FROM THE EDITORS OF
DIGITAL PREVIEW
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS JOHN FURNER
PRESIDENT AND CEO WALMART U.S.
STEPHANIE LINNARTZ
PRESIDENT AND CEO UNDER ARMOUR
RAJ SUBRAMANIAM
PRESIDENT AND CEO FEDEX
CARLA VERNÓN
CEO THE HONEST COMPANY
DIGITAL PREVIEW Get ready for NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show RETAILERS TO MAKE IT MATTER IN 2024
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PHOTO: NRF
In a world of ever-growing uncertainty, the next act for retail will be written by those who take meaningful action now. Retail's Big Show is the one event that consistently delivers the lasting insights and connections you need to not just stand out today but stand the test of time. The event will kick off on Jan. 13 with an Opening Party in Times Square, and then the Conference and Expo is set for Jan. 14-16 at the Javits Center in New York City. From tackling the industry's biggest topics to checking out the newest retail tech, attendees will have the chance to network in person and hear from leaders from top retail companies. Retail’s Big Show will attract more than 1,000 exhibitors, tens of thousands of industry professionals and 6,200 brands from the U.S. and abroad. More than 170 sessions are planned, including conversations with NRF Chairman and Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner, FedEx Corp. President and CEO Raj Subramaniam and Under Armour President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz. More than 450 of retail's most talented leaders will participate in the educational program agenda designed to inspire and instruct around the most critical trends and topics. The Expo will feature the latest retail solutions, plus an Innovation Lab, Startup Hub and Foodservice Innovation Zone, each featuring breakthrough technology and innovations. There is also the opportunity to sign up for Expo Tours and Retail Tours, which offer expert-led, guided walking tours. The new Sustainable Retail Workshop is designed to help retail executives understand how to evolve their businesses to thrive in the future economy. This exclusive half-day workshop is limited to 120 senior executives and sustainable retail practitioners for a deep dive into critical aspects of the circular economy. Exhibitor Big Ideas will offer attendees a series of more than 100 sessions, giving attendees access to some of the retail industry's brightest solution providers sharing case studies and product demonstrations to help you learn what technology is right for you and how other retailers have implemented it. Check out this digital preview to also learn more about the scheduled keynotes, educational session speakers and the special programs Retail's Big Show will have to offer. NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show. Make it here and make it matter.
RETAIL�S BIG SHOW: BY THE NUMBERS
170
SESSIONS
450
3
DAYS
SPEAKERS
1000 EXHIBITORS
Accelerate innovation in retail with AWS Join us at The National Retail Federation (NRF) 2024: Retail’s Big Show at booth #6020 Amazon Web Services (AWS) will showcase unified commerce in action through AWS, Amazon, and AWS Partner technology demonstrations. Listen to innovative Big Ideas sessions, curated TechTalks, and experience the latest in retail trends and technologies.
Learn more at aws.amazon.com/retail/nrf-2024
DIGITAL PREVIEW
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Technology Innovations
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8
2 Ways AI is Powering the Next Generation of Retail
Conference Sessions Zero In on What Matters
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10
How Foodservice is Reshaping the Retail Experience
6 Big Brands You'll Hear From at Retail's Biggest Show
20
12
Creating a Circular Retail Economy
3 Questions for Sam's Club's Chief Growth Officer Diana Marshall
22
14
Retailers Make Sustainability Matter
4 Questions for Rothy's COO and CFO Dayna Quanbeck
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Keynote Sessions
15
Tackle Your Big Supply Chain Challenges
30
Expo Tours
31
10 Can't-miss New York City Retail Experiences
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What's Next: NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific
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Exhibitor Big Ideas
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PHOTO: NRF
Table of Contents
DIGITAL PREVIEW
PHOTO: NRF
Technology Innovations Keep Retailers Moving Toward the Future
More than ever, consumers expect retailers to meet them where they are. Purchasing decisions are increasingly driven by pricing and fulfillment options rather than loyalty — and retailers must be able to keep pace with this ever-changing landscape and be resilient, focused on operations and driven by innovations in technology. This year's event is bringing back two favorites: the NRF Innovation Lab and the Startup Hub.
NRF INNOVATION LAB
STARTUP HUB
ILearn more: nrfbigshow.nrf.com/innovation-lab
ILearn more: nrfbigshow.nrf.com/expo/startup-hub
The NRF Innovation Lab showcases the latest applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics, facial recognition, data analytics and Web3. More than 50 visionary tech startups across the retail industry will be featured at the NRF Innovation Lab during the show, where they will showcase what will help retailers meet the biggest challenges of today and tomorrow. Presenting sponsors include Beontag, commercetools, SOTI, Twilio and Wing. The NRF Innovation Lab will be held in the River Pavilion and is a carefully curated, invitation-only showcase of the most visionary retail technologies. This immersive exhibit tracks the latest developments in retail transformation and what retail can be now and in the future.
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Attendees can get hands-on with new and emerging tech in the Startup Hub. The industry�s best startups will be featured in the Startup Hub, offering examples of a wide range of emerging retail technology from artificial intelligence to augmented reality to machine learning and much more. The Startup Hub is where you�ll get to meet the newest companies in retail and see their biggest, most impactful ideas. Attendees can visit booths of companies that are changing the way we retail. Visit the Startup Hub to learn about the latest technology and radical thinking that will matter most in the years to come.
