Saturday,
January 14
Another great option: register to attend RetailROI’s annual SuperSaturday event, where you’ll learn about the retailer-led nonprofit’s mission to support orphans and vulnerable children worldwide — and you’ll hear business insights from presenting retail leaders. Regardless of how you choose to spend the day, the night belongs to Times Square: Don’t miss the NRF 2023 Opening Party at the Marriott Marquis, starting at 6:00 pm. NRF welcomes attendees with a networking reception guaranteed to be equal parts fun and fortuitous, with opportunities to reconnect with favorite colleagues and meet new business partners.
Support the Retail Orphan Initiative
The Big Beginning in Times Square
8:00 am–2:00 pm
6:00–7:30 pm
Sunday,
January 15
Showtime! Sunday begins with John Furner, NRF chairman and Walmart U.S. president and CEO, welcoming NRF attendees in a live taping of his popular podcast, “The Huddle.” Attendees will hear his take on the state of the industry, and then chase it with a conversation with Macy’s CEO, Jeff Gennette. Throughout the day, alternate between informative sessions that share real-world examples of how retailers are turning challenges into opportunities, and time spent exploring the Expo floor. Recurring themes of automation, transformative technologies, recommerce, retailer sustainability, shopper personalization, digital twins, and tech tools that empower employees prevail across panels, presentations, and fireside chats. Set aside time to visit the 2023 NRF Innovation Lab where new technologies run the gamut from artificial intelligence (AI) to machine learning to augmented reality, blockchain, and robotics. Wind down the day at the Expo happy hour from 4:00–5:00 pm, or consider attending the retailer-only, invite-only CIO party, 5:30–7:30 pm. (To be added to the invite list, contact programs@NRF.com.)
The Walmart Welcoming Huddle
8:15–8:45 am
9:15–9:45 am
10:15–10:45 am
The C-level Perspective
Wakefern
Taps Computer Vision
Awakening via Virtual Visits
10:30–11:00 am
11:00–11:30 am
11:15–11:45 am
Scaling a Composable Commerce Strategy
LEGO Builds Retailtainment
Planet. People. Purpose.
11:15–11:45 am
11:45–12:15 pm
1:00–1:30 pm
A Digital Native Takes Main Street
Neiman Marcus Drives Personalization
Expanding the Adaptive Category
1:00–1:45 pm
2:00–2:30 pm
2:00–3:00 pm
Zumiez and Claire's: Next-Gen Readiness
Adopting Digital Twins
4:00–4:30 pm
How Home Depot Deployed a Network Refresh
Monday,
January 16
Adrenaline is still running high, but Monday is the midpoint when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the opportunity – and FOMO sets in big time. That’s where the RIS curated list of must-see sessions becomes most useful. Start the day with a Donut Dunk sugar rush (7:30–8:00 am), as you head over to hear from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, followed by Target CEO Brian Cornell and his panel of influential female executives. Then hear NRF’s 2023 Visionary Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO, talk with NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay about his vision for the future of retail (9:15–9:45 am). From the agenda outlined below, pick the sessions that speak to the problems you’re looking to solve or the potential you’re hoping to achieve — and in the windows of time you have open, take an organized walk through the Expo floor, checking out Level 1 in one block of time, Level 3 in another. Networking moments return with happy hour from 4:00–5:00 pm on the show floor, and there’s another chance for retailers to go on one of the two-hour retail tours Monday night, 6:00–8:00 pm.
