Saturday,
January 15
While the event officially kicks off Sunday, there are a few things to be sure not to miss on Saturday the 15th. Guided retail store tours take place between 10:00 am-12:00 pm and 2:00-4:00 pm, providing curated walking tours of cutting-edge retail spaces. Retail executives are invited to see firsthand how the showcased retailers are using technology to enhance the customer experience. Later that evening, you won’t want to miss The Big Show’s opening party at 6:00 pm. The National Retail Federation (NRF) greets attendees with drinks and hors d'oeuvres during this welcome party in the River Pavilion at the Javits. The event presents your first chance of many to see old friends and colleagues and make new contacts across the industry. Meanwhile, The Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Awards take place with dinner at Gotham Hall. This industry celebration of the partnership between retailers and solution providers recognizes the solutions and companies working toward meaningful change to create better partnerships. Additionally, celebrating its 13th year, SuperSaturday takes place on this day. This fast paced event gets you completely up to date on the latest data and trends in the retail industry before you hit the show floor. As always, retailers are free and all the proceeds from the vendor sponsorships go to help the Retail Orphan Initiative.
Cocktail Time
Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Awards
Supporting RetailROI
6:00–7:30 pm
6:00–10:00 pm
7:30 am–2:00 pm
Sunday,
January 16
The show officially kicks into high gear on Sunday, beginning with opening remarks from Mike George, NRF chairman and president/CEO of Qurate Retail, and then diving right into a chat with the leader of one of retail’s modern success stories: Target’s CEO Brian Cornell. A wealth of content greets attendees throughout the day, exploring all of the challenges and opportunities confronting today’s retailers, including recruiting and retaining talent, managing returns, engaging with consumers through social media, and more. Beyond the panels, presentations and fireside chats, retailers can sign up for Expo tours or visit the FQ Equality Lounge — or they can see what could be the next hottest thing at the Innovation Lab or Startup zones. Things get closed out with a choice of networking opportunities, beginning with a happy hour on the show floor (Expo, Level 1 and 3). There’s also the NRF Foundation Honors or an invite-only networking party for CIOs. (If you want to get on the list of the latter, contact programs@nrf.com.)
Accelerating Toward Retail's Future
8:30–8:45 am
8:45–9:15 am
9:15–9:45 am
The Visionary 2022
Chewy CEO Talks Digital Retailing
Recruit, Advance & Retain
9:45–10:15 am
10:15–10:45 am
10:30–11:00 am
Big Lots Maximizes ROI
Sustainability Table Stakes
Reverse Logistics Reality Check
11:15–11:45 am
11:45–12:15 pm
12:00–12:30 pm
Next Big Thing
TikTok Engagement
Recruiting and Training
12:00–12:30 pm
3:15–3:45 pm
3:30–4:00 pm
Schnucks and Vera Wang’s Digital Transformations
Conversation with PepsiCo
4:00–4:30 pm
Reshaping Retail with Technology
Monday,
January 17
While Sunday kicks off the show floor, Monday is by far the most jam-packed day at the event – the day no one wants to miss. Fuel up for a full day with a donut during the Donut Dunk 8:00-8:30 am (Javits North, Level 5), before checking out the first keynote session, “The Evolving Role of Business in Society: A Conversation with General Catalyst Chairman and Managing Director, Ken Chenault.”
While the following sessions on deck promise to be intriguing, leave plenty of time between learning to cruise the show floor. The expo floor (Level 1 and 3), the NRF Innovation Lab (Level 1), and the Startup Zone (Level 1) are all open 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Retailer Table Talks take place 12:45–1:15 pm (Level 1, 1E 02-03) for retailers only. The small group conversations focus on topics and challenges retailers are facing today; topics are crowd sourced by retailers and discussions are led by retailers. At the end of it all, don’t forget to grab a drink while strolling the show floor for anything you may have missed during the Expo Happy Hour at 4:00–5:00 pm.
