show, many attendees voiced similar concerns around retail security: securing parking lots with reliable license plate recognition (LPR) and enhancing the effectiveness of loss prevention investigations. Gridless’ latest innovations in partnership with Axis directly addressed these challenges, offering a powerful, flexible solution to deploy cameras anywhere and deter crime. For many industry professionals, it was a moment of clarity, proof that smart, scalable off-grid technology is not only possible but already here.
Stay ahead of evolving threats by embracing advanced security solutions built for the demands of modern retail. Loss prevention teams that leverage innovative technology not only protect assets more effectively but also elevate the standard for retail security. Now is the time to lead with proactive strategies that drive real results and shape the future of loss prevention.
Want to see the Gridless system in action? Visit our retail security industry page for more details, and book a demo to experience firsthand how we can be the perfect fit to help you enhance loss prevention security operations.