A Conversation With Simone Biles
8:00–8:45 am
8:45–9:15 am
9:15–10:00 am
Target Talks Leadership
Workforce Management Impacts the Bottom Line
3:15–3:45 pm
Chobani on Recruiting Refugee Talent
Top-Down Resiliency and Flexibility
9:45–10:15 am
10:15–10:45 am
10:30–11:00 am
How AutoZone Stands Out
Authenticity Defines Recommerce
Elevating Field Leadership
11:00–11:30 am
11:00–11:30 am
11:15–11:45 am
SKU-Level Data Gets Smart
Deliveries by Drones
Walgreens Forecasts Around Disruptions
12:30–1:15 pm
2:15–3:00 pm
3:15–3:45 pm
Aligning the Corporate Mindset
Deep Dives Into Data
11:00–11:30 am
Obstacles as Opportunity
2:00–2:30 pm
Owning the Omnichannel Experience
Tuesday,
January 18
The final day opens with an early morning fireside chat, 8:00–8:45 am, with Anish Melwani, CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moët, Hennessy), the home to multiple luxury legacy brands. The theme of his conversation will circle around brand relevancy, and how cutting-edge technologies combine with centuries-old craftsmanship to resonate with consumers throughout generations. Technology that underscores the relevancy of retail brands is a theme throughout Big Show discussions, whether its data analytics to forecast SKU assortment based on changing weather patterns (9:15–9:45 am) or emerging brands like Hammitt leveraging social media platforms to attract customers (11:00–11:30 am). Additionally, NRF runs its special program — VC Startup Meetups — from 11:00 am–2:00 pm, where compelling startups from the Innovation Lab and Startup Zone are matched with investor candidates. Additional pre-registration is required to attend this special event. Plan your day to wrap final vendor visits before the Expo floor, Innovation Lab and Startup Zone close at 4:00 pm.
Brand Relevancy
8:00–8:45 am
9:15–9:45 am
9:15–9:45 am
Luxury Recommitted
Albertsons Forecasts Weather-Driven Fluctuations
People + Technology = Power at American Eagle
10:15–11:00 am
10:30–11:00 am
10:30–11:00 am
Macy’s VP Talks Beauty Technology
With Resale,
In-Store Trumps Online
Target Hits the Grocery Mark
11:15–11:45 am
11:15 am–11:45 pm
11:30–12:30 pm
Resale is Fashion’s Future
How Lululemon Harnesses RFID
Ahold Delhaize USA Flexes Its Supply Chain Muscle
1:00–1:45 pm
11:00–11:30 am
Leveraging Influencers to Attract New Customers
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NRF 2023
Opening Party
WHEN: 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
The NRF Big Show opens with a gala celebration at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Open to all conference registrants, this is the perfect time to reconnect with colleagues, make new friends, and toast cocktails with industry leaders.
RetailROI SuperSaturday
WHEN: 8:00 am–2:00 pm
The nonprofit RetailROI is hosting its 14th annual SuperSaturday during NRF Week. While the program is not an affiliate of the National Retail Federation, the synergy between the nonprofit organization and NRF presents an obvious opportunity for retailers to come together for a greater good. The retailer-led charity raises money to benefit children around the world, and — beginning in 2022 — 100% of RetailROI donations go directly to help orphans and vulnerable children. To learn more about the event, or register to attend SuperSaturday, visit www.retailroi.org/supersaturday.
Modernized Grocery: Computer Vision-Powered Frictionless Shopping and Automated Operations Featuring Wakefern
WHEN: 10:15–10:45 am
Retailer-owned cooperative Wakefern Food Corp., which operates 362 supermarkets in the eastern U.S. across multiple banners including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, and The Fresh Grocer, worked with Trigo to address checkout, in-store shopper engagement, and process automation. Charlie McWeeney, Wakefern vice president of technology, innovation and strategy, and Michael Gabay, Trigo CEO, detail how to retrofit stores for the future.
A Conversation With Macy’s Chairman and CEO Jeff Gennette
WHEN: 9:15-9:45 am
Coming out of a robust year of activity — Toys “R” Us opened inside most Macy’s stores in time for the holidays and Bloomingdale’s celebrated 150 years of retail relevancy — Jeff Gennette sits down with Bloomberg anchor Caroline Hyde for a candid conversation.
Break Through! NRF Chairman’s Welcome
and Opening Remarks and The Huddle With John Furner Live at NRF 2023
WHEN: 8:15–8:45 am
John Furner, chairman of the NRF board of directors and Walmart U.S. president and CEO, opens NRF 2023 with a discussion of retail leadership. It’s a unique opportunity for the audience to participate in a recorded episode of Furner’s video podcast, “The Huddle With John Furner,” while experiencing the insights of the leader of 1.5 million Walmart associates and 4,700 stores. He's joined by Dr. James Cash, The James E. Robison professor, and senior associate dean, Emeritus at Harvard Business School, who has been instrumental in laying the foundation for Walmart’s minimum wage increases.
