NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show in New York City is a major event for everyone in the retail industry. It offers a three-day experience with informative sessions, a busy Expo, and areas like the Innovation Lab and Startup Zone where you can explore new retail technologies and solutions. Organized by the National Retail Federation, this annual event brings together over 5,000 brands from around the world, making it a great place for networking, learning, and discovering the latest in retail.
As you prepare for NRF 2025, this guide will help you make the most of every opportunity, keeping you updated on the newest trends and supporting your professional growth.
What is NRF 2025?
NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show is one of the most significant events in the retail industry, making it a must-attend for many professionals each year. Over the course of three days, attendees can participate in a variety of learning sessions, explore a standout Expo, and visit the Innovation Lab and Startup Zone, which showcase the latest retail solutions and technologies. Also known as the NRF Convention & Expo, this event is organized by the National Retail Federation.
At NRF 2025, the retail community comes together to build relationships, discover new trends for the upcoming year, and experience the latest technology in action. With more than 6,200 brands from around the world gathering in New York City, it offers ample opportunities for networking, learning, and exploring new ideas.
When and Where is NRF 2025 Taking Place?
NRF 2025 is set for January 12 to 14 in New York City. The event will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Before the main event begins, there will be an Opening Party on January 11 at the Marriott Marquis in the famous Times Square area.
Who’s Coming to NRF 2025?
Here’s a closer look at who will be attending and why it’s important for everyone in the industry:
Massive Attendance: About 19,000 retail professionals are expected to join the event, representing over 5,000 different brands. This large gathering shows just how significant NRF 2025 is for the retail world.
Diverse Exhibitors: With more than 1,000 companies showcasing their products and services, attendees will have the chance to explore a wide variety of retail innovations and solutions. Whether you’re interested in the latest technology or new product offerings, there’s something for everyone.
Educational Sessions: The event will feature over 175 sessions where experts share their knowledge on various topics. These sessions are perfect for learning about new trends, strategies, and best practices in retail, as well as gaining insights into retail job opportunities and career growth.
Networking Opportunities: NRF 2025 offers a fantastic chance to connect with over 39,000 attendees. Whether you’re looking to meet industry peers, potential partners, or leaders in retail, the networking possibilities are extensive.
Who Will be Speaking at NRF 2025?
The lineup of speakers includes some of the most respected and influential leaders from various sectors of the industry. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ready to help attendees tackle today’s challenges and prepare for the future.
Here are a few of the standout speakers you can look forward to:
- Alex Rodriguez, CEO and Chairman of A-Rod Corp
- Dylan Lauren, Founder & CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar
- Tommy Hilfiger, Founder & Principal Designer at Tommy Hilfiger Global
- John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S.
- David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
- Wouleta Ayele, CTO of sweetgreen
- Brian Cornell, CEO of Target
- Mary Dillon, President & CEO of Foot Locker, Inc.
And many more!
What Kind of Sponsors and Exhibitions Will There Be at NRF 2025?
NRF 2025 is bringing together a wide array of sponsors, each excelling in their respective fields. These partners are set to provide valuable insights, cutting-edge innovations, and effective solutions, ensuring that attendees leave equipped to thrive in the dynamic retail landscape.
Chairman’s Circle Sponsors:
- AWS: Pioneering cloud computing solutions.
- American Express: Renowned for exceptional financial services and credit products.
- Microsoft: Showcasing cutting-edge business technologies.
- Salesforce: Providing leading customer relationship management tools.
- Shopify: A top platform for e-commerce and retail point-of-sale systems.
- NCR, SAP, Zebra Technologies: Bringing their specialized expertise and innovative solutions to the event.
Platinum Sponsors like Adyen, Deloitte, and Klaviyo will be presenting advanced solutions and services tailored to their sectors. This tier also includes giants like IBM and PwC, who will be sharing their latest developments and strategies to help retailers succeed.
Gold Sponsors feature prominent companies such as Adobe, Samsung, and J.P. Morgan, offering valuable insights and technologies that drive the retail industry forward.
In addition to these sponsors, NRF 2025 will showcase a variety of exhibitions from numerous retail tool providers, platforms, and solution specialists. Attendees can look forward to exploring:
- E-commerce Platforms: Discover the latest tools and strategies shaping the future of online sales.
- Point of Sale Systems: Learn about the newest advancements in retail transaction processing.
- Supply Chain Management: Engage with solutions designed to optimize the flow of products from suppliers to customers.
