What is the NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show

NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show is is the world's leading annual retail event, bringing together 35,000 retail professionals and vendors from more than 90 countries for educational and networking opportunities. NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show, scheduled for January 12 to 14 2025 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, promises to be a memorable gathering where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from over 100 countries will converge to shape the future of retail.

The lineup this year features an impressive roster of speakers, including retail heavyweights like Target CEO Brian Cornell, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner, and fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger. The event will also showcase entrepreneur and former MLB star Alex Rodriguez, and award-winning actress-turned-entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross, who will share an insider look about transforming her PATTERN Beauty brand into a global success story.

The retail industry's most influential event is bringing together the biggest names in retail, technology, and entrepreneurship - let's explore more about it.

Why attend the NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show

The enormous Expo floor at NRF 2025 will serve as a testing ground for the latest retail technology innovations, building on the momentum seen at events like Collision Conference 2024. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience demonstrations from major industry players, all consolidated in one location. During this event, retailers will have the opportunity to explore and evaluate new solutions that could profoundly impact their future operations.

One of the event's significant focuses will be on retail media networks (RMN). Through a partnership with STRATACACHE, NRF will deliver a full day dedicated to RMN tips from leading industry change-makers. The specialized program, available as an add-on to the main event pass, will provide actionable strategies for leveraging in-store retail media.

Based on the previous NRF 2024 attendee demographics, the largest group are Managers, making up 21% of the attendees. Directors/Senior Directors follow them at 26%, and GMs/Presidents/Owners at 13%. Attendees also come from various roles, including Executive Management, Business Development, Marketing, and Supply Chain, among others.

NRF 2024 also had a significant international presence, with 30% of attendees coming from abroad. The top countries represented include Brazil, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Mexico, China, Germany, and Israel, showcasing the global nature of the retail industry.

NRF 2025 extends beyond the conventional conference format with several unique features. Attendees can participate in Retail Store Tours, exploring innovative retail spaces throughout New York. Experience retail developments firsthand across the city's diverse retail scene.

Adding to the event's appeal is the Retail's Big Concert, scheduled for January 13 at Terminal 5. The concert will feature Grammy-nominated artist Flo Rida, with DJ Pauly D opening the show. The free concert is available to retail All-Access Pass or retail Expo Pass holders (age 21 and above), offering attendees a chance to network in a more relaxed setting.

Meet Industry Titans in Apparel, Footwear, and other Retail Brands

The speaker lineup represents a diverse cross-section of retail leadership, featuring executives from both traditional and emerging retail segments. Following the success of executive gatherings like the FounderMade Executive Summit in LA, NRF 2025 brings together an impressive roster of speakers including:

• Tommy Hilfiger, Founder & Principal Designer of Tommy Hilfiger Global
• Mary Dillon, President & Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, Inc.
• Artemis Patrick, President and CEO of Sephora North America
• Joe Preston, President and CEO of New Balance Athletics Inc.
• David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
• Wouleta Ayele, CTO of sweetgreen
• Dylan Lauren, Founder & CEO of Dylan's Candy Bar
• Josh Krepon, President, DTC of Steven Madden Ltd
• Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work

NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show offers networking, education, and more

NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show kicks off with an Opening Party on January 11, setting the stage for three days of intensive learning, networking, and exploration. The conference structure is designed to facilitate meaningful connections among attendees while providing a look into retail's future direction.

For technology providers and solution developers, the NRF 2025 Expo represents a significant opportunity to showcase advancements to retail decision-makers. The exhibition space offers various branding opportunities and the chance to connect directly with potential clients from around the globe.

One of the event's highlighted success stories will be Tracee Ellis Ross's journey with PATTERN Beauty. Her session will explore how the brand's commitment to embracing and supporting its community helped transform it into a multimillion-dollar global beauty brand, offering valuable tips for retailers looking to build strong community connections.

The upcoming NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase represents a significant milestone in retail technology advancement. Emerging from the success of the Innovation Lab, which has featured over 350 companies, the new showcase signals a bold step forward in recognizing technological progress across the retail ecosystem. For 2025, NRF introduces an invite-only special exhibition: NRF 2025 Innovators. An annual showcase will spotlight 50 retail tech innovators who are genuinely transforming how retailers sell and consumers experience shopping.

Get funding to attend and sponsor industry events

NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show represents more than just an industry conference – it's a crucial gathering point for the global retail community, joining other major industry events like SubSummit, The Lead Summit, and Fashinnovation in shaping the future of retail and ecommerce. By bringing together leaders from traditional retail, digital retail, technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, the event creates a unique environment for learning and collaboration.

For those interested in attending, the event offers various registration options, including retail All-Access Passes and Expo Passes. Clearco looks forward to seeing the incredible event on your socials! Did you know that Clearco funds marketing spend, such as attendance and sponsorship of conferences and events? Sign up to get funding for your 2025 marketing plans today!