Retail's Big Show Preview: The next level in retail

NRF 2023 features speakers, topics to help retailers break through
Sheryll Poe
NRF Contributor

Retailers have faced a remarkable set of challenges over the last few years as the industry focused on getting through obstacles while being there for customers.

Now, retailers are ready to break through and build on the technology, innovations and insights that will make them successful in 2023. During NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show in New York City Jan. 15-17, global visionary leaders will gather to tackle retail’s biggest topics, share solutions to strengthen the industry and break through to success.

NRF 2023

Did you miss us in NYC? Take a look at our NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show event recap.

NRF 2023 will feature over 800 exhibitors and more than 350 speakers inspiring and advising retailers on the latest breakthroughs in experiences, operations, growth, talent, business models and purpose. With more than 175 sessions, including Partner Perspective sessions, Exhibitor Big Ideas sessions and sessions on the Food Service Tech Pavilion Stage, NRF 2023 will introduce attendees to the ideas, people and partners that will put them on the fast track to success.

Here’s what you need to know to break through at NRF 2023.

Big speakers, big topics

On Monday, Jan. 16, Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya will join Financial Times’ editor-at-large Gillian Tett to talk about Ulukaya’s personal experience immigrating to the United States from Turkey, and Chobani’s mission to incorporate refugees into its workforce. As the founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, Ulukaya will discuss the benefits of hiring refugees and why retailers should embrace this talent pool in the face of global labor shortages.

Brian Cornell, Target Corp. board chairman and CEO and recipient of the NRF Foundation’s The Visionary 2022 award, returns to the Big Show Main Stage on Monday for a conversation with several female leaders from Target’s diverse leadership team. This group of forward-thinking leaders will discuss their vision for the future of retail leadership and how to create a strong corporate culture.

Neiman Marcus Group CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck will sit down for a fireside chat on the Main Stage on Tuesday, Jan. 17, to discuss Neiman Marcus Group’s differentiated model and how it is leading the company’s growth strategy of revolutionizing luxury experiences.

Live shows on the Big Show stage

More and more brands are reaching consumers directly with their own podcasts. Two of those podcasts will bring the excitement of Retail’s Big Show to their listeners by recording episodes in front of the Main Stage audience at NRF 2023.

NRF 2023 speakers

Take a look at the impressive list of NRF 2023 speakers who took the stage this January.

Walmart U.S. President and CEO and NRF Board Chairman John Furner takes his popular video podcast The Huddle with John Furner on the road to explore leadership lessons of notable business figures and the decision-making behind some of the most inspiring success stories. Registered full conference attendees will have the opportunity to experience a special episode of The Huddle, recorded in front of the audience.

Also, from the Main Stage on Sunday, Nordstrom Inc. President and Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom will host an episode of his popular podcast The Nordy Pod, recorded in front of NRF 2023 attendees. Nordstrom, along with a surprise special guest, will explore key insights and experiences that are relevant to retailers of all types and sizes.

New worlds and new experiences

The metaverse and Web 3.0 are here to stay, so what does that mean for retailers? NRF 2023 will explore all aspects of these brave new worlds, including how luxury brands are innovating holiday shopping experiences with Janet Wang, vice president of Alibaba B2C Retail, GM of Tmall Luxury.

Speakers from Glossy, Tommy Hilfiger and NARS Cosmetics will join Roblox to discuss how they are driving brand positioning by investing in virtual stores, building groundbreaking immersive virtual experiences on the platform and co-creating with its community during their Versed on the Metaverse session on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kate Ancketill, CEO of GDR, will dissect some of the other disruptors challenging retailers including climate change, cost of living, crypto, Web3 and viral outbreaks during her featured session on Sunday.

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