Advancing Social Progress
8:30–9:15 am
9:15–9:45 am
9:15–10:00 am
Walmart’s John Furner Talks Retail 2022
Sustainability Lessons From allbirds
4:00–4:30 pm
How Carter's and Finish Line use RFID
CEO of Ralph Lauren Talks With CNBC
9:45–10:15 am
10:15–10:45 am
11:45–12:15 pm
Petco & Sally Beauty Connect With Customers
Instacart Talks Buying Habits
Tractor Supply’s Collaborative Workforce
12:30–1:15 pm
1:30–2:00 pm
2:00–2:30 pm
GNC’s Speedy Omnichannel Transformation
Walgreens and Stitch Fix Harness AI Demand Planning
Kroger Explains Middle Commerce
2:45–3:15 pm
3:30–4:00 pm
4:00–4:30 pm
Best Buy CEO Corie Barry Keynote
Pandemic-Driven Behavior Changes With Albertsons’ CEO
12:00–12:30 pm
Sam’s Club CTO on Automation
3:15–3:45 pm
Walmart’s Omnichannel Fulfillment Best Practices
Tuesday,
January 18
The final full day of NRF on Tuesday, January 18, gives attendees an opportunity to continue their conversations with solution providers on the show floor, as well as check out some more educational sessions and events. At 11:00 am–12:30 pm SAP will host its Foundry New York Sustainability in Consumer and Retail Demo Day. The demo day is the graduation for participants in SAP’s external accelerator’s most recent cohort — seven startups were selected for the cohort, among 100s of startups, by a jury of experts, partners and customers. Starting at the same time as the SAP event but running until 2:00 pm are the VC Startup Meetups. Pre-registration is required for this event where innovative startups and investors will be matched for one-on-one meetings. At 3:00 pm snacks will be available on the Expo floor for any attendees looking to get in some more booth time.
Nordstrom’s Take on Merchandising
8:45–9:15 am
9:15–9:45 am
9:45–10:15 am
How PacSun Improves Profitability
IKEA: Climate Is a Business Imperative
The Diversity and Inclusion Imperative
10:30–11:00 am
11:15–11:45 am
11:30 am–12:30 pm
Winning the Battle Against Counterfeit Goods
How AutoZone Accelerates Worker Success
Get a Leg Up with Flexible Payments
12:00–12:30 pm
1:00–1:45 pm
2:00–2:30 pm
10 Innovative Ways to Accelerate Growth
Saks CEO Marc Metrick Speaks
Send in the Droids
2:45–3:15 pm
12:00–12:20 pm
Blockchain in Action
SPONSORED BY
UST is a purpose-driven technology company that collaborates with their customers to provide boundless impact. Their global team provides digital transformation services, products, and platforms to enterprises worldwide. UST’s retail solutions team has been responsible for some of retail technology's biggest innovations including hyper-personalization, frictionless shopping, and supply chain visibility.
Opening Party
WHEN: 6:00–7:30 pm
WHERE: Marriott Marquis, Westside Ballroom, 5th Floor
The Big Show kicks off with an opening party. Connect with old friends and make new ones, alongside drinks and hors d'oeuvres to welcome you to New York.
VIP Awards: An industry celebration
at Gotham Hall
WHEN: 6:00–10:00 pm
WHERE: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway
The Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Awards celebrate the partnership between retailers and solution providers. The evening celebration and dinner at Gotham Hall recognizes the solutions and companies working toward meaningful change to create better partnerships. Separate ticket required. Purchase tickets here.
SuperSaturday
WHEN: 7:30 am–2:00 pm
WHERE: RSM Retail’s Offices - 151 W 42nd Street, NYC
Celebrating its 13th year this fast paced event gets you completely up to date on the latest data and trends in the retail industry before you hit the show floor. As always, retailers are free and all the proceeds from the vendor sponsorships go to help the Retail Orphan Initiative. While RetailROI is not a program of the National Retail Federation or any other trade group, it is an inaugural NRF Week Partner. Please note, your registration to the NRF Big Show does not grant you access to SuperSaturday or vice-versa. Learn more at: https://www.retailroi.org/supersaturday
Balancing growth and a customer-centric culture: A conversation with Chewy CEO Sumit Singh
WHEN: 9:15-9:45 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Chewy CEO, Sumit Singh, shares how the pet retailer is scaling up. A 2022 honoree of NRF's People Changing Retail's Future, Sumit will discuss how he builds a culture that values creating new innovations with customer needs at their core, and where Chewy’s teams are empowered to think big and achieve the impossible.
