VenHub joins National Retail Federation as industry partner
VenHub Global Inc., a developer of fully autonomous smart store technology, has become an Industry Partner Member of the National Retail Federation (NRF). VenHub’s Smart Store platform integrates robotics, automation and mobile-first technology to enable operators to offer a secure, standalone unattended shopping experience.
For VenHub, joining the NRF gives it access to retail industry research, consumer trend reports, economic forecasts, and other data resources. It also provides networking opportunities with retailers, service providers, technology vendors and other retail industry professionals.
“Joining NRF marks an exciting step for VenHub,” said Shahan Ohanessian, CEO of VenHub. “As part of the retail community’s largest network, we can exchange ideas, showcase our autonomous store platform, and learn from industry leaders who are exploring new ways to make retail more efficient, accessible and responsive to customers.”
For operators of convenience services, micro markets and unattended retail outlets, this development offers new collaborative opportunities. Through its NRF membership, VenHub will gain access to research, industry councils and forums — and will leverage those resources to share insights on autonomous retail, data-driven merchandising and next-generation convenience formats. In addition, the smart store technology provider can share its perspective on autonomous retail with the larger retail community as they lean into automation, data-driven merchandising, and new convenience formats.
Because the NRF is the largest retail trade association, VenHub’s involvement may help accelerate the standardization and adoption of unattended retail models within the wider convenience-services ecosystem.
VenHub describes its Smart Stores as modular retail outlets that operate without on-site staff, provide real-time inventory tracking and mobile checkout, and support secure contactless transactions. While VenHub showcased snacks and late-night necessities at the 2025 NAMA Show, these stores can be stocked with a range of products and designed for locations where convenience is critical.