DIGITAL PREVIEW RETAIL TECHNOLOGY
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
2 Ways AI is Powering the Next Generation of Retail NRF INNOVATION LAB: IMPROVING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WITH PERSONALIZATION AND DATA Driven by leaps in generative AI-powered tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, 2023 has been an unprecedented year of growth for the artificial intelligence industry — largely because the potential for AI applications is seemingly endless. Any retailer, no matter the size, could benefit from AI — from customer service to business intelligence to gaining more accurate consumer insights. However, it can be hard to sort through all the noise. Identifying the problem to be solved with AI and deciding how to pick a partner to help can be bottlenecks to growth and efficiencies for retailers. That's where the NRF Innovation Lab at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show comes in. The NRF Innovation Lab showcases new technology from more than 50 companies using the latest applications in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, machine learning, facial recognition, robotics, and more. Read on to learn more about just two of the companies you'll see in the NRF Innovation Lab that are powered by AI, and get a real-
life look into how artificial intelligence is generating impact and excitement among retailers, and improving the experience for consumers across the board.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF PERSONALIZATION
Today, it's impossible for retailers to manually curate for millions of online customers. PSYKHE AI is a machine learning and psychology-powered recommendationas-a-service platform that enables retailers to hyper-personalize the customer experience. Its mission is to remove friction for consumers through proprietary, psychographic data that enables personalization across different categories for a consumer. Through a shopper's interactions in the "shirts" category, for example, PSYKHE AI can personalize shoes, swim shorts, and furniture categories for the consumer. PSYKHE AI is currently working with a select cohort of fashion retailers and will
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be integrating with enterprise retailers in 2024. While contracts are currently under confidentiality agreements, the company says its partners have seen a five-times increase in revenue, a three-times increase in basket value, a 26% increase in customer retention rate, and a 4% decrease in product return rate — underscoring the value that precision personalization can provide for a retailer. Among other personalization tools out there, PSYKHE AI's models are different in a few ways: They personalize per user; they curate the exact merchandise a shopper is likely looking for as they scroll; and they have patented the use of psychographics. In addition, the tracking enables personalization for all users, including nonlogged-in users — normally over 80% of customers — and their models apply learnings every 10 seconds and affect personalization in near real-time. "Timing is on PSYKHE AI’s side," says Pierre N. Rolin, the founder and CEO of Ankh Impact Ventures and an investor in PSYKHE AI. "There hasn’t been this level of personalization in retail before. They bring the per-user recommendation strength of TikTok and Instagram to ecommerce at a time when retailers are struggling to differentiate themselves and are competing among other things, on customer experience." Moving forward, "2024 will be a year of exponential growth for PSYKHE AI as we launch with enterprise customers, trial instore personalization with a select few and expand capabilities with Shopify and Salesforce integrations," says CEO Anabel Maldonado.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
Business intelligence can be a powerful tool to collect, analyze, and transform raw data into actionable insights. However, in retail, innovations in these kinds of tools have largely been stuck in the 2000s. To truly dig in and understand the data requires a slew of time-strapped data engineers to manually
write customer queries to generate insights. Zenlytic is a next-gen tool that combines powerful analytics with a natural language interface to provide enterprise-grade business intelligence that works better (and faster) for everyone. Zenlytic works across the retail industry but has seen a lot of excitement and traction in particular from high-SKU fashion brands that use Zenlytic to optimize logistics, attribute marketing spend, and track SKU success at a very detailed level, including luxury Italian footwear company Koio and LOLA, a women’s hygiene company. The company reports that at Koio, the head of marketing saves some 20 hours a week making reports using Zenlytic and uses Zenlytic to optimize product offerings for a new audience leading to revenue
growth in its new female category by over 31% year on year. At LOLA, the vice president of direct-to-consumer and Amazon starts almost 80% of data queries through Zoe, Zenlytic’s conversational AI that lets users talk directly to their data. Across legacy business intelligence (BI) tools and AI tools, Zenlytic says it has a few core differentiators. Zenlytic's proprietary semantic layer technology ensures significantly higher accuracy than other AIdriven tools and is the only chat-native BI tool on the market, which is important because data questions are almost never answered with a single email. Additionally, Zenlytic's centralized data model ensures a retailer can ask questions across all of its data. "Gen AI has been fundamental to Zenlytic’s success," says Scott Friend,
a partner at Bain Capital Ventures. "By powering a new level of truly conversational interaction between the user and the computer, gen AI has allowed for the tremendous underlying business intelligence capabilities of Zenlytic to be accessed by nontechnical users in an intuitive and out-of-the-box fashion." Looking ahead, while ecommerce and DTC are Zenlytic’s largest customer segment and a priority for the company, it is also expanding its customer base in SaaS, financial services, fintech, health tech, and consumer software. Interested in seeing PSYKHE AI, Zenlytic, and other cutting-edge innovators in action? Register for NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show and visit the NRF Innovation Lab.
& Hear from retail industry experts, customers and SAS Partners to learn how AI and analytics can help you embrace the power (and unpredictability) of persistent disruption. Don’t miss our featured customer experts!
APLICACIÓN CORPORATIVA FONDO BLANCO
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DIGITAL PREVIEW FOODSERVICE INNOVATION ZONE
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
How Foodservice is Reshaping the Retail Experience HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY TO SEAMLESSLY BLEND SHOPPING AND DINING Foodservice in retail isn't just about the food court at the mall anymore. Instead, it’s about convenience stores brewing baristaquality coffee, clothing stores with chic cafés and home goods outlets offering wine and tapas. Grocery stores have long known the secret sauce, offering in-house bakeries and deli counters, but now they’re upping the ante with sushi bars and even fine dining. Bookstores cozy up with cafés, turning the simple act of shopping into an experience
that encourages customers to linger. The vision is clear: Any retail space can be a space for foodservice. That’s the whole idea behind the "why" in the Foodservice Innovation Zone at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show.
A SYMPHONY OF TECHNOLOGY
The fusion of foodservice into retail isn’t without its challenges. It requires a symphony of technology to orchestrate a seamless experience.
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Point-of-sale systems have evolved to manage both merchandise and menu items. Inventory management software that once only tracked the latest fashion trends now also ensures fresh ingredients are in stock for the lunch rush. Self-service kiosks and mobile ordering apps let patrons customize their meal just as they would a personal shopping order, with the added convenience of payment integrations that manage both retail and food purchases. Moreover, the Internet of Things
has paved the way for smart kitchen equipment to communicate with inventory systems, alerting staff when it’s time to reorder supplies or when a particular dish is trending among shoppers. Digital signage dynamically adjusts to display mouthwatering promotions alongside the latest sale, enticing customers with a holistic sensory experience.
A COMMONALITY OF NEEDS
The intersection of foodservice and retail technologies is most apparent in the shared need for operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience. Retailers that have historically leveraged data to understand buying behaviors are now applying similar analytics to foodservice offerings. They are using customer data to personalize dining experiences, suggest pairings of products with meals and even offer discounts through loyalty programs that span both domains. The use of robotics and automated systems for checkout and meal preparation is also a shared technological venture. Robots that
were once exclusive to warehouses for stocking shelves are crafting salads or assembling pizzas, making the foodservice within retail spaces not just a novelty, but a beacon of modern efficiency and innovation.
MEETING CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS
The opportunities for incorporating foodservice into retail are as vast as the palate. Retail locations can establish themselves as destinations rather than mere points of purchase. By offering fresh and appealing food options, they cater to the growing demand for convenience and quality. Moreover, integrating foodservice can increase dwell time, which statistically can lead to higher retail sales. It transforms shopping from a task to a leisure activity. For instance, a clothing retailer can offer a café that serves refreshments mirroring the sophistication of its brand, thereby enhancing the overall brand experience. Similarly, a bookstore might offer literary-themed cocktails or coffee blends, deepening the thematic connection customers have with their products.
Retailers can also harness the power of seasonal offerings and limited-time menus to create a buzz, just as they do with seasonal sales. Such strategies can draw crowds, generate social media interest, and invigorate sales. The convergence of foodservice and retail is not just a passing fad but an evolution of consumer expectations. As technology continues to streamline these integrations, the only limit is creativity. Retailers that successfully marry the convenience of foodservice with the pleasure of shopping are set to savor the sweet taste of success in this evolving marketplace. From vending machines offering gourmet bites in high-end boutiques to micro-markets in bookstores, foodservice is infusing flavor into the retail sector in the most unexpected places. Register now for NRF 2024: Retail’'s Big Show to experience the Foodservice Innovation Zone, a place where foodservice, retail, and innovation meet. ILearn more: nrfbigshow.nrf.com/expo/ foodservice-innovation-zone
PHOTO: NRF
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DIGITAL PREVIEW SUSTAINABLE RETAIL WORKSHOP
By Scot Case VP, CSR & Sustainability NRF
Select retailers attending NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show will participate in an invitationonly sustainability workshop to imagine the future of retail. The workshop will explore how consumers and retailers can thrive in a more sustainable, circular retail economy. Popularized by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a circular system mimics nature where there is no waste because all waste becomes essential for other valuable purposes. Retailers are already exploring circular retail models that keep products in use as long as possible before they are ultimately recycled when they are no longer useful. Circular retail practices include, for example, resale retail models in which retailers sell or facilitate the sale of “gently worn” or “previously loved” products. It also includes selling products in reusable or refillable packaging to reduce packaging waste. The NRF circularity workshop will include retailers focused on fashion, electronics, grocery, personal care, furniture, luxury, home, hardware, general merchandise, thrift, chain restaurants, and more. Retail executives with roles in legal, finance, marketing, merchandising, forward and reverse logistics, store operations, and sustainability are attending. Each type of retailer and each retail role will bring unique perspectives to the industry-wide conversation. The discussion will address industry needs and concerns, including the following:
IMPROVING THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE
Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and services and
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Creating a Circular Retail Economy
retailers are making it easier for consumers to find them on store shelves and websites. Retailers are also exploring consumer preferences in a circular economy: How do different types of consumers want to return, repair, resell, or recycle different types of products? Which types of products are they most interested in repairing or reselling? Do consumers want to see new products and used products side-by-side on store shelves and websites, or do they prefer buying new and used as separate experiences? What can retailers do to help consumers consider used, repaired or refurbished products before buying new?