- Customer Relationship Management: Explore tools and techniques aimed at enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Data Analytics: Dive into platforms that provide actionable insights to inform retail decision-making.
- Retail Tech Innovations: Experience firsthand the technologies that are transforming the retail experience.
What Kind of Sessions Are There at NRF 2025?
Keynote
Hear from top retail executives as they share their vision and insights on the industry’s future. These NRF-curated presentations offer a comprehensive overview of current trends and strategic directions.
Featured Sessions
Explore relevant topics presented by retail leaders and experts. These sessions provide in-depth knowledge and practical strategies tailored to today’s retail challenges.
Partner Perspective
Enjoy presentations sponsored by NRF and its industry partners. These sessions offer unique perspectives and solutions directly from leading companies in the retail sector.
Exhibitor Big Ideas
Discover innovative concepts and strategies from our sponsors. These sessions highlight the latest products and ideas that are shaping the future of retail.
Foodservice Tech
Explore advancements in the foodservice sector with insights from thought leaders and top executives. These sessions focus on the latest technologies and trends driving the industry forward.
Retail Media Networks
Join a dedicated one-day program where retailers, brands, and agencies discuss key themes, challenges, and solutions within the in-store media ecosystem. This includes presentations, case studies, roundtables, and networking opportunities.
What To Expect From NRF 2025 – Is the Event Worth It?
Here’s a simple overview of what you can look forward to and why attending NRF 2025 could be beneficial for your business:
Extensive Learning Opportunities
NRF 2025 covers a wide range of topics, including virtual fashion, the metaverse, AI-driven inventory management, cybersecurity, and sustainability. You’ll gain practical knowledge on retail sales strategies, the impact of tax reform on retailers, and insights into the Credit Card Competition Act from industry leaders like NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
Inspiration and Motivation
Engage with NRF Foundation leaders, hear success stories from top retailers, and see the latest innovations up close. These experiences can inspire new ideas and strategies for your retail operations, helping you stay ahead in a competitive market.
Unmatched Networking
Connect with over 39,000 attendees, including industry leaders, retailers, and vendors. Whether through scheduled meetings or casual conversations around New York City, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to form valuable partnerships and discuss the latest trends in retail jobs and consumer behavior.
Cutting-Edge Innovations
Visit the Innovation Lab to see the latest technologies in action, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, and robotics. Experience firsthand how these innovations are transforming retail sales and enhancing consumer experiences.
Support for Startups
The Startup Zone is designed for emerging companies in retail. It’s a great place to showcase your ideas, learn from other startups, and discover new technologies that can help your business grow during the holiday season and beyond.
Food Technology Showcase
Explore the Food Tech Pavilion, where pioneers present the latest systems and solutions for food service operations. Stay updated on the trends shaping the food retail sector and discover sustainable practices that can benefit your business.
Extensive Session Variety
With over 175 sessions in the Exhibitor Big Ideas segment alone, there’s plenty of knowledge to gain. Each session offers new perspectives on retail sales, effective strategies to tackle current challenges, and talks from industry experts on topics like tax reform and sustainability.
Product Discoveries
Check out the Consumer Product Showcase, where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and brands display their best products. It’s a great way to see what’s trending in the retail world and connect with consumers looking for the latest innovations.
Collaborative Growth
NRF 2025 emphasizes the importance of working together. Engage in discussions, share ideas, and build partnerships with other retailers and vendors that can drive your business forward and enhance your return on investment.
Why Should You Attend NRF 2025?
NRF 2025 is an essential event for anyone interested in the latest retail trends, technologies, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or a new entrepreneur, NRF 2025 offers valuable insights, connections, and strategies to help grow your business.
Here’s why NRF 2025 should be on your business calendar:
Top-Notch Networking
NRF brings together industry leaders, making it the perfect place to form deals, partnerships, and new ventures. Whether through scheduled meetings or casual conversations around New York City, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make meaningful connections.
New York City Experience
Beyond the event, NYC provides a vibrant backdrop for business activities. The city’s dynamic atmosphere and the influx of NRF attendees create a great environment for productive discussions and opportunities.
Future of Retail Insights
NRF offers more than just exhibits; it provides a look into the future of retail. Learn about new technologies and innovations that are set to transform the industry, helping you stay ahead of the competition.
Innovative Marketing Strategies
With so many marketing professionals, sales teams, and potential customers in one place, NRF 2025 is an excellent venue to discover new ways to engage and attract your target audience.