Beyond Bricks: How
LEGO Blends Physical and Digital Experiences to Create Retailtainment
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
Martin Urrutia Islas has a fun job — he leads LEGO’s global retail experience and innovation team. But the playful job comes with serious overtones to continue building LEGO’s reputation as an innovative retailer. In this session, he’ll discuss how digital and physical engagement are being blended together to create a unified experience across every LEGO channel, effectively delivering retailtainment that measures up to the brand’s colorful 90-year history.
Composable Commerce Allows Chico’s to Deliver a Seamless Brand Experience
WHEN: 11:00–11:30 am
Consumers expect consistent experiences across every shopping channel. Working with Amazon Web Services, Chico’s quickly adapted to growing customer demands via the implementation of a composable commerce strategy. Chico’s CEO, Molly Langenstein, and chief digital officer, Jay Topper, share the best practices that enabled the fashion-forward brand to exceed expectations in every setting.
NYC’s Virtual Store Tour: The New Stores Shine With Innovation and Creativity
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
The most dramatic, innovative stores to open in the last year showcase compelling design trends, future-proofing technology, and fresh takes on retail excellence. Want to see what will define tomorrow’s most successful stores? The virtual tour is your fast track to the industry’s must-see newbies. Cassidy Beadle, retail client innovation director at Accenture, and Ron Singler, design director and principal at AI Interior Architects, guide attendees through the virtual viewing.
Purpose-Driven Retail: Chobani, Hollister and Nordstrom Share Their Stories
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
The conversation has changed: shareholders and profit margins are taking a back seat to stakeholders and social responsibility. And those stakeholders — investors, employees, and consumers — decide where to spend their money and their talent based on a retailer’s commitment to issues that make a difference. In this panel discussion, purpose-driven retailers share their actions and approaches to sustainability, human rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, and giving back.
Madison Reed:
How a Digital-First Business Found Brick-and-Mortar Success
WHEN: 11:45–12:15 pm
Technology paves the way to success in physical storefronts when a premium hair color retailer rolls out its intuitive “Matchmaker” touch-interactive displays. Madison Reed founder and CEO, Amy Errett, turned to digital display guru Paul Chapuis, CEO of OnQ Solutions, to design customer-friendly, in-store experiences. Together, they’ll describe how technology simplifies the selection process for consumers while emboldening the digital native’s retail expansion.
Neiman Marcus’s
Journey to Transform Luxury Retail and Personalization on AWS
WHEN: 1:00–1:30 pm
The journey to the cloud has revealed new insights for luxury icon Neiman Marcus. Learn from their experiences as CTO and senior VP, Vijay Karthik, and Sriram Vaidyanathan, VP of omni engineering and services, describe their key takeaways, accomplishments, and vision for the future of luxury retail. Spoiler alert: personalized customer experiences remain a defining element.
Building the Adaptive Category: From Inclusive Intent to Action, a Session by Mindy Sheier and Panel With Leading Retail Brands Sharing Insights Into the Adaptive Go-To-Market Journey
WHEN: 1:00–1:45 pm
The founder of Runway of Dreams hosts a panel discussion of retailers and apparel manufacturers that are leading a fashion-forward movement to grow the adaptive category for people with disabilities. Chief diversity and inclusion officers from Kohl’s and Victoria’s Secret are joined by senior execs from adidas Accessories and BILLY Footwear, as well as people with disabilities who will share their stories on the importance of adaptive fashion.
Versed on the Metaverse: How Can Brands Participate in the Next Frontier of Digital Experiences?
WHEN: 1:15–1:45 pm
Adventuring forward or left behind, which will it be? Learn why brands like Tommy Hilfiger and NARS Cosmetics are investing in virtual stores and building immersive consumer experiences on the Roblox platform. It’s a futuristic virtual play that expands a retailer’s community and creates very real connections to elevate brand positioning beyond the norm.
The Great Reshuffle: Building and Sustaining a Dynamic Frontline Workforce
WHEN: 1:15–1:45 pm
Recruiting, training and retaining store associates is a challenge with no end in sight — but there are tools and tactics for growing and empowering frontline workers. Employees that feel empowered and valued are more inclined to stay, and they’re more invested in providing relationship-building customer service. Learn from Nordstrom’s senior director of styling, Jessica Cloutier and Marie Ford, VP customer experience and front store innovation, CVS Health, on how they are building dynamic teams.