SCALING NEEDED INFRASTRUCTURE
Retailers cannot make the transition to circular retail models on their own because they are only one part of an evolving system of interconnected networks full of independent actors. The system involves, among many others, consumers, manufacturers, suppliers, recyclers, and logistics providers. Successful circular systems need the participation of: • Product designers and manufacturers to create affordable products made from recycled or other environmentally preferable materials, that are easy to repair, refurbish and upgrade for reuse or resale, and that can be easily recycled into their component parts and materials when they are no longer useful. • Businesses that can affordably repair, refurbish, and upgrade products despite the cost of highly skilled local labor markets and the costs of maintaining needed inventories of spare parts and materials. • Recycling centers to collect and sort
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larger volumes of increasing varieties of materials. Most recycling centers can only handle limited types of materials, including paper, cardboard, metals, and specific beverage containers. Recycling infrastructure will need to be scaled to collect larger volumes of electronics, fashion, furniture, small and large appliances and packaging, and the ability to separate those products into useful materials. Manufacturer demand for the collected materials to make new products must scale simultaneously to ensure the collected materials are put to good use. • Local and regional distribution centers to handle both new products that are shipped on pallets of uniformly packaged units clearly labeled with size, color, and style and returned or used products that arrive unpackaged and in random assortments. Unlike distribution centers for new products, return centers require additional dedicated space for sorting and evaluating products to determine which can be resold, which need to be repaired, refurbished or repackaged, and which must be recycled.
PROVIDING NEEDED MARKETING SUPPORT
With everyone defining sustainability differently, retailers are careful how they talk
about their sustainability efforts, including their efforts to support emerging circular solutions. Retailers must communicate accurate, meaningful, and relevant sustainability information without overstating the impact of their efforts, avoiding both greenwashing and greenmuting. Moving toward circular business models creates unique challenges for retail and brand marketing teams because only 11% of consumers are familiar with the term "circularity." A recent survey discovered that, among fashion-focused consumers who claim to know what circularity means, 19% mistakenly think it refers to cyclical fashion trends and 13% believe it references blood or airflow. Retailers need to be talking with consumers about circular solutions in ways that drive interest and demand,
but they must do it while the needed infrastructure to support those solutions is still being built by other industries.
MAPPING ADDITIONAL RETAIL INDUSTRY NEEDS
Retailers will also use time at the sustainability workshop to continue developing relevant retail-focused metrics for the circular economy, creating retail industry benchmarks, and providing clarity around definitions and the roles/activities that exist within the circular economy (e.g., reverse logistics, repair/refurbish, marketing, resale, forward logistics, etc.). They will also continue exploring how and why circular retail operates differently within different retail verticals and what lessons can be drawn from ongoing pilot projects
in different verticals, identifying the most significant revenue and cost-reduction opportunities within the circular economy for different types of retailers, and reviewing lessons learned from Europe. Retail executives who have not yet registered for the Circularity Workshop are encouraged to apply online. They can include the event as part of their full NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show experience or register for the workshop as a separate stand-alone event. Both options provide retailers with a free Expo Pass to visit more than 1,000 exhibitors. ILearn more: nrfbigshow.nrf.com/specialprograms/sustainable-retail-workshop NOTE: This event is closed to the press.
Empower the retail workforce through technology built for all Come see us at NRF 2024 January 14–17, 2024 • Booth #5020 HR | WFM | Pay BOOK A MEETING NOW
13 EVERY ORGANIZATION INSPIRING GREATNESS IN
DIGITAL PREVIEW SUSTAINABLE RETAIL
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Retailers Make Sustainability Matter at NRF 2024 The National Retail Federation is committed to promoting sustainability in the retail industry, with five long-term sustainability objectives set for this year's Retail's Big Show. These objectives include moving toward a zero-waste event, advancing stakeholder education and engagement, improving sustainable sourcing and procurement, increasing accessibility, opportunity and well-being, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NRF's commitment to sustainability includes community impact through the JavitsCares program, scholarships and mentorship from the NRF Foundation, vendor procurement and sustainability guides, offsetting the show's footprint through a carbon offset program, reducing plastic
waste and providing content focused on sustainability/corporate social responsibility.
TEAMING UP TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE EVENT
The event's success relies heavily on partnerships between attendees, exhibitors, and key partners like Javits Center, Freeman, and Honeycomb Strategies. Exhibitors can contribute to a sustainable future by signing the NRF Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge. The pledge includes small measures such as reducing waste, conserving water and purchasing sustainably.
ATTENDEES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Additionally, attendees can contribute to the show's sustainability efforts by
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recycling, reusing and reducing, using energy-smart methods, visiting the Sustainability Lounge, eating mostly plantbased foods, offsetting carbon emissions and performing a random act of kindness. Take the NRF Attendee Sustainability Pledge.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Most hotels in New York City are within walking distance of the Javits Center. Getting around the city is easy with the NRF shuttle or the NYC public transportation system. An average passenger vehicle emits 400 grams of carbon dioxide per mile, which would require 76 seedlings growing for 10 years to sequester that much carbon.
NEW FOR 2024: NRF SUPPLY CHAIN 360 SUMMIT
Tackle Your Big Supply Chain Challenges Sunday, January 14 As supply chain disruptions continue and customer behavior evolves, ensuring a resilient supply chain has never been more important — or more challenging. The NRF Supply Chain 360 Summit is a new day-long program that brings together retail supply chain professionals and industry experts to share strategies and tactics, taking a holistic look at the modes and methods needed to build a stronger supply chain.
Weathering the storm: What's next for U.S. ports? Unifying the retail supply chain for better visibility, sustainability and profitability The reimagined supply chain is connected, transparent and sustainable: Walmart�s supply chain and sustainability leaders talk shop
Registration costs Retail Member
$175
Retail Non-member
$275
NRF SUPPLY CHAIN 360 SESSIONS Note: All sessions are retailer-only. Separate registration required. Sessions include: Creating optionality and speed in supply chains: Northern Tool + Equipment�s transformation with CEO Suresh Krishna AI's role in inventory visibility and optimization Boosting last-mile capabilities and next-day delivery: A fireside chat with Gretchen McCarthy, Target's Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain & Logistics Officer The business of supply chains: Senior leadership working together to maximize supply chain value
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Optimizing the supply chain to augment efficiency and customer experience
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DIGITAL PREVIEW EXHIBITOR BIG IDEAS
Retailers Share Their Expertise
Exhibitor Big Ideas offer attendees a series of more than 100 sessions over the three days of the show. Attendees will have access to some of the retail industry's brightest solution providers demonstrating products and sharing insightful case studies. Exhibitor Big Ideas sessions are included as part of both All-Access and Expo-Only passes. Check out the calendar below to find sessions focusing on technology that matters to you and gain insights into how other retailers have implemented it.