Showcase and Grow Your Business
NRF is a fantastic platform to display your latest products and services. More importantly, it helps you build relationships that can lead to increased sales and business growth.
Smart Networking with Data
Attending NRF can open doors to new clients. By using data-driven strategies in your event marketing, you can maximize your connections and get the most out of your investment.
Invest in Your Success
Participating in NRF 2025 is more than just attending an event; it’s an investment in your business’s future. If you want to grow your business, understand industry changes, and expand your network, NRF 2025 is the place to be.
Leverage Attendee Insights: Discover Who’s Attending NRF 2025 And Prepare For It
Are you preparing for NRF 2025? Understanding who will be there is essential for making the most of the event. By familiarizing yourself with the attendee demographics, you can tailor your conversations to fit their industries and roles. Start networking before the event to set the stage for more meaningful interactions during the summit. Knowing your audience helps ensure your discussions are relevant and effective.
Attendee information goes beyond just numbers—it’s a valuable resource for building connections with top tech experts and business leaders. Using this data can enhance your NRF 2025 experience, making every interaction purposeful and impactful.
Want to boost your networking success? Check out our 5-step guide to maximize your connections and results at NRF 2025.
Here’s a snapshot of the NRF 2025 attendee demographics:
NRF 2025 Attendee Overview:
Attendee job function
- Professional 44%
- Sales and Marketing 18%
- Founders and Management 17%
Attendee seniority
- Professional 51%
- VP and Director 27%
- C-Suite 22%
Attendee industry
- Software 30%
- Retail 10%
- Management Consulting 7%
Things to Consider Before Registering for NRF 2025
NRF 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking event for the retail industry, delivering cutting-edge sessions, a chance to engage with industry leaders and plenty of networking opportunities. Selecting the right registration package can make all the difference in your experience.
What Types of Passes Are Available for NRF 2025?
NRF 2025 offers a variety of passes to fit different needs and ensure you have the best possible experience. Here’s a clear overview of each option:
All-Access Pass
The All-Access Pass gives you comprehensive access to all major events and activities, including:
- Keynote speeches
- Featured sessions
- Exhibitor Big Ideas
- Partner Perspective sessions
- The Expo
- NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase
- Startup Hub
- Foodservice Innovation Zone
- Donut Dunks
- The Opening Party
Plus, you can reserve one ticket for Retail’s Big Concert with your All-Access Pass (limited availability).
Expo Pass
The Expo Pass is perfect if you’re primarily interested in the Expo and related activities. It includes access to:
- The Expo during regular hours
- Exhibitor Big Ideas sessions
- Partner Perspective sessions
- NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase
- Startup Hub
- Foodservice Innovation Zone
- The Opening Party
With an Expo Pass, you can also reserve one Retail’s Big Concert ticket (limited availability).
Retail Team All-Access Pass
For teams looking to attend together, the Retail Team All-Access Pass offers all the benefits of the All-Access Pass for each team member, including:
- Keynote speeches
- Featured sessions
- Exhibitor Big Ideas
- Partner Perspective sessions
- The Expo
- NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase
- Startup Hub
- Foodservice Innovation Zone
- Donut Dunks
- The Opening Party
Additionally, each team member can reserve one Retail’s Big Concert ticket with their pass (limited availability).
Choose the pass that best fits your needs and make the most of everything NRF 2025 has to offer. Whether you’re attending solo, with your team, or focusing on the Expo, there’s a pass that’s right for you!
Plan Your Visit to NRF 2025 and What To Do During After Hours
NRF 2025 is more than just an event—it’s an exciting experience that combines the latest in retail innovation with the vibrant energy of New York City. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of both the event and your time in the city:
Set Your Goals
Before diving into NRF 2025, decide what you want to achieve. Whether it’s learning about new retail trends, expanding your network, or finding partners, having clear goals will help you focus on the most relevant sessions and activities.
Enjoy NRF Retail Week
NRF 2025 coincides with NRF Retail Week, featuring parties, workshops, partner events, sessions, and store tours. Take part in these activities to fully embrace the retail spirit and gain deeper insights.
Smart Networking
- Use Attendee Insights: Knowing who will be there helps you tailor your conversations to match their industries and roles, making your interactions more meaningful.
- Join Exclusive Events: Attend special dinners at venues like Soho House or Print Restaurant, or participate in networking events at places such as the General French Consulate and AI Fiori. These gatherings are great for enjoying good food and drinks while connecting with industry innovators.