The Visionary 2022: A conversation with Target CEO Brian Cornell
WHEN: 8:45–9:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
A true retail success story during the pandemic, Target has made its stores the center of its omnichannel strategy. Learn how the company is using its nationwide footprint to not only drive growth, but also have a positive impact on both its society and sustainability goals, in a conversation between Target CEO Brian Cornell and NRF president/CEO Matthew Shay.
NRF chairman’s welcome and opening remarks: Accelerating toward retail’s future
WHEN: 8:30–8:45 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Mike George, president and CEO of Qurate Retail and the chairman of the NRF board of directors, kicks off the show with an official welcome and opening remarks.
Future proof your business: Sustainability as table stakes
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 404, StarWind Stage
Operating in a more sustainable manner is now an imperative for merchants, as consumers demand more visibility into how their favorite retailers operate. Learn some of the most effective ways to achieve sustainability goals from a panel of retail experts: Roian Atwood, Tractor Supply Company senior director, sustainability; Zach Freeze, Walmart senior director, sustainability; Saskia van Gendt, Rothy’s head of sustainability; and Boma Brown-West, Environmental Defense Fund director, EDF and business.
How Big Lots
maximizes ROI from advanced analytics
WHEN: 10:15–10:45 am
WHERE: Expo, Level 4, Expo Stage 3
Get an inside view into how Big Lots is leveraging advanced analytics to reduce shrink, increase compliance rates, and identify gaps in training. Rob LaCommare, VP of asset protection at Big Lots, will share how his team is able to assign, in real time, the appropriate corrective action to the appropriate person.
Recruit, advance, and retain: Scaling DEI efforts in today’s talent landscape
WHEN: 9:45–10:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, a coalition of more than 2,000 CEOs who are working together to advance D&I in the workplace, will host a panel discussion digging into today’s talent environment. Among the topics explored include how the pandemic is impacting traditional work models, as well as the significance of recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.
Reality check: An end to end look at reverse logistics
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 408, UST Global Supply Chain Stage
Managing returns is a complicated and costly issue for today’s retailers. Join Becca Meinz, Best Buy VP, end to end supply chain strategy; Ryan Kelly, FedEx VP, e-commerce and alliance marketing; and Roy Sciarotta, executive director, Reverse Logistics Association, for a conversation about navigating the challenges of returns and the role that reserve logistics are playing in furthering a more circular economy.
Next big thing in commerce: How retailer SurfStitch drives growth with marketplaces
WHEN: 11:45–12:15 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 2
Justin Hillberg, MD of Alquemie Group, home to such brands as SurfStitch and Pumpkin Patch, will share how the lifestyle retailer developed a marketplace strategy that reaping rewards. Also joining to explore the role of marketplaces are Joe Cicman, senior analyst at Forrester, and Bob Schwartz, managing partner of advisory 47B Street.
Community before product: How Target and American Eagle are ushering in a new era of engagement and brand loyalty through TikTok
WHEN: 12:00–12:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 406, Riskified Stage
Social commerce is taking retail by storm, and the most forward-thinking retailers are building out their TikTok strategies. Learn how two of them have leveraged TikTok to power user engagement both on and off the platform. Aimee Roesler, Target senior director, social and brand safety, and Ashley Schapiro, American Eagle VP, marketing, media, performance and engagement, will join TikTok’s vertical director of retail and restaurants Matt Cleary and Glossy’s editor-in-chief Jill Manoff to talk building communities around nontraditional call to actions.
Recruiting and
training: Leveraging retail’s diverse talent pool
WHEN: 12:00–12:30 pm
WHERE: Special Events Hall, Level 1, FQ Equality Lounge
Learn how to move from all talk to all action when it comes to leveraging your diverse talent pool in this retail panel moderated by Shelley Zalis, CEO of the Female Quotient, and featuring Karen Etzkorn, CIO, Qurate Retail Group; Patti Clauss, VP, global talent acquisition, Williams Sonoma; Mecca Mitchell, senior VP, inclusion and diversity, Burlington Stores; and Marina Saint-Lary, chief solutions officer, Globant.
Digital transformation initiatives enable Vera Wang and Schnucks to deliver exceptional experiences
WHEN: 3:15–3:45 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 2
Stewart Ebrat, CIO of Vera Wang, and Michael Wait, IT store technologies at Schnuck Markets, will chat with Gerri Hinkel, director, solutions and vertical marketing at Aruba Networks, about their digital transformation journeys. Among the topics discussed include how they’re leveraging artificial intelligence, automation and IoT innovations to drive agility in stores and online, streamline operations, and provide secure digital experiences for their customers.