Sunday, January 14 Level 1 – Expo Stage 1
Level 1 – Expo Stage 2
Level 3 – Expo Stage 3
Level 3 – Expo Stage 4
Level 3 – Expo Stage 5
10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
BrightDrop
Predict Spring
ParcelLab
Lenovo
Juniper
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Stibo System
Radar
AWS
Avery Dennison
Akeneo
11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Sorenson
WiseEasy
AWS
Esri
Zebra
1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Stibo System
HPE Aruba Networking
Zebra
Microsoft
Coveo
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
VTEX
Lenovo
Zebra
Dell Technologies
Salesforce
3:15 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Nautical Commerce
Givex
SOTI
Adobe
IBM
4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
MarketDial
Endava
IBM
Informatica
Salesforce
Monday, January 15 Level 1 – Expo Stage 1
Level 1 – Expo Stage 2
Level 3 – Expo Stage 3
Level 3 – Expo Stage 4
Level 3 – Expo Stage 5
9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Palo Alto Networks
MicroStrategy
Oracle
Workday
Workjam
10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
CommerceHub
Firework
Mastercard
Yoobic
Logile
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Axonify
Opterus
Churchill
dunnhumby
Manhattan
11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Cover Genius
NewStore
Fabric
Microsoft
12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Comcast Business
Impact Analytics
Relex
Aptos
Zipline
1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Axonify
Ariadne Maps
American Express
Körber
Treasure Data
2:15 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Storeforce
OSF Digital
Aptos/Revionics
Legion
Mirakl
3:15 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
McFadyen Digital
SAP
Buy With Prime
Avery Dennison
4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
T-Mobile for Business
Salesforce
Amazon
Esri
Anaplan
Tuesday, January 16 Level 1 – Expo Stage 1
Level 1 – Expo Stage 2
Level 3 – Expo Stage 3
Level 3 – Expo Stage 4
Level 3 – Expo Stage 5
9:15 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Movista
NIQ
Appriss Retail
ACI Worldwide
Planalytics
10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Comcast Business
CI&T
AWS
Zipline
CDW
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Vertex
Yoobic
Lenovo
Nedap
Snowflake
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Microsoft
SCAYLE
Smart Sense by Digi
Impact Analytics
Invent Analytics
2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Nautical Commerce
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
BigCommerce
Adobe
Salesforce
2:45 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
ShiftSmart
Kount
Fluent Commerce
Amperity
Globant
Schedule is subject to change. Please see nrfbigshow.nrf.com/agenda for the most updated schedule.
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DIGITAL PREVIEW CONFERENCE SESSIONS
At Retail's Big Show, leading experts discuss essential topics, delivering insights and perspectives that can help you succeed. The three days of sessions are designed to both inspire and inform. Business topics include adding value to customers, creating unique offerings, revamping business operations in an ever-changing landscape, enhancing the talent experience, augmenting revenue models, and building more purpose in the world we live in today. Sessions have been broken down into five key areas of discussion, allowing retailers to stay informed about what matters in retail.
VALUE THAT MATTERS
Businesses are transforming their physical footprints to accommodate evolving markets, while retailers reimagine shopin-shops. Social media managers are becoming CMOs and understanding how to monetize communities like Discord through premium offerings. Sessions will explore how AI-enabled search and large language models will help transform shopping. Explore the dangers of prioritizing cost over people, find out how intentional onboarding and offboarding can save brands and learn how AI-enabled search and language models will change shopping.
PRODUCTS & EXPERIENCES THAT MATTER
Businesses are building unique offerings for their customers by throwing it back,
PHOTO: NRF
Conference Sessions Zero In on What Matters catering to Gen A's love of gaming, embracing the open-sourced gaming future, creating gender-neutral and malecentric makeup and fashion, and creating personalized at-home fitness and wellness products. These sessions will focus on how businesses are reaching consumers and will also touch on retailment and how the "cinematic universe" model is extending itself into every industry.
OPERATIONS THAT MATTER
Operations that matter will focus on how to revamp business operations in an ever-changing landscape through buzzword basics. These sessions will focus on AR products, SCaaS, human rightscentered supply chains, the emergence of autonomous vehicles and retail's role in an all-electric transportation future. Other hot topics include AI's augmentation of traditionally strategic jobs.
TALENT THAT MATTERS
A look at ways to improve the talent experience, including taking care of people, recruiting wisely, developing a culture of upskilling, analyzing the gig-ification of traditional full-time employment and debating whether or not a four-day work week is effective for corporations. Other topics centered around talent management include why encouraging side hustles
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is good for business, how to manage a generation that puts everything online and how to address generations across the workforce.
BUSINESS MODELS THAT MATTER
Understand how modern businesses are enhancing traditional strategies of generating money. This includes a look at how businesses — including brands, retailers and suppliers, as well as others — need to collaborate in order to establish a more sustainable economy, how to predict the future of secondhand markets, how to build a successful retail business network and more.
PURPOSE THAT MATTERS
Have conversations about building meaningful purpose in the world we operate. Topics include how circular business models can lower costs and drive profits, as well as uncover growth opportunities that tie sustainability and financial goals together. Understanding how ethical data collection is crucial, and AI training tools should represent the community. Join discussions on how workplace routines can help employees focus and how to embrace topics such as perimenopause, death and topics that are usually avoided. ILearn more: nrfbigshow.nrf.com/agenda
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
6 Big Brands You'll Hear From at Retail's Biggest Show
FROM FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY, BRANDS AND SPEAKERS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS AT NRF 2024: RETAIL'S BIG SHOW. By Juliana Saling Coordinator, Email Marketing NRF Retail's Big Show is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together the entire retail community to exchange ideas, explore new technologies and best practices and expand your network of industry leaders, solution providers and innovators. Here are some of the exciting names from consumers' favorite brands who will be sharing their insights and stories of how they are making it matter during NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show.
CROCS AND CLAIRE'S
Heidi Cooley, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Crocs, has helped the brand redefine its presence on a global stage, igniting a resurgence in brand relevance, consumer demand and shareholder value. She’ll discuss the importance of resilience and determination in the business world and her own story with Crocs. The theme of resilience continues with Kristin Patrick, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Claire's, as she joins Cooley for the conversation about their unique journeys of rebuilding and reinventing business strategies and brands for success in a new era of retail and consumer behavior.
PACSUN
Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson will share her live shopping expertise during a panel discussion with Fanatics Live SVP, Platform, Chris Lamontagne and Roku Senior Director of Ad Innovation Peter Hamilton. Hear Olson's insights into how Pacsun is approaching live shopping in the new year and insights into what’s to come for the future of retail in the rise of the digital shopping era.
SEPHORA
Sephora Vice President of Digital Marketing and Media Megan Black will join her peers on the Big Show stage to give attendees a deeper look into the ways retailers are capitalizing on new market opportunities from the rise of social commerce, social media and live commerce. With extensive experience expanding Sephora’s market and media reach, Black will offer insights into how the brand is already maximizing the potential of its omnichannel approach.
