Keynote Session

Sunday
January 15
8:15 am8:20 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Walmart U.S. President and CEO, and NRF Board Chairman, John Furner welcomes attendees and provides an overview of the current state of retail industry challenges and opportunities.
Sunday
January 15
8:20 am8:45 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Walmart U.S. president and CEO, John Furner, takes his popular video podcast, “The Huddle with John Furner,” on the road, hosting a candid conversation with Dr. James Cash, The James E. Robison Professor, and Senior Associate Dean, Emeritus at Harvard Business School. In this video podcast format recorded live at Retail’s Big Show,  Dr. Cash will share his business and leadership perspectives, drawing from his vast experience that includes holding board positions at 15 Fortune 100 companies, including Walmart’s. Dr.
Sunday
January 15
8:45 am9:15 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
In a year filled with macroeconomic headwinds, retailers faced uncertainty and unprecedented swings in consumer sentiment and behavior. Looking to maintain its positive momentum, Saks OFF 5TH, the premier luxury-off price destination, deployed smart strategies that leverage the flexibility in the off-price operating model to provide even more value to its customers during these times.
Sunday
January 15
9:15 am9:45 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Macy’s, Inc. chairman and CEO is changing industry perceptions and reshaping the future of U.S. Retail. With investments in new capabilities, a solid foundation of financial health, a renewed focus on style and fashion, and a deep commitment to the retailer’s Mission Every One social purpose platform, Gennette has created a culture of transformation and infused new vigor into its iconic brands – Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. How will Macy’s, Inc. capitalize on its plan to become a purpose-driven, digitally led and modern department store?
Sunday
January 15
2:45 pm3:15 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Nordstrom president and Chief Brand Officer Pete Nordstrom is taking his popular podcast, The Nordy Pod, on the road to record a special episode live in front of NRF 2023’s Main Stage audience. The Nordy Pod features enriching conversations with Nordstrom customers, employees and notable leaders in retail and fashion who have defined their industries.

Sunday
January 15
3:15 pm3:45 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

The past few years have proven that change is the only constant in commerce. From supply chain challenges and increasing consumer expectations to privacy and advertising shifts, businesses need to transform to have staying power. In a fireside chat, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein and Mattel President/COO Richard Dickson will discuss how to break through current business pressures, innovate, and maintain staying power to meet consumer demands.

Monday
January 16
8:45 am9:15 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Target CEO Brian Cornell, the National Retail Federation’s 2022 “Visionary” Honoree, returns to the Big Show Main Stage for a conversation with top leaders from Target’s diverse leadership team, to discuss what it means to build a strong company culture – and why it’s more critical than ever to the success of retailers, as we navigate a volatile environment.
Monday
January 16
9:15 am9:45 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

In the four years since Marvin Ellison joined Lowe’s as CEO, his visionary leadership has driven tremendous growth in sales, customer service and community investments. Ellison has ignited Lowe’s business transformation with a focus on building the company into a world-class omnichannel retailer and the employer of choice in retail, and his efforts are being noticed: The Fortune 50 company was named Most Admired Specialty Retailer each of the past two years.

Monday
January 16
9:45 am10:15 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Taking care of customers and associates is at the center of how Kroger operates. In an ever-changing grocery retail environment, Kroger continues to innovate, finding new ways to bring customers the meal solutions they crave. From embracing organics and convenience to strengthening its private label offering and scaling technology, America’s grocer continues to evolve the customer experience.
Monday
January 16
2:45 pm3:15 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Food systems are integral to the health and well-being of our communities. As retail grocery continues to grapple with the challenges of inflation, supply chain restrictions and climate change, it is imperative that companies continue to build sustainable food systems to benefit the generations to come. Hear from CEO Jason Buechel on how Whole Foods Market is investing in sustainability, with initiatives around regenerative farming, reducing food waste, and responsible sourcing to build a better future of food in the grocery sector and beyond. 
Monday
January 16
3:15 pm3:45 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Inspired by his own experience starting Chobani as a Turkish immigrant to the U.S., Hamdi Ulukaya hired refugees and experienced early on that they were some of his most loyal, dedicated, and resourceful employees. In 2016, he founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees to mobilize the global business community to hire, train, and mentor refugees and incorporate them into their core operations.
Monday
January 16
3:45 pm4:15 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Since the pandemic, the pet industry has continued to boom as hybrid working and geographic shifts mean people are bringing more pets into their families. And the category continues to grow as pet parents invest in premium products and services despite historic inflation. Join Petco CEO, Ron Coughlin, in his fireside chat to hear how Petco has accelerated omnichannel growth by reengineering its business to meet consumer dynamics, which he believes other retailers can implement.
Tuesday
January 17
8:00 am8:45 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
With a portfolio of over 75 iconic houses spanning all luxury sectors, LVMH is renowned for its ability to nurture the appeal of legacy brands. Through creativity and a commitment to excellence, the Group seeks to ensure they remain relevant and desirable over the long-term. In this fireside chat, LVMH Inc. Chairman and CEO Anish Melwani will share how the right mix of heritage and innovation makes the world’s most beloved luxury houses continue to shine in the 21st century.
Tuesday
January 17
9:15 am9:45 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Many examples of industry-leading customer experiences were born from the luxury sector. In this Main Stage fireside chat, Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) CEO, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, discusses the company’s integrated luxury retail approach, curation assortment, and sales-assisted model driven by relationships. Learn how these strategies are leading NMG’s growth strategy of revolutionizing luxury experiences for its customers.
Tuesday
January 17
9:45 am10:15 am
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Amid a diverse set of talent management priorities, companies must respond vigorously to quick labor market shifts that have only accelerated during the past three years, moving employees firmly into the driver’s seat. As organizations work to win corporate and frontline talent, the advantage will go to those that recognize the associate experience fuels the consumer experience and invest in their teams to drive acquisition, retention, development and positive business outcomes.
Tuesday
January 17
3:00 pm3:30 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre
Retailers feel pressure to foster continuous innovation that helps keep pace with constantly evolving customer preferences. But retailers also need to balance innovation and associated technology deployments with running the core business and attending to current customer needs. Join President and GM of NCR Retail, David Wilkinson, Tim Baxter, CEO EXPRESS and Shameek Konar, CEO Pilot Flying J as they discuss how they are reimagining their “North Star” to guide decisions, and avoid the legacy technology trap. 
Tuesday
January 17
3:30 pm4:00 pm
SAP Theatre, Javits North, Level 5
Actor, writer, and producer Kal Penn explores the conversation at the intersection of climate, clean energy, and business with a recently launched docuseries, Getting Warmer with Kal Penn. Well-known for his comedic movie and TV characters, Kal joined the Obama administration in 2009 as an Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, working on issues related to young Americans - including climate change.