Keynote Session

Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

NRF chairman’s opening and welcome: Game-changing times for the retail industry

NRF Chairman and President and CEO of Walmart U.S., John Furner, welcomes Big Show attendees and provides a look at the state of the retail industry. What we’re living through now aren’t just changes, they’re a revolution, and AI in particular is changing how business gets done. Hear John discuss this in-depth with tech industry leader Azita Martin from NVIDIA, which, like Walmart, is at the forefront of how retailers are using AI to elevate customer experiences, empower employees, and drive greater operational efficiencies.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Three brands, one growth strategy: The power of Macy’s, Inc.’s bold new chapter

Across its portfolio of iconic nameplates: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury, Macy’s, Inc. is challenging the status quo, fundamentally repositioning the company, and connecting with consumers across the value spectrum. Join Tony Spring, Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.; Olivier Bron, CEO of Bloomingdale’s; and Maly Bernstein, CEO of Bluemercury, for a lively discussion moderated by Courtney Reagan, retail reporter for CNBC.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Lacing up for success: Transforming retail experiences and deepening customer relationships with Foot Locker CEO Mary Dillon

The retail landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by evolving customer expectations and innovative technologies. Foot Locker is at the forefront of this change with its Lace Up Plan, a strategic initiative designed to expand sneaker culture, power up its portfolio, deepen customer relationships and build best-in-class omni capabilities.

Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

A conversation with Doug Herrington, CEO, Worldwide Amazon Stores

Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, will talk about how Amazon continues to evolve to meet the needs of customers. Herrington will share lessons he’s learned from Amazon’s successes and failures, how robots and automation are reshaping Amazon’s operations and improving employee safety, and how Amazon is approaching the game-changing opportunities created by generative AI.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

The business of authenticity: Tracee Ellis Ross on building PATTERN Beauty and empowering identity

In this inspiring fireside chat, Tracee Ellis Ross, award-winning actress, producer, and CEO/founder of PATTERN Beauty, shares stories about how she created a multimillion-dollar global beauty brand that celebrates the richness of textured hair. Tracee will discuss her journey from Hollywood to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Learn how she built PATTERN Beauty to empower individuals to embrace their natural hair with pride, while also fostering a deeper conversation about identity and self-acceptance.

Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

The Visionary 2025: A 40-year journey with Tommy Hilfiger and NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay

Tommy Hilfiger, a fashion icon and innovator, has revolutionized global retail through his pioneering spirit and commitment to inclusivity. From launching his brand in 1985 to becoming a distinguished leader in the fashion industry, Tommy has consistently pushed the boundaries of style. In this fireside chat, he will join NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay to recount his remarkable 40-year journey; from selling clothes out of the trunk of his car to establishing a world-renowned brand that masterfully balances heritage with creative agility and innovation.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Reaching the new consumer: A conversation with Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, Favorite Daughter Co-founder Sara Foster and AG1 CEO Kat Cole

Favorite Daughter was founded four years ago and has quickly become the clothing and lifestyle brand of the moment for both celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. The hypergrowth brand was co-founded by actor, podcaster and investor Sara Foster, who has built the business through content-driven commerce. AG1, the billion-dollar global health company, has transformed the supplement industry. Trusted by millions of people, from Olympians to those just starting out on their health journey, AG1 is setting the category standard for high-quality, science-driven foundational nutrition.

Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Reaching younger consumers and accelerating global momentum: A conversation with New Balance President and CEO Joe Preston

In an era where heritage and innovation converge, transforming a 118-year-old company into a modern powerhouse means pushing itself to think and act differently. Discover how New Balance has seized the cultural zeitgeist to resonate with rising generations while still appealing to its core running consumer — through its world-class operations, omnichannel strategy, athlete collaborations, domestic manufacturing and more — to ultimately create athletic shoes worn by everyone from supermodels in London to dads in Ohio.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Differentiate to Deliver: How Sephora is Continuing to Create the Best Experience in Prestige Beauty with Sephora North America President & CEO Artemis Patrick

In this session, hear from Sephora U.S. President & CEO Artemis Patrick as she embarks on her first-full year in the CEO role. She’ll discuss how Sephora is differentiating itself to remain the prestige beauty retailer of choice in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Global economic outlook 2025 and beyond: A conversation with Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon

Join this fireside chat to hear fresh insights from David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, on the global economy, capital markets, the geopolitical landscape, the impact of generative AI and more. These and other macro factors point to interesting times for the health of the global consumer and the retail industry overall.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Mastering the game of business and brands: A conversation with A-Rod Corp’s Alex Rodriguez and Dylan’s Candy Bar CEO Dylan Lauren

Join Alex Rodriguez, Chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, and Dylan Lauren, Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar, for an insightful discussion on building thriving businesses and game-changing brands through innovation and strategic partnerships. Following his Hall-of-Fame Major League Baseball career, Alex founded investment company A-Rod Corp, which excels at turning potential into success by leveraging extensive expertise and a visionary approach to investments across diverse business sectors.

Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Driving innovation and scaling communities around the world: A conversation with lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald

In today’s fast-evolving global retail landscape, consumer preferences are constantly shifting, and the operating environment has never been more complex. lululemon continues to adapt and compete by innovating for the unmet needs of its guests, leveraging its direct-to-consumer model built on relationships, and growing its community around the world in a locally relevant way.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

The future of fashion: Innovation and impact with Rent the Runway

Join Jennifer Hyman, Co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, for a candid fireside chat exploring the company’s disruptive path in the fashion industry. Jennifer will share her experiences in building a company that transformed how consumers approach clothing, focusing on sustainability, circular fashion and fostering a sharing economy. Hear about the challenges and triumphs of creating a subscription-based model that democratizes luxury fashion and how Jennifer's leadership has driven innovation, growth and resilience through changing market dynamics.
Friday
April 25
9:41 pm–9:41 pm
Javits North, Level 5, SAP Theatre

Building a lifestyle brand: Pacsun’s vision for the next generation

Join Brie Olson, CEO of Pacsun, for an engaging fireside chat about leading a lifestyle brand that resonates with youth culture. Brie will discuss how Pacsun stays ahead of trends, curating a brand experience that blends fashion, community and social responsibility. Learn about the strategic pivots that have helped Pacsun thrive in a rapidly changing retail landscape, including embracing digital innovation and strategic collaborations.