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THE VITAMIN SHOPPE AND L.L. BEAN
Join Andrew Laudato, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Vitamin Shoppe, and Kierston Van Soest, chief financial officer of L.L.Bean, for an exclusive session during the Supply Chain 360 Summit. Laudato and Van Soest will share their leadership expertise and illustrate the importance of team cohesion and relationship building across IT, supply chain and finance departments to ensure strong supply chains and high business performance. Attendees can also learn how The Vitamin Shoppe is harnessing data to stay connected with consumers from Chief Information Officer Scott Devlin and his retail peers during a featured session at Retail’s Big Show. With a bold lineup of changemakers and leaders, you'll find inspiration and insights on every stage at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show. Don't miss your chance to build meaningful connections and learn from some of the biggest names and brands in the retail industry.
DIGITAL PREVIEW SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
3 Questions for Sam's Club's Chief Growth Officer Diana Marshall By Sheryll Poe
Almost every aspect of the way we shop, sell and connect is evolving. With shifting spending patterns and unpredictable global events, consumers are reprioritizing everything from how they shop to how they experience life. For retailers, the question becomes: How can brands build lifelong relationships? "There's no doubt that consumer habits have shifted post-COVID, but for those who have been in retail for any length, behaviors have shifted over time consistently even before the pandemic," says Sam's Club's Diana Marshall. "At Sam's Club, we have to remain focused on listening to our members and serving them better daily. We monitor member expectations and behaviors closely with a focus on weekly Net Promotor Scores. Through this member-obsessed approach, we've been able to adjust and
adapt, leveraging both technology and convenience to improve our experience." Since becoming executive vice president and chief growth officer for Sam's Club in March, Marshall has helped the retailer stay ahead of changing consumer habits with member-obsessed, data-driven strategies. In a session at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Marshall will share how retailers can futureproof connections to consumers as they continue to reprioritize their lives. NRF contributing writer Sheryll Poe spoke with Marshall ahead of her NRF Big Show sessoin.
What milestones are you most proud of and what are you looking toward in the future? DM We've had a lot of big milestones recently, including hitting all-time highs in both Plus membership and member count, which is super exciting. On ecommerce, I'm most proud of how we are reducing friction in the warehouse club experience. We launched curbside pickup in 2020, delivery from club in 2022, and now we are fulfilling over 70% of our digital order units from the club. We're really excited as we think about how we differentiate through our omnichannel offerings, which are driving a significant portion of our growth. Another thing I'm proud of is our Sam's Club Member Access Platform, which is among the first — and possibly the only — retail media platform connecting search and sponsored product ads to offline sales. Finally, on financial services, Money magazine recently cited our Sam's Club Mastercard as the best for gasoline (for the second year in a row) as well the top warehouse club credit card in the grocery category. I'm super proud of the work the team has done on our value.
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As far as what I'm most looking forward to, it would have to be scaling personalization to create improved member engagement, which ultimately leads to renewal. How do you collect feedback from Sam�s Club members on the shopper experience, and how does that help develop and grow revenue streams? DM We are fortunate in that our members pay to shop with us, and we know the only way to keep them renewing their membership year after year is by listening and acting on their feedback. We look for feedback in multiple ways, both quantitative and qualitative. Methods include gathering NPS data, monitoring social media trends, doing fireside chats with our Happy Hosts and Member's Mark communities, and conducting regular surveys. What excites you most about the future of retail? DM The thing that excites me the most is that I get to work with an incredible team to create the future. I expect member and consumer behavior to continue to shift and our ability to move with speed to adapt will be critical. The pace at which technology and AI are advancing creates huge ways for us to innovate faster than ever and it’s so exciting that we get to be a part of it. But one thing you can count on is that we will remain member-obsessed in all the choices we make as we create the future. FOR SESSION INFO VISIT HERE.
Reimagining purpose to fuel growth: What shoppers are expecting from us and how to deliver TUESDAY | JANUARY 16 | 10:30 A.M.
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P ARTNE R WITH U S
DIGITAL PREVIEW SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
4 Questions for Rothy's COO and CFO Dayna Quanbeck
INSIGHTS ON MAINTAINING A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH MINDSET By Sheryll Poe As chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Rothy's Inc., Dayna Quanbeck is in a unique leadership position: She has to help scale and grow the sustainably made shoe and accessories brand while keeping an eye on maintaining financial responsibility. "I make a conscious effort to consider
both sides of our goals and incorporate financial and KPI metrics wherever possible. Sometimes you have to lean in where returns are uncertain," Quanbeck says. "Balancing those opportunities with mitigating risk is something I focus on." Right now, Rothy's is in full growth mode, with 18 bricks-and-mortar locations and plans to open another 10 in 2024. The former pure-play ecommerce brand is
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also expanding into international markets and has started shipping to 16 countries including Mexico, Canada and Australia. Quanbeck is part of the new guard of CFOs, a role that has increasingly become part of the forefront of business strategy. In a session at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show, Quanbeck and other top retail CFOs will share their growth insights and priorities for 2024 and beyond. NRF contributing writer
Sheryll Poe spoke with Quanbeck about her banking and finance background, scaling Rothy's while staying customer-focused, and what excites Quanbeck about the future of retail. You spent the first half of your career in banking before moving to financial leadership roles at Charlotte Russe and now, Rothy's. How and why did you transition into retail? DQ I've always had a strong passion for the consumer and retail space, and I furthered my interest in the industry while on Wall Street. While working in banking, I dedicated a significant amount of time to understanding my clients' business models and growth trajectories. However, once the IPO had priced or the acquisition was finalized, I moved on to the next transaction. Somewhere along the way, I began to crave a deeper understanding of how brands operate and scale from the ground up. It's been 10 years since I made the move, and I haven’t looked back!
Your background is in growing new business concepts and scaling companies globally. How do you make sure you keep Rothy's customer-focused and not salesdriven? DQ I learned a valuable lesson early in this industry: It's essential to love and celebrate your customer in everything you do, regardless of whether you’re personally one. Fortunately, I'm a huge fan of Rothy's, so I can bring personal experience to the table. Our business would be nothing without the customers we serve, and one of the things I am most proud of is our incredible customer community. I dedicate a significant amount of time to understanding how people shop by walking markets, visiting our retail stores to personally engage with our customers, and actively listening to their feedback. Our customer experience is always a top priority as we navigate new strategies, launch products and plan brand activations. When you focus on your customers, sales follow naturally. As a COO and CFO, you are in a very unique position of pursuing growth in a financially responsible way. How do you balance risk management and innovation to achieve business goals? DQ This is one of the most exciting aspects of my current role. As COO and CFO, my position presents a unique challenge of navigating growth while maintaining financial responsibility, striking a balance between risk management and fostering and nurturing a growth mindset. To strike this balance, I make a conscious effort to consider both sides of our goals, and incorporate financial and KPI metrics wherever possible. Sometimes you have to lean in where returns are uncertain; balancing those opportunities with mitigating risk is something I focus on. Like many CFOs, I'm also translating strategies into real-time numbers, continually running math in my head. At Rothy's, we're currently in the testing phase of various growth initiatives, which feels
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"As COO and CFO, my position presents a unique challenge of navigating growth while maintaining financial responsibility." like a happy middle ground for me. It involves searching for green shoots to derisk our investments, enabling us to test and learn without jeopardizing our capital or business. We lean in when the data supports it. This approach demands both agility and an interest in leveraging our data to learn. For us, it's paying off. What excites you most about the future of retail? DQ The retail industry is currently experiencing an exciting transformation, which is clearly evident from the revitalization of shopping centers (I'm sure many of us have experienced the challenges of finding parking on a busy Saturday!), to the exciting collaborations and partnerships taking place within the fashion industry. Additionally, the seamless integration of digital and in-person experiences, both online and in physical stores, is reshaping the retail landscape right before our eyes. It’s a thrilling time to be in retail, and I’m excited for AI and the next generation of technology to continue to push us all forward. Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes, so it's a win-win for me!