Lesson learned from CPG to accelerate growth for future success – A conversation with PepsiCo Foods CEO Steven Williams
WHEN: 3:30–4:00 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Get the supplier view with this fireside chat. Steven William, CEO of PepsiCo Foods North America. Williams, who oversees the company’s $20 billion-plus snack and convenient foods businesses in North America, will share his perspective on how to satisfy both retail customers and consumers, as well as develop stronger and more agile businesses.
Reshaping retail
with technology:
A conversation with IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna
WHEN: 4:00–4:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Digital acceleration from consumers is necessitating digital transformations from retailers. IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna will sit down in a fireside chat with Jon Fortt, co-anchor of TechCheck on CNBC, to discuss how retailers can expand their digital experiences and automate operations through the use of artificial intelligence, data and hybrid cloud technologies.
How allbirds
anchors its flock around sustainability
WHEN: 9:15–10:00 am
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 1
We all know allbirds for their sustainable yet comfortable footwear. Now learn how the digital-native retailer, currently valued at $1.4 billion, aligns its store teams to rally behind the mission of “reversing climate change through better business,” and how it has found innovation begins with store associates.
Retail leadership in action - A conversation with Walmart U.S. President and CEO, John Furner
WHEN: 9:15–9:45 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theater
You won’t want to miss Monday’s keynote session. John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and Matthew Shay, NRF president/CEO, are sure to bring plenty to the table. Furner’s insights on the most pressing business imperatives facing the retail industry will leave you fueled with ideas and conversation starters for the remainder of the day.
The evolving role of business in society: A conversation with General Catalyst Chairman and Managing Director, Ken Chenault
WHEN: 8:30–9:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theater
Kicking off the day, attendees will hear from current chairman and managing director of General Catalyst, Ken Chenault, who co-founded OneTen, a coalition of leading executives committed to upskilling, hiring, and advancing one million Black Americans over the next 10 years into careers with opportunities for advancement. In this fireside chat, Chenault will share why OneTen was launched and how this coalition is connecting employers, talent developers and Black talent, and the role that the retail industry can play.
Helping retailers and CPG brands better understand consumer buying habits
WHEN: 11:45–12:15 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 4
Instacart has teamed up with leading retailers and CPG brands to help them manage out-of-stocks through Instacart shopper insights. This Exhibitor Big Ideas session will explain how inventory insights like this increase customer affinity and reduce lost revenue online and in stores.
Smarter customer connections at Petco
and Sally Beauty
WHEN: 10:15–10:45 am
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 1
Learn how retailers are building strong customer connections using supply chain strategies that predict, manage and fulfill demands. Join Matthew Glaspey, director, digital experience, Petco; Sonoma Taylor, VP, solution delivery, Sally Beauty; and Wayne Usie, EVP, market development, Blue Yonder, as they discuss how to match supply and demand using AI and ML technologies.
Embracing the
power of heritage and reimagination – A conversation with Ralph Lauren President and CEO Patrice Louvet
WHEN: 9:45–10:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theater
Join Sara Eisen, “Closing Bell” co-anchor, CNBC, as she speaks with Patrice Louvet, president and CEO, Ralph Lauren corporation, in this keynote session. Louvet will share how Ralph Lauren is leveraging its iconic heritage while transforming in a constantly evolving world. The two will touch on such topics as building a resilient supply chain, investing in digital and personalization, and scaling innovation.
Inside the box thinking yields innovation and automation
WHEN: 12:00–12:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 408, UST Global Supply Chain Stage
Reimagining fulfillment involves overhauling warehouses and DCs. Sam’s Club’s chief technology officer Vinod Bidarkoppa discusses fulfillment technology, predictive AI, and goods-to-person processes, as well as how these upgrades are helping retailers serve evolving consumers.
Tractor Supply Company changed the game on team collaboration through digital transformation
WHEN: 12:30–1:15 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 5
Join Glenn Allison, VP, customer facing applications development, Tractor Supply Company, to learn the secret to maintaining the best customer experience. He’ll be joined by Chris Todd, CEO, Theatro, to discuss how Tractor Supply digitally connected every team member on the frontline to produce game-changing customer service in under four months.