Explore New York City After Hours
When the event wraps up for the day, enjoy what NYC has to offer:
- Dining: Savor meals at top spots like Ci Siamo, Sofitel Manhattan, or Bloomingdale’s.
- Entertainment: Relax at Five Iron Gold or enjoy city views from Monarch Rooftop, the Cutting Room, or Haven Rooftop.
- Nightlife Networking: Continue your networking in NYC’s lively nightlife. Have a cocktail while discussing collaborations or share ideas in a relaxed setting.
Prepare Your Pitch
Be ready to introduce yourself at any moment. Keep your business cards handy, update your LinkedIn profile, and have a clear elevator pitch about your business or services.
Take Time to Explore
Don’t miss out on NYC’s iconic landmarks, theaters, museums, and parks. Whether it’s a Broadway show, a walk in Central Park, or admiring the skyline, exploring the city will make your trip memorable.
Tips When Traveling to NRF 2025 + Hotels
New York City, famous for its skyscrapers and vibrant streets, is ready to welcome NRF 2025. Along with the valuable retail insights, you can explore the city’s rich culture, historic landmarks, and delicious food.
During NRF 2025:
- Visit Iconic Landmarks: Central Park, Statue of Liberty
- Explore Museums: Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA
- Enjoy Diverse Cuisine: Sample international dishes across Manhattan
- Catch a Broadway Show: Experience world-class theater
- Relax in Parks: Enjoy NYC’s beautiful parks and waterfronts
Travel Tips for NRF 2025 Attendees: As you prepare for your trip, here’s a guide to make the most of your New York City experience:
Save Up to 10% on Your Travel to New York with United Airlines
If you’re planning to attend NRF 2025 in New York City, you can save up to 10% on your flight with United Airlines.
For U.S. & Canada Passengers:
You can book your flight online by visiting united.com/meetingtravel. Make sure to use the Z Code: ZQ6D and Agreement Code: 441188 when booking. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefit of having the booking fee waived for all Meeting reservations.
For Passengers Outside the U.S. & Canada:
Book your flight online using this link. Don’t forget to provide the Z Code: ZQ6D and Agreement Code: 441188. Please note that discounts may not be available on all flights and are valid for travel between January 6-18, 2025.
Take advantage of these savings to make your trip to NRF 2025 both affordable and convenient!
Selecting Your Hotel:
- NRF’s Preferred Housing Provider: Ensure you book through OnPeak, NRF 2025’s official housing provider. Avail benefits like:
- Contracted, best rate guarantees.
- Protection against penalties for room cancellations.
- Dedicated customer service for all queries and requests.
- Shield against hotel relocations.
- Free shuttle services from certain official hotels to Javits Convention Center.
- A hassle-free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before arrival without penalties.
- Hotels Proximate to the Event:
- Courtyard NY Midtown Manhattan West and Four Points Sheraton Manhattan Midtown are within walking distance of the convention, making them convenient choices.
Navigating NRF 2025 and New York City:
- The central locations of the recommended hotels ensure easy access to NRF 2025 venues and NYC’s prime attractions.
Packing and Attire Tips:
- Comfort: NRF 2025 will have you on the move. Opt for comfortable shoes.
- Weather: NYC’s winter can be chilly, with occasional snowfall. Pack warm attire and perhaps a stylish scarf for those chilly outdoor adventures.
As you set your sights on NRF 2025, plan for New York City’s unparalleled experiences. Your journey promises a fusion of industry advancement, networking, and urban exploration.
Summary: Careful Planning Can Make a Big Difference When You Go to NRF 2025
Careful planning can significantly enhance your experience at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. This event is essential for retailers of all sizes, offering more than just a meeting of top industry players—it’s a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and growth.
Prepare for NRF 2025 by setting clear goals and choosing sessions that match your business objectives. Actively seek out networking opportunities to gain valuable insights and build strong connections that can benefit your retail business.
In today’s digital world, effective planning goes beyond traditional methods. Use event intelligence tools to learn about attendee insights, helping you connect with the right people for more meaningful conversations.
New York City also hosts numerous events, parties, and networking venues outside the main NRF schedule. Take advantage of these opportunities to keep building relationships and expanding your network even after the event. By planning carefully, leveraging technology, and making the most of every networking chance, you can achieve great results, generate leads, and ensure a positive return on investment for your business.