FOR SESSION INFO VISIT HERE.
Top retail CFOs share growth insights and priorities for ‘24 and beyond SUNDAY | JANUARY 14 | 11:20 A.M.
DIGITAL PREVIEW KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Keynote Speakers: Sunday, Jan. 14 This year's Big Show kicks off with industry leaders from Walmart U.S., Levi Strauss, Moët Hennessy and PepsiCo on the keynote stage. Addresses will cover many topics for retailers, including tech-enabled retail, brand power, strategic partnerships, sustainability and more.
NRF CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME: MAKING IT MATTER
8:15 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Walmart U.S. President and CEO and National Retail Federation Chairman John Furner will welcome attendees to the conference, provide a brief overview of the retail industry and explain why today's decisions matter. With a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Arkansas, John joined Walmart in 1993 as an hourly associate. He served in many roles including divisional merchandising manager, vice president of global sourcing, general merchandise manager, Walmart China marketing and merchandising head and Sam�s Club chief merchant.
DOUBLING DOWN ON RETAIL: HOW LEVI STRAUSS & CO. PRESIDENT MICHELLE GASS POSITIONS THE 170-YEAR-OLD ICON�S FUTURE
9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Levi Strauss & Co. President Michelle Gass brings leadership from Procter & Gamble, Starbucks and Kohl�s under retiring CEO Chip Bergh's thoughtful succession plan. For the first time since joining the 170-year-old iconic brand, Michelle will discuss how she plans to accelerate growth by sharpening current strategies to lean into the brand's power, become the denim lifestyle destination across all channels and fuel international diversification. Hear this visionary conversation with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
Schedules are subject to change. Please see nrfbigshow.nrf.com/agenda for the most current agenda.
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KEYNOTE SESSIONS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AROUND SUPPLY CHAIN EXCELLENCE: A CONVERSATION WITH FEDEX CEO RAJ SUBRAMANIAM
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre For 50 years, FedEx has supported the global economy with an unmatched network. Due to modern business and customer expectations, FedEx is becoming a digitally led transportation company. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam will speak about the company�s use of its size and expertise to smarten supply chains and improve visibility, decisioning and integrated capabilities across the customer journey. Get an inside look at FedEx's collaborative data ecosystem.
MAKING THE SHIFT TO CONSUMER OBSESSION: HOW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DELIVER VALUE IN A SHIFTING RETAIL LANDSCAPE 2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Retail and consumer brand organizations must constantly satisfy customers' changing tastes in a changing market. During this panel discussion, BJ's Wholesale CEO Bob Eddy and Mars Wrigley North America President Anton Vincent will explain how companies are responding to changing consumer demands. Building strong consumer brands and understanding consumer data are vital to top-line growth. Find Other Sunday out how strategic alliances can boost highlights: customer loyalty, profitability and sustainability.
CRAFTING LUXURY RETAIL EXPERIENCES: A CONVERSATION WITH MOËT HENNESSY CEO PHILIPPE SCHAUS
2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirit division of LVMH, consists of 26 Maisons, many of which have been around for centuries, while others are just starting out. Creating exceptional luxury experiences to engage consumers with its brands is the company's specialty. Moët Hennessy CEO Philippe Schaus discusses the retail strategy and the role that retailers play in consumer engagement. His presentation will focus on the company�s consumer journey and key learnings.
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A CANDID DISCUSSION ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND PRINCIPLED RETAILING 3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre This session will feature Michael Jeschke, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Steven Williams, CEO, PepsiCo Foods North America.
DIGITAL PREVIEW KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Keynote Speakers: Monday, Jan. 15 NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will get the keynotes started on day 2 by delving into how he has partnered with major brands to drive economic development. The day will also deliver keynotes covering such important topics as business acumen and ingenuity, customer-first approaches and the impact of the global economy on retail.
FROM WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO CHAMPIONING BUSINESS: HOW EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON BUILT SUCCESS FROM THE GROUND UP
8:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Earvin "Magic" Johnson, an NBA Hall of Famer and member of the original Dream Team, has become one of the most powerful and respected African American businessmen and philanthropists in the world. As Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he provides high-quality products and services focusing on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Magic has co-owned several sports teams, including the NFL's Washington Commanders and Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club. He has partnered with major brands to drive economic development in densely populated urban areas.
THE VISIONARY 2024: DICK'S SPORTING GOODS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ED STACK IN CONVERSATION WITH NRF PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW SHAY
9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre DICK'S Sporting Goods Executive Chairman Ed Stack has led the company through decades of exceptional success with business acumen and ingenuity. His narrative shows how retail's opportunity and influence are unmatched. Ed has maintained his convictions and commitment to change. He will share how he led the largest omnichannel sporting goods retailer in the U.S. from two stores in upstate New York that opened in 1948 to a multi-brand Fortune 500 company. DICK's goal is to inspire, assist and equip athletes to achieve their dreams. Schedules are subject to change. Please see nrfbigshow.nrf.com/agenda for the most current agenda.
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KEYNOTE SESSIONS
BEAUTY REDEFINED: HOW ULTA BEAUTY IS SHAPING HOW THE WORLD SEES BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUT
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre There is more to beauty and cosmetics than what people wear. Today, it can influence consumer behavior, promote innovation, build communities and foster growth while encouraging true self-expression and well-being. CNBC's Melissa Repko and Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell will discuss how the nation's largest beauty retailer has built its unique company culture by putting people first. As human connection serves as its north star, the company shapes and reshapes its products, services and experiences meaningfully, and it focuses on its vision, mission and values to create an inclusive culture.
ELEVATING ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE: A CONVERSATION WITH UNDER ARMOUR'S CEO STEPHANIE LINNARTZ
3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre We talk with Stephanie Linnartz, CEO of Under Armour, a brand synonymous with athletic excellence. With Under Armour's high-performance sportswear and elevated sportstyle, as well as cutting-edge technology, Stephanie will share how it caters to the diverse world of athletes by putting athletes first. Discover how the company fosters high lifetime value (LTV) customers and pushes performance boundaries by building longlasting customer relationships.
Other Monday highlights: RETAIL DISRUPTORS: A CONVERSATION WITH SHOPIFY PRESIDENT HARLEY FINKELSTEIN, FOUNDER AND CHIEF BRAND OFFICER OF BÉIS TRAVEL SHAY MITCHELL, AND GLOSSIER CEO KYLE LEAHY 2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre This session will feature Harley Finkelstein, President, Shopify; Kyle Leahy, CEO, Glossier; and Shay Mitchell, Founder and Chief Brand Officer, BÉIS Travel.
MACRO VIEW: STATE OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE RETAIL INDUSTRY 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
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DIGITAL PREVIEW KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Keynote Speakers: Tuesday, Jan. 16 The final day of the conference will focus on trust and purpose, leadership, and customer relationships.
