WR President & CEO attended the 2025 NRF Retail Big Show held last week in New York City. The event was one of their largest with approximately 40,000 attendees, 105 countries represented and over 1,000 exhibitors.
The Energy and Enthusiasm was palpable fueled by optimism about the state of retail, the state of the economy, and the opportunities for the year ahead.
Several Key Themes emerged:
- artificial intelligences is driving innovation and efficiency at every level for the industry
- retailers are focused on the growing expectations for personalization, value and a seamless experience across digital and physical stores
- retailers are paying closer attention to the shopping behaviors of Gen Z (12 – 27 yrs) and Gen Alpha consumers (birth to 11 yrs.)
The 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors took place on Sunday in New York City to recognize industry visionaries, award student scholarships and showcase the retail industry’s diverse and dynamic workforce. The event raised more than $2.7 million to fund the NRF Foundation’s career development programs and resources.
“The retail industry offers endless opportunities and career pathways, and through our support of the great work of the Foundation, we ensure that talent at all stages receive the training and resources they need to excel,” said Renee Sunde, CEO of the Washington Retail Association.
Presented by American Express and PwC, the event featured more than 700 attendees and was co-hosted by Macy’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO and former NRF Foundation Board Chair Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and former NRF Board Chair John Furner.
Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger was honored with The Visionary award for his four decades of transformative contributions to the retail industry and his leadership in building one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands. Renowned for blending classic American style with a modern twist, the brand has become a global symbol of excellence in the fashion industry.
The event also provided an opportunity for Ms. Sunde to join the NRF Policy Council meeting with many of WR’s State Retail Association Executives and partners from the National Retail Federation.
The 2025 NRF Retail Big Show was a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of the retail industry. As the industry continues to evolve, events like these provide valuable opportunities to connect, share insights, and support the development of the next generation of retail talent. With the NRF Foundation’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, the future of retail is in strong hands. We look forward to the continued collaboration and growth of this dynamic industry in the year ahead.