Young-Gen: Paradoxes and Parallels
WHEN: 2:00–2:30 pm
Understanding and addressing next-gen priorities are essential for retailers looking to build their customer base and workforce into the future. Since 1974, Claire’s has focused on the preferences of emerging generations. If you want to learn how to grow with Gen Z and Gen A, join Claire's EVP and CMO Kristin Patrick and Zumiez CEO Rick Brooks in this must-see session.
Vera Bradley’s Modern Store Experience Lifts Productivity, Engages Associates and Meets Customer Demand
WHEN: 9:15–10:00 am
Hear the business rationale for onboarding new technologies from Vera Bradley’s chief revenue officer, Mary Beth Trypus, and VP of stores, Kelly Brown. They join the head of customer success at Zebra Technologies, Sara Lauer, to discuss how recent deployments have positioned stores to optimize labor scheduling and deliver exceptional customer service.
The Future of Retail Leadership: Target CEO Brian Cornell in Conversation With Top Female Leaders
WHEN: 8:45–9:15 am
Executive boards and corporate leaders are embracing diversity and inclusion across all communities and Target is hitting the mark with women in leadership. CEO Brian Cornell assembles several of the team’s female executives to share lessons learned and bold strategies for the future.
Power. Perseverance. Passion – A Conversation With Decorated Athlete and Advocate Simone Biles
WHEN: 8:00–8:45 am
The first woman to capture five All-Around World Championship titles, Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history – male or female – with 25 medals overall and is a seven-time Olympic medalist. Kicking off Monday's program, the gymnast will discuss embracing empowerment and teamwork.
Racing Into Resale: Recommerce Is the Future for Luxury but Its Authenticity Is Key
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
NRF reports the resale market has grown 11 times faster than traditional retailing, but sourcing authentic merchandise from credible vendors is the challenge. Enter LePrix wholesale market, which counters NRF’s prediction with a long-range view of its own: After growing 15% in 2022, LePrix says resale will grow 16 times faster than traditional retail by 2026. Learn how Saks Off 5th and Fashionphile are solving the resale sourcing conundrum.
Delivery as a
Strategic Differentiator - AutoZone’s Success Story
WHEN: 10:15–10:45 am
In Bringg’s 2022 report on the retail industry’s fulfillment and delivery benchmarks, 35% of the retailers surveyed were providing same-day delivery services — by 2025, 99% of those retailers said they’ll have same-day delivery. AutoZone is driving ahead in the race to deliver. Hear how from AutoZone’s Michelle Borninkhof, SVP IT and CIO, customer satisfaction.
A Conversation With Kroger Companies CEO Rodney McMullen
WHEN: 9:45–10:15 am
Halfway through this fiscal year, Kroger was riding the wave of its “Fresh” campaign and accelerated digital strategy, tallying a 2Q year-over-year sales increase of 5.2% and a growth in delivery sales of 34%. Whether it’s additional customer fulfillment centers, the milestones reported in its 2022 ESG Report, or the growing number of EV charging stations (topping 350 locations) — McMullen has measurable accomplishments to share when he joins NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay for this discussion.
Turning Disruption
Into Opportunity: Global Retailers Weigh In
WHEN: 11:00–11:30 am
Who would have thought pandemic pivots were just a prelude to the ongoing disruptive forces retailers are having to conquer? Labor shortages, supply chain standstills, inventory overhang, escalating inflation, ESG compliance – the list isn’t getting shorter or simpler. Retail CIOs from Designer Brands, Harry Rosen, and Careismatic Brands discuss how they’ve leveraged technology to adapt to evolving trends and consumer needs, while still maximizing revenue and growing their business.
Field Leadership Excellence Drives Results
WHEN: 11:00–11:30 am
Want to equip district, regional and zone managers to save time, manage frontline associates and achieve goals? At this session featuring Matthew Broel, store operations support for Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, you’ll learn how the retailers accomplished these milestones utilizing cloud-based tools from Opterus.
Salesforce and Aldi: Modernizing Store Intelligence That Drives Productivity and Revenue
WHEN: 11:00–11:30 am
Aldi store-level associates are outfitted with mobile-friendly, data-rich analytics that showcase the SKU-specific information they need as soon as they need it. Derek Russo, Aldi’s director of finance and administration, will explain how they’ve equipped their employees to make smarter decisions as quickly as the consumer makes a request.
