Orquest at NRF APAC 2025: Powering the Future of Retail Operations in Asia

Returning to NRF APAC 2025

NRF APAC 2025 returned to Singapore with the promise of limitless retail possibilities, and Orquest was proud to once again take part in the region’s most forward-looking retail event. Hosted at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, this year’s edition brought together retail leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore the next era of growth across Asia Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing retail market. 

For Orquest, as a leader in AI-powered workforce scheduling, it was the ideal platform to reaffirm our commitment to helping retailers across the region unlock operational excellence and build future-proof stores.

Amid themes of transformation, digital commerce, and AI disruption, the conversations on the ground reflected a growing sense of urgency. Retailers are navigating shrinking margins, rising labor costs, and fast-changing consumer expectations—all within increasingly complex regulatory environments. 

Our discussions with executives from across Southeast Asia and beyond confirmed what we already knew: the challenge isn’t just digital transformation, it’s operational transformation. And that’s exactly where Orquest delivers.

Southeast Asia’s Retail Opportunity (and Complexity)

The dynamism of Southeast Asian retail is undeniable. Countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are witnessing double-digit retail growth, fueled by young, tech-savvy consumers and a rapid expansion of modern store formats. Yet behind this growth lies a less visible issue: the human infrastructure inside physical stores is under pressure. Managers are tasked with balancing compliance, efficiency, and employee well-being, often with outdated tools and manual processes.

During NRF APAC 2025, we heard story after story of stores struggling to manage unpredictable demand, regional labor laws, and increasingly vocal workforces. One theme echoed throughout: cost control and AI automation are top of mind, but most retailers still lack the right operational tools to execute at scale.

That’s why Orquest’s message resonated so strongly. Our smart scheduling solution is designed specifically to meet these challenges head-on. By leveraging AI to forecast demand, automate staffing decisions, and ensure compliance with local laws, Orquest helps retailers reduce costs, improve shift coverage, and create better working conditions. For many attendees, this was a clear answer to a shared problem: the need for operational intelligence on the store floor.

Orquest: The Smart Scheduling Partner for APAC Retailers

As the region embraces AI, the focus is shifting from buzz to business impact. At NRF APAC 2025, Orquest stood out as a proven, practical solution that delivers real-world results. Our booth drew interest from brands eager to simplify complexity, reduce scheduling time, and empower managers with better tools.

From regional giants to global brands, retailers told us they are ready for smart scheduling that does more than just fill shifts. They need systems that:

• Adapt to the unpredictability of demand fluctuations
• Ensure labor law compliance across countries
• Respect employee preferences, contracts, and reduce burnout
• Optimize performance without sacrificing team’s well-being

This is what Orquest delivers. Already optimizing operations for over 7,000 stores worldwide—including fast-fashion brands like H&M and luxury leaders such as Dior—we understand the unique needs of multi-unit, performance-driven retail. We don’t just bring AI. We bring precision, scalability, and a deep understanding of the operational realities in Asia Pacific.

The energy at NRF APAC 2025 was clear: Southeast Asia is ready to lead in retail innovation, not just in channels or experiences, but in how stores are run day to day. Orquest is proud to be part of that transformation, helping retailers become leaner, smarter, and more resilient.As we look ahead, our mission remains unchanged: empower retailers to optimize every shift, every store, every day. Because when operations run smarter, everything else, from profitability to customer satisfaction, gets better.