VALUING THE INTANGIBLE: A CONVERSATION ON TRUST, PURPOSE AND CULTURE WITH TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY PRESIDENT AND CEO HAL LAWTON
8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Explore the art of maintaining corporate values in a high-growth environment with Tractor Supply Co. CEO Hal Lawton and PwC partner Kelly Pedersen. This insightful discussion will examine the opportunities and challenges Tractor Supply has faced in maintaining its unique company culture amid unprecedented growth, along with exploring trust as a corporate asset, purpose and how culture can impact a company's success and growth prospects. Learn how this 85-year-old retailer stays true to its purpose, mission and values while prioritizing growth investments, addressing associated risk and avoiding outgrowing its culture.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE: A CONVERSATION WITH SAKS CEO MARC METRICK
9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre CNBC Senior Retail Reporter Courtney Reagan talks with Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks, about the company's strategy to evolve luxury shopping for today's online luxury shoppers. Mark will discuss Saks' efforts to build lasting and meaningful customer relationships with a focus on high lifetime value (LTV) customers and servicing the full spectrum of luxury consumers. Also discussed will be embracing innovation and the power of AI and data-driven personalization.
Schedules are subject to change. Please see nrfbigshow.nrf.com/agenda for the most current agenda.
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KEYNOTE SESSIONS CULTIVATING A THRIVING WORKPLACE AND PURPOSE-LED COMPANY CULTURE WITH THRIVE GLOBAL, SIGNET JEWELERS AND THE HONEST COMPANY
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre In the fast-paced world of business, it is valuable to learn from those who have achieved great success. Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global and founder of The Huffington Post, will be joined on stage by Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos and The Honest Company CEO Carla Vernón to discuss building a foundation of well-being as a leader of an organization and creating a culture for anyone to thrive in the workplace.
Other Tuesday highlights:
FROM WILD INSPIRATION TO BEAUTIFUL CREATION: DREW BARRYMORE AND MADE BY GATHER CEO SHAE HONG TALK PRODUCT INNOVATION AND ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
MARKET MAKERS PART I: LESSONS LEARNED FROM TOP LEADERS IMPACTING RETAIL FEATURING MARTHA STEWART
2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Beautiful, launched in March 2021, combines elegant design, contemporary colors and modern silhouettes for high-performance appliances and cookware that look beautiful in everyone’s kitchen. Beautiful was co-founded by actor, host and producer Drew Barrymore and Made by Gather founder and CEO Shae Hong with the intention of offering innovative, purposeful and affordable products that bring people together. Drawing on Drew’s inspiration, a keen eye for design, and hands-on collaboration, the duo will share how they leverage the intersection of innovation and premium design in all that they produce — with a mission of fostering human connection in the kitchen and home. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation as NRF closes out another astonishing event with two of the most creative minds in the industry!
1:15 p.m.–1:40 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre Part one of this three-part fireside chat series starts with businesswoman, author and Emmy Award-Winning TV host Martha Stewart.
MARKET MAKERS PART II: LESSONS LEARNED FROM TOP LEADERS IMPACTING RETAIL WITH CHEWY CEO SUMIT SINGH 1:40 p.m.–2:05 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre The second session of this fireside chat series will feature Chewy CEO Sumit Singh.
MARKET MAKERS PART III: LESSONS LEARNED FROM TOP LEADERS IMPACTING RETAIL FEATURING BARNES & NOBLE CEO JAMES DAUNT 2:05 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre This fireside chat series concludes with Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt.
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DIGITAL PREVIEW EXPO TOURS
Get to Know the Big Show – Expo Tours Visit companies recognized for providing innovative retail solutions during topicspecific Expo Tours. Each tour is a curated two-hour walking tour led by experts and features exhibitors on the cutting edge of technology, allowing for maximum networking. Tour topics and information • Connecting The Customer Journey This tour focuses on achieving operational excellence in key pillars of retail: hiring, employee training, optimizing store operations, seamless checkout, task management and customer loyalty. • Future Tech - This tour showcases cutting-edge digital and in-store technology, including advanced RFID, live-streaming, predictive commerce, smarter supply chains, sustainability,
metaverse, holograms, conversational commerce, smart shopping mirrors and the latest in digital signage. Visit companies that focus on technologies adapted to consumers and review the importance of these applications for the future of retail. • Intelligent Retail: Innovation, Ecommerce & Best Practices - Enabling intelligent physical retail with sustainable, smart stores is the key to success with shoppers today. Connected commerce integrates in-store and online to allow customers a seamless shopping experience. This tour focuses on technologies enabling intelligent physical retail with sustainable, smart stores; and how in-store advertising drives in-store customer loyalty programs. • The AI Retail Playbook - This tour focuses on market-leading technologies in
customer management, including utilizing AI for personalization, operations, training and talent development, seamless integration of the physical and digital customer journey, and utilizing ChatGPT. • Achieving Operational Excellence - This tour focuses on using a combination of technology and best practices to achieve operational excellence. You will meet companies with the latest technology used to maximize operations from the front end to the back end. Expo Tours start daily at 10 a.m. Expo Tours are available in the "Add-on Experiences" section of Registration and are for retailers only. Your ticket includes access to the Exclusive Meet-up for tour participants on Monday, Jan. 15, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Tour cost: $150
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
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NYC RETAIL STORE EXPERIENCES
Tiffany & Co. Store
10 Can't-miss New York City Retail Experiences
TOP RETAILERS TO VISIT DURING NRF 2024: RETAIL'S BIG SHOW NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show offers a chance to visit some of New York's cutting-edge stores. "New York is the epicenter of retail innovation, with 85% of the world's design talent located in the city," says Daniel Hodges, CEO of Retail Store Tours. This year retail store tours are offered on four days of the event; the entire program covers over 250 unique stores. "The idea for our store tours came from attendees of the Big Show who said, "Get us out to see the stores of New York City," Hodges says. "What makes the store tours unique is that the content and focus of the tours are created each year based on feedback from retailers around the world." The company also offers both retail and innovation tours in New York City and over
50 markets around the world. Hodges uses eight factors to evaluate stores: the human touch, the use of technology, store design, brand story, employee training, change management, unique value proposition and shopper safety. Here are Hodges' top 10 retail experiences in the New York City area.
TIFFANY & CO.
727 Fifth Avenue In April 2023, Tiffany & Co. unveiled its newly redesigned New York Fifth Avenue flagship store, created by architect Peter Marino. Upon entering the new store, you are immediately immersed in an expansive main floor of jewelry cases illuminated
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by an innovative take on a skylight. The ceiling installation spans nearly the room’s length and is composed of an abstraction of facets. Its unique design is a tribute to Tiffany's heritage and authority as the purveyor of the world's finest diamonds.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
611 Fifth Avenue Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store on Fifth Avenue has been enticing customers since 1924. Driven by a mission to help customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style, Saks delivers one-of-a-kind shopping experiences with an expertly curated assortment of fashion as well as highly personalized customer service. The store debuted a 40,000-square-foot men’s
DIGITAL PREVIEW NYC RETAIL STORES floor in early 2023 featuring 19 new shop-inshops. It ranks highly for the personal touch, employee training, store design and unique value proposition.