But Will it Fly? The Lowdown on Drones
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
Wilbur and Orville would be so excited! Learn how the world’s largest retailers, Walmart and China’s JD.com, are helping last-mile delivery take off with drone deliveries. Moderating the conversation is Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research, which has long advocated that autonomous last-mile fulfillment is a fundamental go-forward strategy for retail portfolios.
Walgreens Transforming for Current and Future Needs With AI Demand Forecasting and Planning
WHEN: 12:30–1:15 pm
Life happens. And it’s not only supply chain disruptions and global pandemics — climate change, geopolitical events and societal drama can all impact inventory flow and product availability. Join Andy Kettlewell, Walgreens group VP of inventory and analytics, and Sivakumar Lakshmanan, CEO of Antuit.ai, to learn how retailers can transform forecasting capabilities by leveraging AI and external data to inform business decisions.
The Intersection of Innovation and Intention: Shaping the Next Store Experience
WHEN: 2:00–2:30 pm
Kevin O’Riordan, Wayfair’s CTO of physical retail, was brought on in 2021 to build a best-in-class omnichannel experience in their brick-and-mortar storefronts (something he achieved in his former role at Walmart). With $12.4 billion in annual revenue and 17,000 employees, Wayfair is a global leader that earned the No. 4 spot on the NRF 2021 list of fastest-growing retailers. Learn from Wayfair how the AllModern stores are deploying technology to shape the in-store experience.
Organizing for Growth: How The Container Store Aligns Employees Behind its Vision
WHEN: 2:15–3:00 pm
As he concludes year two at the helm of The Container Store, Satish Malhotra, CEO and president, doubles down on his goals to push sales to $2 billion by 2027 (fiscal 2021 came in at a record $1.1 billion) and open 76 stores in the same period. A small-format store opened last fall, and a second is slated for this winter. Hear how he’s aligning associates to achieve the mission.
The Data Game:
How to Win at Personalization With Dick’s Sporting Goods
WHEN: 3:15–3:45 pm
One size certainly doesn’t fit all the shoppers at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but the sporting goods retailer has the right game plan. In late November, Dick’s reported 3Q sales were up 6.5% year-over-year. Cumulatively, it’s a big bump: Sales were up almost 13% 3Q 2021, 23% 3Q 2020, and 6% 3Q 2019. Shawn Wilkinson, e-commerce program manager for personalization, shares Dick’s data-driven customer-centric program.
The Win-Win of Embracing Refugee Talent in Business: A Conversation With Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and Founder of Chobani and Founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees
WHEN: 3:15–3:45 pm
Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya started Tent Partnership for Refugees in 2016. Today, with labor shortages crippling retail operations and world events driving a surge in global refugees, the relevancy of recruiting refugee talent is magnified. It’s not just the right thing to do for people, it’s the smart thing to do for business. If growing a productive workforce is an objective, don’t miss this conversation with Chobani’s CEO.
Bringing Innovation to Multi-Centennial Brands: A Conversation With LVMH Inc. Chairman and CEO Anish Melwani
WHEN: 8:00–8:45 am
Historic luxury brands Louis Vuitton, Moët, and Hennessy continue to resonate across generations. Anish Melwani will discuss how innovative technologies keep the business moving forward, even as the products stay firmly ensconced in their reputable heritage and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Revolutionizing Luxury Experiences: A Conversation With Neiman Marcus Group CEO, Geoffroy van Raemdonck
WHEN: 9:15–9:45 am
Expect to hear CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck address Neiman’s successful performance across physical stores and online platforms, including the company’s integrated luxury retail approach, curation assortment, and sales-assisted model piloted by relationships, in this fireside chat.
Nailing Demand Forecasts: From Machine Learning to Replenishment and Everything in Between
WHEN: 9:15–9:45 am
Volatile weather affects consumer purchases and retail sales. Retailers need quantifiable analytics to adjust planning, allocation, and replenishment. Hear from Albertsons’ senior director, demand planning/retail support, Tyler Scott; H-E-B’s VP of inventory management Ross Giambalvo; and Jeremy Elster, data science manager, Chipotle Mexican Grill, on how these retailers are using weather-driven demand analytics to keep customers happy.
