NRF Board Chair and BJ’s Wholesale Chairman and CEO, Bob Eddy, kicks off NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show with a welcome address and a look ahead at what’s in store for the industry. He’ll offer a preview of this year’s event highlights and share NRF’s key initiatives shaping retail in 2026. Immediately following, Ed Stack, Executive Chairman of DICK’S Sporting Goods, will join Bob on stage for a fireside chat. Their conversation will explore leadership strategies for navigating shifting consumer expectations, the evolving role of experiential retail in sports, and how DICK’S is leveraging technology and community engagement to drive growth and loyalty.

Fanatics Founder and CEO Michael Rubin kicks off NRF 2026 with a powerful look at how disruptive strategies are reshaping the future of retail. In a world where consumer expectations shift daily, Michael shares how bold moves in vertical integration, real-time manufacturing, partnerships spanning leagues, teams and athletes globally, and direct-to-consumer agility are redefining how products are created, sold, and experienced. Discover how a fan-first mindset – built on speed, innovation, and emotional connection – is driving a new model for growth across industries.

In a rapidly evolving retail landscape, global luxury leader LVMH and its Maisons are embracing technology transformation firsthand as AI becomes integrated into strategic decisions and daily processes. As an industry leader, LVMH is in a unique position to engage in a tech ecosystem of partners with scale as the next frontier and main challenge. In this dynamic mainstage conversation, LVMH leadership will explore how LVMH is setting the standard for digital transformation in luxury retail — and what every brand can learn from its bold, leading-edge approach to growth.

Fran Horowitz, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and NRF’s 2026 Visionary Award recipient, has led one of retail’s most notable reinventions. Guided by a philosophy rooted in listening to the customer, empowering teams, and staying agile in a shifting marketplace, Horowitz has transformed A&F Co. into a modern, relevant business with globally iconic brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. Under her leadership, the company has embraced digital innovation, elevated its brand storytelling, and expanded its reach to new generations of customers, leading A&F Co. to 11 consecutive quarters of growth as of August 2025. She has also championed a culture of inclusivity and belonging, positioning A&F Co. as both a financial and cultural success story. In this fireside chat, hear how Horowitz’s leadership approach, grounded in authenticity, accountability and balance, continues to shape retail’s future and inspire leaders across the industry.

More details coming soon!

Luxury consumer expectations are only increasing, and as the world’s largest multi-brand luxury retailer, Saks Global is on a mission to redefine luxury shopping – anticipating luxury consumers’ desires at every turn. One year after Saks Global’s acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group, CEO Marc Metrick will join CNBC’s Sara Eisen to discuss how the company is bringing together the best of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman to create new and better shopping experiences for the future. Metrick will share how the company is bringing its vision, The Art of You, to life by delivering what luxury consumers value most: inspiration, curation, convenience and seamless shopping experiences that are artfully curated to each individual. This keynote session offers insights into the strategies that will set a new standard for luxury shopping, harnessing the power of some of the world’s most iconic luxury retailers.

As the retail landscape rapidly evolves, staying ahead demands bold vision, strategic innovation, and people-forward leadership. In this candid conversation, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman joins Bobby Stephens, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to share how Ulta is shaping the future of beauty through its Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy. Discover how Ulta focuses on driving profitable growth and increasing market share in the beauty and wellness sectors, curating a diverse product assortment across all categories, fostering authentic customer connections, expanding its omnichannel presence, and strengthening customer loyalty through an expanded membership base and personalization. This session goes beyond theory, delivering insights into the leadership mindset and operational blueprint behind one of the country’s leading beauty retailers, and helping equip attendees with actionable strategies toward driving transformation and profitable growth.

Gary Vaynerchuk — serial entrepreneur, brand builder and CEO of VaynerMedia — joins the NRF 2026 Main Stage to challenge, inspire and energize the retail industry. In this no-holds-barred fireside chat, Vaynerchuk will share his unfiltered take on what it takes to win in today’s attention economy, where consumer expectations shift overnight and brand loyalty is earned in seconds. He’ll unpack how retailers can harness emerging platforms, AI, influencer culture and content at scale to stay relevant and drive growth. Expect sharp insights on leadership, marketing and customer obsession — delivered with Vaynerchuk’s trademark energy. Whether you’re a legacy retailer or a disruptive startup, this session will push you to think bigger, move faster and connect more authentically with the people who matter most: your customers.

Join this inspiring panel discussion to hear from the global presidents of VF Corporation's powerhouse brands — The North Face, Timberland, and Vans — about their collective strategies to spur new stakeholder value across the organization. These dynamic leaders will discuss how they’re shaping VF’s growth strategy and redefining what it means to align each brand with its unique community of core consumers. They’ll share insights on staying connected to customer needs and fostering innovation that stays true to each brand’s heritage. Hear how these leaders are navigating global shifts, advancing the company’s long-term vision, and cultivating resilience within their teams. This conversation offers a compelling look at how VF Corp. is leveraging bold leadership to impact the world of outdoor apparel, footwear, and action sports.

Multi-category retail is navigating a shifting consumer landscape by rethinking experience, product strategy, and purpose-driven growth. This session will offer insights into building stronger connections with customers and communities, creating value through exclusive offerings, and fostering a culture that drives both performance and innovation. Attendees will gain practical takeaways for evolving in-store and digital experiences, scaling category leadership, and aligning business goals with long-term customer relevance.