ANNIE'S BLUE RIBBON GENERAL STORE
232 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store is an authentic brand with a passion for excellence and has been a Brooklyn staple since it first opened 16 years ago. Annie's serves the local community as well as customers all over the country with a robust online presence. Taking the concept of the old-school general store and modernizing it for city living, the shop has something for everyone. Annie's hosts a refill station for sustainable cleaning products (cutting down on extra waste) and leans in hard for all the holidays. The store design, merchandising and knowledgeable staff make shopping at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store both a joy and adventure.
AMERICAN DREAM
The store's design is influenced by New York and Florence, two key cities in the House’s 102-year history. Diverse elements of the interior design speak to Gucci's ongoing commitment to embed sustainability throughout its retail network.
MERCADO LITTLE SPAIN
10 Hudson Yards Little Spain transports you to the best dining experiences in Spain, offering the very best of Spanish food, drinks and culture from world-famous chef José Andrés and the Adrià brothers. Spanish mercados — farm stands, food stalls, bars and grocery stores all under one roof — are a cornerstone of neighborhoods and cities throughout the country. The Mercado (or Market) area of Mercado Little Spain is its very heart — a bustling area inspired by the many historic market halls throughout Spain. You'll find food kiosks serving every type of Spanish delicacy, both sweet and savory, to enjoy there or to take away, as well as two bars, a coffee shop and full-service restaurants Mar and Leña.
American Dream Way, East Rutherford, N.J. American Dream represents the future of retail experiences, including not only bestin-class luxury, fashion, beauty, electronics, sports, children's and technology stores, but also rides and attractions such as DreamWorks Waterpark and an indoor ski slope. Designed for Instagram and TikTok spots, American Dream is among the most technologically advanced shopping centers in world. Leading brands such as Hermès, Zara, Primark and many more have their flagship stores at American Dream.
GOOGLE STORE
GUCCI MEATPACKING
DIOR
400 W. 14th Street On the corner of W. 14th Street and Ninth Avenue in New York City's Meatpacking District, Gucci's latest boutique in New York spans two levels with over 9,000 square feet of retail space, and reflects the area's eclecticism, vibrancy and creative energy.
134 N. 6th Street, Brooklyn The Google Store Williamsburg is a neighborhood store, offering hands-on experiences with Google's products and services in an intimate setting that celebrates the unique neighborhood. The store � and Google itself — is focused on sustainability from product design to manufacturing and across supply chains, by creating products, services and processes that reuse materials and reduce Google's impact on the environment, and by collaborating with suppliers to create a safer, fairer supply chain.
20 Hudson Yards Christian Dior was the designer of fashion dreams. In the current retail environment, one way to make dreams come true is through store design and the human touch. The Dior store in Hudson Yards is a world-class example of the importance of
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Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Gucci Store
Dior Store
Wegman Store
lighting in setting a mood for elegance and engaging customers. The Hudson Yards Dior store offers a signature mix of fashion for women and men in a sophisticated environment it’s a unique and enlightening experience.
UNIQLO SOHO
546 Broadway A global brand with over 1,000 stores around the world, UNIQLO is redefining clothing with an unwavering focus on
quality and sustainability. UNIQLO exists to improve the lives of its customers and local communities by crafting clothing that lasts and is created under practices that prioritize people, planet and society. The flagship store honors the heritage of the building in which the store is located.
WEGMANS
770 Broadway At 87,500 square feet, the Astor Place Wegmans employs over 600 people, the
vast majority hired locally. The new store houses an array of pre-packaged and made-to-order restaurant foods, and the seafood department features fish delivered daily from ports across the country — and from the Toyosu Fish Market in Japan, flown in fresh several times a week. In addition, the store has committed over $87,000 to the local community through donations and event sponsorships in Manhattan over the last year as part of its mission to make a difference in every community it serves.
Additional Curated Tours
BROOKLYN: RETAIL REINVENTED
Beyond these suggested stops, Big Show attendees can take expert-led, highly curated and time-efficient walking tours of more than 200 notable stores in and around New York. These tours were created in partnership with Retail Store Tours (retailstoretours.com) and developed with extensive retail input. The tours allow participants to gain insights from subjectmatter experts, network with peers and stay ahead of industry trends. Programs are created with retailers and designed to deliver impactful, unique experiences for each location.
Well over a decade ago, an influx of artists, musicians and retrostyle bars made Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood trendy. Today, we find existing brands such as Apple and Alo Yoga in unique forms and formats. Come to Williamsburg to see new creative concepts, products and business models in retail, easily accessible from midtown Manhattan and the Javits Center.
FIFTH AVENUE: ICONIC RETAILERS
This tour of New York's iconic retailers on the famous Fifth Avenue offers insight into the latest innovations in store design and reveals the ideas, influencers and thought process behind their conception. The tour will visit iconic stores in the heart of the Midtown shopping district, highlighting store innovation, technology, store concepts, merchandising and how brands see sustainability.
HUDSON YARDS + GROCERY
One of the newest shopping facilities in New York City, Hudson Yards represents the best of what leading-edge retail has to offer. A vertical mall that is easy to navigate, it features everything from out-of-the-box mindfulness to participatory experiences to luxury brands reinventing themselves. Hudson Yards is on Manhattan’s West Side and a five-minute walk from the Javits Center.
American Dream at American Dream Way, East Rutherford, N.J.
AMERICAN DREAM: THE FUTURE OF RETAIL EXPERIENCE
SOHO: INNOVATION IN ACTION
American Dream redefines the customer experience in shopping and leisure with a unique combination of retail, dining, technology, entertainment and attractions. Called one of the seven wonders of the retail world, it features over 400 stores and attractions, just a short bus ride from the Javits Center. It is among the most technologically advanced shopping centers in the world, with one of the most advanced uses of digital signage technology.
Nowhere is the scale and diversity of retail more pronounced than in SoHo and NoHo, known worldwide for innovative artistry and artfulness. It is here that retail is unbound, spilling all over the streets in a kaleidoscope of forms. Side by side with iconic stores are avant-garde pop-ups that will not be around tomorrow. The randomness is inspirational, and it adds to the neighborhood’s excitement. See why these neighborhoods are where old stores come to reinvent themselves.
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DIGITAL PREVIEW WHAT'S NEXT
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300
DAYS
EXHIBITORS
5000+ ATTENDEES
11-13 June 2024 Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre Level 1, Singapore
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific, the highly anticipated trade exhibition jointly organized by the National Retail Federation and Comexposium, will take place June 11 to 13, 2024, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. With a 14,560-square-meter trade exhibition, the event is expected to draw thousands of retailers and business partners from across the region. The Asia-Pacific edition, which is an extension of the Big Show in New York, brings together leaders across the retail industry across the region to collaborate
at a Pan Asia Pacific stage. Retail professionals from around the globe can experience three days of educational programming, an all-encompassing Expo featuring the latest retail solutions, as well as an Innovation Lab and Startup Zone featuring breakthrough technologies in Asia Pacific's retail sector. "NRF is expanding the footprint of Retail's Big Show to Asia Pacific, one of the world�s fastest-growing markets," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific is an opportunity to feature innovations spanning the
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entire retail industry from the in-store experience, supply chain, loss prevention and asset protection to merchandising and immersive technologies." Retailer associations from across the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, are supporting this new event. The NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific will feature 300 exhibitors and attract more than 5,000 attendees. ILearn more: nrfbigshowapac.nrf.com