Winning With Culture: How People Power AEO Inc.’s Legendary Brands
WHEN: 10:15–11:00 am
AEO delivers timely and actionable communications to keep associates on brand and aligned with ever-evolving consumer demand. Marc Lambo, VP of store operations at American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie, leads associate experience, communication, store technology and innovation across the enterprise. Attend his presentation to learn how AEO has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s leading employers.
Beauty’s Blush With Technology
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are transforming the consumer shopping experience, and beauty retailers are leading the way. Learn how the technology in play today is just the beginning from Nicolette Bosco, VP, divisional business manager for beauty, Macy's; Ophelia Ceradini, VP, digital technology and innovation, The Estée Lauder Companies; and Kelly Kovack, founder and CEO of BeautyMatter.
Can Resale Increase Foot Traffic in Stores?
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
IKEA’s chief commercial officer, Christian Kampe, brings compelling arguments for why resale is better conducted in-store rather than online. He’s joined in the discussion by Lee Peterson, executive VP, thought leadership and marketing, at WD Partners. They bring insightful first-hand experience and exclusive research to back the logical assumptions that consumers may want to touch resale merchandise before they buy, and in-store reduces logistics costs.
Executing a Successful Resale Model: People, Approach, Functions, Marketing and Scale
WHEN: 11:15 am–11:45 pm
Trying to wrap your head around why retailers are reselling gently used merchandise? It’s good for the planet (reduces waste), good for profitability, and good for attracting new people to the brand. The downside: It can be difficult to determine how to structure the resale business model. This panel discussion will enlighten you to how Madewell and M.M.LaFleur are making it work.
No Future in Retail Without RFID: How Lululemon Uses RFID to Create Inventory Visibility
WHEN: 11:30–12:30
RFID is the simple solution to retail’s biggest problem: How to keep product available when and where customers want it. That means visibility to inventory across every leg of the sourcing, distribution, and fulfillment cycle. Utilizing Nedap’s visionary retail solutions, Lululemon is managing omnichannel success — and it’s on track to double sales from $6.25 billion in 2021 to $12.5 billion in 2026.
Delivering for the Omnichannel Customer With Agility and Precision
WHEN: 1:00–1:45 pm
Everything you want to ask of supply chain professionals could be addressed by the ADUSA execs in this session: Peter Anthony, VP supply chain services; Candace Davis, manager, demand systems; and Jason Thomas, director, demand services, discuss how Ahold Delhaize delivers precision across its omnichannel portfolio. They’re joined by Mikko Kärkkäinen, CEO of Relex Solutions, who brings decades of expertise plus a PhD in supply chain management.
Catering to Today’s Grocery Customer
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
Winning the grocery war means addressing the appetites of discerning shoppers who want premium selection, expanded offerings, and affordable private label products that stand tall beside name-brand icons. How does this happen? With fulfillment strategies that don’t falter, and technology prioritized to be the cornerstone of retail infrastructure. Rick Gomez, executive VP and chief food and beverage officer, shares how Target is hitting the mark, alongside Kristen Riggs, SVP, chief growth officer, The Hershey Company.
Navigating Digital Platforms for Retail Success
WHEN: 11:00–11:30 am
Luxury is a lifestyle according to Hammitt, creator of premium handbags sold online, across a handful of Hammitt’s flagship stores, and nationwide in Dillard’s and premium boutiques. How does the designer bag new customers? By embracing influencer and social media commentary. Hammitt founder, Tony Drockton, joins marketing guru Cory Baker, co-founder of brand management agency Marquee, to share how accessible-to-all platforms are leveraged to benefit growing retailers.
Friday,
January 13
Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Awards
6:00–10:00 pm
VIP Awards: A Pre-Conference Celebration at Gotham Hall
Before the official start of the show, Friday the 13th will be a lucky day for retailers and solution providers honored at the annual Vendors in Partnership (VIP) celebration and dinner. The awards recognize companies that are working to better the retail ecosystem and make meaningful progress to create stronger partnerships. Separate ticket required. Purchase tickets HERE.
Opening
Stores in the Metaverse
1:15–1:45 pm
1:15–1:45 pm
Nordstrom and CVS Empower Employees
Digital twins at Lowe’s: Unlocking the ‘Phygital’ World’s New Superpower
WHEN: 2:00–3:00 pm
Scott Brubaker, NVIDIA director, enterprise sales retail, CPG and QSR, leads a discussion with Andrew Laudato, EVP & COO, The Vitamin Shoppe; Mason Sheffield, Sr. director of creative technology, Lowe’s Innovation Labs, Lowe's Inc.; and Sasha Koff of Dell Technologies. Learn how the industry has harnessed the superpowers of the “phygital” world to deliver optimal performance from the supply chain to the checkout counter.