How GNC accelerated omnichannel transformation, profitability and competitive advantage – And what’s next!
WHEN: 1:30–2:00 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 4
Thanks to prior investment, during the shutdown, GNC was able to expose store inventory available to promise (ATP) online and successfully stand up BOPIS and curbside pickup in just two weeks. Join RIS Influential Scott Saeger, GNC’s global technology officer and head of IT; Chadwick Hamby, VP, eCom operations and solutions, GNC; and RIS Influential Jim Barnes, CEO, enVista, to hear the lessons learned from GNC’s two-year omnichannel journey.
AI demand planning: A game changer redefining traditional practices reducing inventory, returns and markdowns
WHEN: 2:00–2:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 404, StarWind Stage
Are you overwhelmed by data? With so many data points to consider, retailers are turning to artificial intelligence for smarter and faster decisions. Learn how minimizing out-of-stocks and overstocks with the help of AI leads to improvements in customer satisfaction from Walgreens’ VP, inventory management, master data, advanced analytics, Andy Kettlewell; Stitch Fix’s director of data science Daragh Sibley; and Brian Ehrig, a partner at Kearney.
Middle commerce:
The new class of retail
WHEN: 2:45–3:15 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 404, StarWind Stage
Kroger’s VP, strategic partnerships, technology and digital, Stephanie Jenkins joins Ken Nisch, chairman, JGA, to discuss how third-party retail services, proprietary models, and technology providers are set to offer choices for retailers and customers alike. While the delivery model was primarily built on efficiency, others are using it as a means of personalization. Explore how retailers can provide a richer shopping experience.
How Walmart and Adobe are tackling omnichannel fulfillment
WHEN: 3:15–3:45 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 3
BOPIS orders increased 40% during the 2020 Holiday Season and will continue to increase again this year, according to the Adobe Holiday Forecast. Keep up with consumer demand by learning best practices for omnichannel fulfillment from Walmart’s director of commercialization Keith Menezes and Tory Brunker director, commerce, Adobe.
Staying ahead of the curve -
A Conversation with Best Buy CEO, Corie Barry
WHEN: 3:30–4:00 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
In this fireside chat with Best Buy CEO Corie Barry and NRF president/CEO Matthew Shay, Barry will provide insights on the evolution of Best Buy's business, consumer shopping behaviors, and retail overall. Review how retail has changed in the last 18 months and how Best Buy has differentiated itself from competitors.
Earning customer loyalty: A fresh take from Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran
WHEN: 4:00–4:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons Companies heads the nation’s second-largest grocer. In this fireside chat with CNBC’s “Closing Bell” Co-Anchor Sara Eisen he’ll dive into the staying power of pandemic-driven behavior changes among consumers and how Albertsons is leveraging technology to tap into these new demands and better serve shoppers, while driving loyalty.
How Carter's and Finish Line are using RFID to create inventory visibility across the supply chain
WHEN: 4:00–4:30 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 5
Learn how retailers can leverage RFID technology to create inventory visibility from Carter’s sr. director of omnichannel & strategy Andrew Tashiro and Finish Line’s VP of loss prevention Gina Guardamondo. The two will dive into how RFID data-driven loss prevention can help improve operational efficiencies, reduce shrink and increase profitability.
The art and (data) science of merchandising: A conversation with Pete Nordstrom
WHEN: 8:45–9:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
With more than 120 years under its belt providing consumers with in-demand assortments, Nordstrom knows a thing or two about the art of merchandising. But in today’s data-driven age, the iconic brand has infused data science into its merchandising decision making. Hear Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer, Nordstrom, discuss the department store chain’s new-age merchandising approach that provides shoppers with the products they demand.
Omnichannel-aware allocation: How PacSun improved profitability with intelligent allocation and replenishment
WHEN: 9:15–9:45 am
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 1
In the need-it-now omnichannel world inventory must be where it needs to be when it needs to be there, without exception. Customers demand a lightning quick fulfillment experience which requires sophisticated forecasting and inventory tracking to pull off. PacSun’s co-CEO Mike Relich will reveal how the retailer increased its ship completes two-fold during the holiday season by accurately predicting digital demand and leveraging brick-and-mortar locations as omnichannel fulfillment centers.
