SkillNet Solutions will be a Silver Sponsor at Oracle Retail Cross Talk 2026, an invitation-only executive forum hosted by Oracle for retail industry leaders.

Oracle Retail Cross Talk brings together retail executives, technology decision-makers, and solution partners to exchange insights on innovation, modernization, and the evolving retail technology landscape. The event provides a platform for practical discussions around merchandising, store systems, supply chain transformation, unified commerce, and cloud adoption strategies.

As a long-standing Oracle Retail partner with more than 25 years of retail domain experience, SkillNet supports retailers in modernizing and optimizing Oracle Retail environments across upgrades, cloud migration to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, store systems transformation, unified commerce enablement, and long-term platform support.  SkillNet has delivered Oracle Retail implementation and optimization programs across global markets, helping retailers accelerate digital transformation while minimizing operational risk.

“Cross Talk provides a valuable opportunity to connect with retail leaders navigating complex modernization journeys,” said Sonali Damle, CEO, SkillNet Solutions. “We look forward to sharing practical insights and helping organizations unlock greater value from their Oracle Retail investments.”

SkillNet’s team will be available during the event to connect with retailers seeking strategic guidance on transformation initiatives, performance optimization, and future-ready technology roadmaps.

For more information about SkillNet’s retail transformation services, reach out to us.

Register here for Cross Talk 2026

For more information, please visit Oracle Retail Cross Talk Summit.

Conceived as a space beyond the show floor, Spark 2026 provided an intentional environment for candid conversations and meaningful connection among industry decision-makers. In contrast to the scale and spectacle of NRF, the evening emphasized relationship-building, open exchange, and perspective-sharing without formal presentations or structured programming.

Discussions throughout the evening touched on the realities shaping modern retail, including system modernization, operational agility, and the evolving role of technology in driving sustainable growth. The informal setting encouraged transparent dialogue and strengthened relationships across the retail ecosystem.

“Retail transformation is not just about technology upgrades – it is about clarity of direction, operational discipline, and collaboration across the ecosystem,” said Sonali Damle, CEO of SkillNet Solutions. “Spark was created to provide leaders with the space to step back from the noise, exchange honest perspectives, and build relationships that support long-term progress.”

The evening continued with animated conversations and new connections that extended well beyond scheduled time. The strong engagement underscored the value of curated, peer-level gatherings during pivotal industry moments.

Spark 2026 reflects SkillNet’s ongoing commitment to fostering trusted relationships across the retail community. As both a transformation partner and ecosystem connector, SkillNet continues to invest in platforms that convene leaders, strengthen collaboration, and support the shared goal of building resilient, future-ready retail organizations.

Throughout the week, the team connected with both existing clients and new prospects exploring how to advance transformation across store operations, digital experiences, and AI-enabled platforms.

At its booth, SkillNet highlighted five core focus areas shaping today’s retail agenda: Payment, Digital Experience (DEX), POS, AI, and Product innovation. Together, these capabilities help retailers unlock scalable growth, strengthen customer engagement, and translate transformation strategy into measurable business results.

Conversations centered on modernizing legacy POS environments, optimizing payment ecosystems, integrating AI-driven intelligence, and aligning digital and store platforms to drive speed, resilience, and competitive advantage. Many of these initial discussions are continuing beyond NRF, with follow-up engagement underway.

For SkillNet, NRF reinforced its role as a trusted transformation partner helping retailers move from strategic vision to sustained business impact.

Below are photo highlights from SkillNet’s Week at Retail’s Big Show.

SkillNet’s foundation in integration and consulting spans more than 25 years, supported by deep partnerships with leading technology vendors. This ecosystem enables SkillNet to architect seamless commerce journeys, from merchandising and payments to AI-powered personalization and omnichannel optimization.

“SkillNet isn’t just realizing its own future; we’re defining it in real-time for our clients,” said Vidya Damle, Chair of the Board. “Sonali brings bold energy, transformative insight, and a relentless drive for excellence. She partners with organizations to unlock growth, navigate complexity, and lead with purpose. As a catalyst for innovation, she is poised to propel SkillNet and its partners into a new era of hypergrowth.”

Sonali Damle brings over two decades of global experience leading customer-first transformations for global companies and digital-native brands. At Bain & Company, she spearheaded global centers of expertise in various verticals, including consumer and retail analytics, delivering measurable impact at scale. She blends this strategic clarity with emotional intelligence, empowering teams to experiment boldly and connect deeply with those they serve.   

