Agenda

Today's store associate wears more hats than ever - serving customers, fulfilling digital orders, managing inventory, supporting pickup, and more. As these responsibilities continue to expand, retailers are rethinking how technology can simplify work rather than add complexity. This session explores how mobile tools, AI, and connected workflows are helping frontline teams work more efficiently, make faster decisions, and deliver more consistent customer experiences across physical and digital channels. Hear how retailers are equipping associates with the information and capabilities they need in the moment, while creating a more agile store operation that can adapt to changing customer expectations and evolving business needs.

A 60-minute session that will bring together influential retail DTC founders for an honest, three-part exploration of what it takes to build a company from idea to impact. The series follows the founder's journey through the initial bet, the inevitable pressure tests, and the long view required to create an enduring business. Through candid conversations, panelists will share pivotal decisions, hard lessons, and outlooks on the future of retail and consumer brands. Moderated by veteran retail executive, investor and advisor, Ken Pilot, this first of its kind Big Show session is not to be missed.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

A 75-minute session that will bring together influential retail DTC founders for an honest, three-part exploration of what it takes to build a company from idea to impact. The series follows the founder's journey through the initial bet, the inevitable pressure tests, and the long view required to create an enduring business. Through candid conversations, panelists will share pivotal decisions, hard lessons, and outlooks on the future of retail and consumer brands. Moderated by veteran retail executive, investor and advisor, Ken Pilot, this first of its kind Big Show session is not to be missed.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Michaels and Stanley 1913 come from different corners of retail, but their recent growth stories reveal a shared truth: enduring brands never stop evolving. Through strategic acquisitions, unexpected collaborations, product innovation, and a deep understanding of changing consumer expectations, both organizations have successfully introduced their brands to new audiences while remaining true to their heritage. In this two-part conversation, leaders from Michaels and Stanley 1913 will share how they are balancing legacy with innovation, building relevance across generations, and creating sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Putting technology directly into shoppers’ hands in ways they find useful in both decision-making and point of purchase is changing the in-store journey. Retailers are finding that the tech tools customers deem valuable and easily use can become a competitive differentiator. Panelists will share what’s working, what’s flopped and how to design in-store technology that earns trust and moves the sale.    

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Every year, retailers manage billions of dollars in excess inventory and returned goods — and most of it gets written off, liquidated, or destroyed. But a growing number of retailers are discovering something remarkable: that merchandise that can’t be resold is exactly what a family in crisis needs. Join Good360 and two of its retail partners for a discussion on how excess inventory and returns can become a strategic giving asset, and what that looked like in practice for the communities receiving those goods.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come. 

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Ulta Beauty is transforming wellness from a merchandising category into a full retail experience.  A commitment that began a few years back has evolved into “Wellness by Ulta Beauty,” a dedicated shop-in-shop concept that expands the in-store footprint, and doubles-down on education with specialty-trained wellness advisors. Core to the brand’s strategy, Ulta is looking to expand the category, develop exclusive partnerships and curate a one-of-a-kind marketplace. Hear how this is taking shape and what’s on tap for 2027.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha don't consume media the way previous generations did. They discover products and brands through a fluid mix of creators, social platforms, haul content, peer influence, experiential events, and in-person shopping experiences. The path to purchase is increasingly shaped by authentic moments rather than traditional advertising. For retailers, adapting to this reality is essential. Success requires showing up in the moments that influence consideration and purchase, from creator partnerships and social content to pop-up activations, experiential retail, and even the resurgence of the mall as a destination for shopping, entertainment, and social connection. Above all, brands must earn attention rather than demand it, integrating naturally into the environments and experiences that matter most to these generations, where authenticity is a prerequisite for engagement.

Session details are to come.

NRF Curated Session

Session details are to come.

Gap Inc. EVP and Chief Technology Officer Sven Gerjets joins us to unpack how the retailer is embedding AI and agentic technology into every layer of the business – prom product design and supply chain to marketing and the customer experience. He’ll share what it takes to move fast without losing the brand's human core, including lessons from Gap’s multiyear Google Cloud partnership and its early bet on agentic commerce.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come. 

Examining the growing role of creator trust in shaping consumer purchase decisions –specifically, what transforms creators into credible shopping companions. Influencers have evolved into storefront owners and product curators, and retailers are increasingly tapping into creator partnerships to blend in‑store and in‑feed experiences. As a result, we’re seeing significant investment in creators as the new voice of the brand, along with heightened interest in driving creator‑led in‑store conversions. Several retailers have launched notable, narrative‑driven campaigns in collaboration with creators, signaling a shift away from traditional marketing funnels toward more dynamic, story‑based funnels.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come. 

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come.

Consumer behavior is shaped as much by emotion as by economics, with shoppers seeking joy, reassurance, and a sense of connection – not just efficiency – in their purchasing experiences. Every purchase must “earn its place,” which means retailers need to build trust, personalization, and emotional connections rather than relying solely on convenience-driven tactics. And with AI reshaping the journey and shopper expectations shifting rapidly, retailers that prioritize meaningful, human-centered moments over transactional speed will differentiate themselves – and hopefully build loyalty. Ultimately, consumers want to feel a sense of belonging, community and identity.

Shopping and checkout are increasingly happening outside retailers’ owned storefronts, across marketplaces, social platforms, delivery apps, AI assistants, and embedded commerce experiences. As the path to purchase becomes more fragmented, maintaining ownership of the customer relationship is becoming more complex. This session will explore how retail leaders can evaluate emerging commerce channels, protect the customer relationship, and stay connected to customers wherever they choose to buy.

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come. 

Session details are to come.

Session details are to come. 

Agentic commerce has moved from concept to production. The infrastructure decisions retailers make today will determine who captures this revenue.  Stripe has been working with retailers on agentic commerce for over a year, across modalities from AI-powered product discovery to checkout within agents. In this session, Stripe and a leading retailer will share what it took to go live as early movers, including the decisions, tradeoffs, and learnings from being first. Attendees will gain a clear picture of where the agentic commerce market stands today and an understanding of the core infrastructure that will matter as the landscape evolves.

Session details coming soon! 

Session details are to come.