When climate becomes a business imperative: A conversation with IKEA U.S. CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Javier Quiñones
WHEN: 9:45–10:15 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Sustainability has become a business imperative. Retailers that choose to ignore customer demand for eco-friendly operations due so at their own peril and at the risk of a fruitful future. IKEA U.S.’s CEO and chief sustainability officer Javier Quiñones will discuss how leading retailers are driving climate, economic, and social change across the industry. The keynote will explore the economic impact of action; insights on approaching global change; and how to successfully navigate the current market.
Building diversity and inclusion into your organization's DNA
WHEN: 10:30–11:00 am
WHERE: Special Events Hall, Level 1, FQ Equality Lounge
A panel of leading retailers will discuss how to differentiate your organization through diversity and inclusion and move beyond the buzzwords to real meaningful action. Kristen Harris, Hallmark Cards; Bahja Johnson, Gap; and Shawn Outler, Macy’s will explore how to build a culture of purpose and belonging at your retail organization and how to ensure your employees feel represented and heard.
Counterfeit & gray market goods: Why brands are seeing red
WHEN: 11:15–11:45 am
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 408, UST Global Supply Chain Stage
While the acerated pivot to digital shopping fueled by the ongoing health crisis has been a lifesaver for the retail industry, it has also ushered in increased counterfeit risks. Forrester Research’s Sucharita Kodali (a 2021 RIS Influential) and the GOAT Group’s Yunah Lee will discuss the growing counterfeit goods market and how retailers and brands can best protect themselves and their margins.
How AutoZone accelerated frontline worker success by turbocharging hardware and software investments
WHEN: 11:30 am–12:30 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 5
This panel discussion will explore how AutoZone was able to meet the challenges of an extremely tight labor market through a commitment to ongoing tech investment. The auto parts and accessories retailer has improved employee efficiency while simultaneously improving the customer experience using next-gen labor forecasting and scheduling. Find out how AutoZone did it, and how you can do the same.
10 strategies for accelerating digital growth in a new retail reality
WHEN: 1:00–1:45 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 3, Expo Stage 4
The retail landscape was completely upended by the COVID-19 health crisis, and retail operations are never returning to pre-pandemic conditions. The operational changes the health crisis ushered in are here to stay and retailers must adjust to keep pace. This panel discussion, anchored by Maurices’ CDO/CIO Fred Argir, will lay out 10 strategies retailers can adopt today to advance their businesses.
The future of luxury ecommerce: A Conversation with Saks CEO, Marc Metrick
WHEN: 2:00–2:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
The retail industry continues to evolve and only those retailers nimble and agile enough to adjust on the fly will stand the test of time. In this keynote presentation, Saks CEO Marc Metrick will sit down for a one-on-one conversation with CNBC senior retail reporter Courtney Reagan to explore the current state of retail and how iconic retailers like Saks can and must adjust to compete.
From data to insight to decisions: Robots propel a better customer experience
WHEN: 2:45–3:15 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Expo Stage 1
Robot-powered automation is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is a retail necessity that grows more vital by the day. In this panel discussion, Anthony Hucker, president and CEO, Southeastern Grocers, along with fellow retail thought leaders will discuss retail’s automation journey and how next-gen robotic use cases are redefining the customer journey.
Beyond contactless:
Are flexible payments the new marketing play?
WHEN: 12:00pm–12:30 pm
WHERE: Javits North, Level 4, Room 409, Twilio Stage
Not only do customers expect to shop anywhere, anytime, they also demand to pay for their purchases in a variety of new ways — contactless; buy now, pay later; crypto; etc. In this session a panel of retail thought leaders anchored by Frank Bracken, executive vice president and chief executive officer, North America, Foot Locker, will explore how providing alternative payment options can help retailers attract and retain new customers.
Farm to fork connections: Blockchain, supply chain and logistics
WHEN: 12:00–12:20 pm
WHERE: Expo, Level 1, Oracle Food Service Tech Stage
Now more than ever customers want to know where their food is coming from and if its creation and transport has been sustainably conducted. Using cutting-edge technology like blockchain, retailers and restaurateurs can ensure a level of tracking never before thought possible. This session will explore the ‘Farm to Fork’ phenomenon and how providing customers true visibility into food sourcing can differentiate a brand.