“It’s about inspiring momentum through shared goals, with our customers and our teams alike,” said Sonali Damle. “SkillNet’s next chapter will be defined by cutting-edge technology and solutions that anticipate customer needs before they are spoken. The opportunity in retail is immense. By embracing digital disruption, we can accelerate growth and deliver lasting value. We’re here to bring deep expertise, bold thinking, and relentless focus to our clients’ digital agenda.” 

Under Sonali’s leadership, SkillNet is accelerating its investment in AI-powered solutions, automation, and product innovation. From personalization pilots to internal workflow optimization, every initiative begins with the customer’s biggest pain point and builds toward measurable impact. The company’s evolution includes expanding into merchandising, payments, and cloud consulting, ensuring clients are equipped for next-generation commerce. 

“My approach is always people first,” Damle added. “That means putting SkillNet’s team at the center of innovation, executing for our clients with precision and creativity, and inspiring everyone, customers and partners alike, with solutions built to drive growth. Our future is about action-oriented technology that makes business better, sharper, and more rewarding for everyone involved.”

Learn more about SkillNet’s leadership in AI-enabled commerce and digital transformation. Contact Us!

About SkillNet Solutions 

SkillNet Solutions, Makers of Modern Commerce, provides consulting, AI, and technology services to companies digitally transforming their business. Headquartered in San Jose, California, SkillNet combines its expertise in consulting, engineering, and AI with cloud and SaaS applications to create connected customer journeys and deliver measurable business impact. 

SkillNet partners with industry leaders, including Oracle, SAP, Mirakl, Commerce, Spryker, Kibo, and AWS to deliver intelligent, modern commerce solutions. Since 1996, SkillNet has enabled retail and commerce enterprises, modernize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth.

[New York, Jan 15, 2025] – SkillNet Solutions, a leading provider of retail digital transformation services, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its participation at NRF 2025, held January 12–14 at the Javits Convention Centre in New York City. Throughout the event, SkillNet engaged in productive discussions with existing clients and new prospects alike, paving the way for future partnerships and expansion. 

A highlight of SkillNet’s presence at Booth #1320 was its AI-Powered Store Assistant, a flexible solution that leverages cutting-edge generative AI to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions. Featuring role-based customization, multilingual support, and automated task execution, the Store Assistant adapts to the evolving needs of modern retailers.  

“NRF 2025 was a tremendous success for our team,” said Anurag Mehta, CEO, SkillNet Solutions at the time of publication. “Our AI Store Assistant garnered tremendous interest, reaffirming our vision for future-ready retail. We are excited to work with our clients on integrating AI-driven solutions that elevate customer experiences and operational efficiencies alike.” 

In addition to the AI Store Assistant, SkillNet demonstrated a range of solutions that help retailers achieve seamless omnichannel operations: 

• Tech Advisory Services – Covering platform selection, cloud migration, and program/change management. 

• Enterprise Application Services – Retail solution modernization, design, and deployment; certified Oracle Retail Solutions; ongoing omnichannel support; and partnerships with leading digital commerce platforms (Salesforce CC, SAP CC, Spryker, VTEX, Commercetools), as well as Kibo for order management, Cloudinary for DAM, Contentstack for CMS, Mirakl for Marketplace, and Algolia for Search. 

• Additional Gen AI Solutions & Services – An array of AI-driven applications geared to optimize retail workflows and drive except 

If you’re interested in exploring how our Store Assistant can help transform your in-store operations, we’d love to hear from you, contact us. For more information on SkillNet’s retail modernization services, please reach out to us.

Check out the Event photos – capturing the AI Store Assistant demos, booth interactions, and more illustrating the energy and innovation SkillNet brought to NRF 2025.

“Spark 2025 offered a wonderful opportunity to thank our clients and partners for their continued support and collaboration,” said Anurag Mehta, CEO, SkillNet Solutions, at the time of publication. “We appreciate everyone who joined us to explore new ideas and address common challenges. 

Conversations touched on current challenges, successes, and future possibilities in a marketplace that demands continuous innovation. The evening fostered meaningful connections among participants and highlighted a collective commitment to advancing retail transformation. 

For more information about Spark 2025 or to learn how SkillNet Solutions can help elevate your retail strategy, please contact us. 

Here are a few photos from the event capturing the festivities.