Delivering an Interconnected Retail Experience Through a Network Refresh with The Home Depot
WHEN: 4:00–4:30 pm
Enabling a satisfying customer experience requires retail associates to be equipped with powerful technology — but it starts with effective deployment across the retail enterprise. At Home Depot, that meant a network refresh across more than 2,300 stores. Join Coleen Matsuo, technology, Sr. director of The Home Depot, to learn how the retailer is blending digital and physical spaces to improve how customers research, design, and purchase materials for home improvement.
This is the perfect day to experience retail innovation in action, and there’s no better way to kick off retail’s biggest event than with a tour of New York’s exceptional stores and shopping districts. Retailers can select from four expert-led tours, held 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and enjoy the wonder of riveting new store designs and cutting-edge customer service. The American Dream tour reveals the latest in retail, dining, technology, and entertainment. It’s a four-hour commitment with more than 400 stores located in one of the most technologically advanced shopping centers in the world. The other tours, each lasting two hours, include trend-setting Brooklyn/Williamsburg, with a distinctly retro vibe; the vertical retailing masterpiece Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s newest retail landmark; and artsy SoHo + NoHo, where visionary avant-garde marries with strategic reinvention.
1:00–1:30 pm
Adopting Bold Sustainability Initiatives
FOR MORE FROM RIS
Placing Sustainability
at the Heart of Retail —
A Conversation With Holt Renfrew’s President and CEO, Sebastian Picardo
WHEN: 1:00–1:30 pm
In 2021, Holt Renfrew announced bold sustainability initiatives. In this fireside chat, the CEO of Canada’s landmark lifestyle retailer and Matt Laukaitis, executive VP and GM of SAP consumer industries, discuss sustainability and the need for science-based targets, tracking and transparent corporate reporting. Among Holt’s targets: Reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 65% by 2030. Similarly, reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 28% in that timeframe.
3:00–3:30 pm
The Technology Balancing Act
1:00–1:45 pm
What’s Up With Web3?
1:15–1:45 pm
2:00–2:30 pm
C-level Assessment of Advanced Analytics
The High Cost of Free Returns
Leveraging New Technologies to Drive Customer Engagement and Loyalty
WHEN: 1:00–1:45 pm
Web3 could be described as the inevitable evolution of the internet, but like most evolutions, it may be easier understood in hindsight. Early indicators suggest it brings increased functionality, integration of blockchain technologies, and — for cryptocurrency enthusiasts — token-based economies. Albertsons and Visa explore the emerging paradigm that suggests changes — some compelling, some confusing — are on the horizon.
Creating a Data-Driven Culture of Innovation at Woolworths Group
WHEN: 1:15–1:45 pm
From the corner office at Woolworths Group comes the lowdown on technology’s role in how they came out of the pandemic, natural disasters, and supply chain upheavals with the business not only intact, but assertively positioned for a promising future. CEO Brad Banducci and chief analytics officer Amitabh Mall of the Woolworths Group join Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research, to discuss the influence of data management and advanced analytics on corporate culture and their commitment to a purpose-driven business model.
Returns Reckoning: Is the Free Ride Over?
WHEN: 2:00–2:30 pm
Reverse logistics is a broken business model: In 2020, shoppers returned $100 billion worth of online purchases; in 2021 that number more than doubled, clogging the returns process with $218 billion in product moving back through an already disrupted supply chain. Retailers are scrambling to rethink policies like free returns and extended acceptance dates. Executives from Crate & Barrel and Levi Strauss join Sucharita Kodali of Forrester Research to address these challenges.
Building the Foundation
for Superior Customer Experiences: How Retailers can Capitalize on Customer- and Associate-Focused Innovation
WHEN: 3:00–3:30 pm
In a world where innovation is the watchword and technology deployments rule the day, the CEOs of Express and Pilot Company/Flying J take the stage to talk about the need to focus on fundamental business imperatives, meeting customer needs, and making decisions that achieve the best outcomes. NCR’s executive VP, president and GM of global retail weighs in with his vision for the industry and how best to leverage technology.
