For more from NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show on January 14 – 16 in New York City, visit the official recap.
NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show concluded at New York City’s Javits Center on January 16. About 36,500 attendees enjoyed this year’s show and experienced over 500 educational sessions. Here are some highlights you may have missed.
Company Culture
Retailers can’t simply sell products; they must sell the experience. Brands spoke about how they achieve “product nirvana,” which includes instilling their culture into everything they do.
“Volatility is the new normal,” said GE former Vice Chair Beth Comstock about retail’s current state of transformation. Read about four paths to retail transformation from women empowering change in retail.
Jim McIngvale, popularly known as “Mattress Mack” in his native state of Texas, affirmed the importance of instilling a culture of empathy and giving back to the community.
Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya gave advice to young leaders:
my advice to leaders of young companies: culture is built every day, every second, every minute.. its not something written on the wall, its the stories remembered within the walls. Thanks for letting me share my story, #nrf2018 pic.twitter.com/cmV2gmHoWK
— Hamdi Ulukaya (@hamdiulukaya) January 16, 2018
Retail CEOs discussed the importance of diversity and inclusion:
CEOs of Best Buy, Clorox and J. C. Penney talk about the importance of inclusiveness in workforce. #NRF2018 pic.twitter.com/hAOxJ9Nng8
— Anne D'Innocenzio (@ADInnocenzio) January 16, 2018
Technology
The Washington Post summarized how the future of retail is already here, while the New York Times showcased technology as the star at this year’s convention.
CNBC talked about the future of ecommerce live from the show:
.@CNBC talks the future of #ecommerce feat. client @LocusRobotics - live from the @NRFnews @NRFBigShow! #nrf2018 #robotics pic.twitter.com/kCTy3EAg8l
— Adaline Colton (@AdalineColton) January 16, 2018
Walmart will be implementing artificial intelligence and automation technologies, but CEO Doug McMillan says the company “supports people first.”
Instagram COO Marne Levine discussed the social platform’s tools and how retailers can leverage social media to build a relationship with customers, with examples from companies like Outdoor Voices.
For more stories from NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show, visit the official recap page.