Why attend NRF’s Big Show: Retail is hitting “Fast Forward”

TOGETHER WITH

Big day for retailers: The opening party for NRF ’27: Retail’s Big Show is on Jan. 9. This year’s theme is Fast Forward, and the tech vendors, sessions, and networking opportunities are already primed to give retailers a pivotal peek at 2027. Register here.

As many retailers already know, the NRF (National Retail Federation) is the largest US retail trade association. It advocates for the industry, publishes pivotal retail research, and hosts major industry events. So it’s only fitting that their biggest show is literally Retail’s Big Show, NRF’s flagship conference in NYC, where the biggest brands gather to kick off the year with fresh ideas about what’s next.

The opening party is Jan. 9, 2027, and the conference and Expo are Jan. 10–12.

What can you expect from NRF ’27: Retail’s Big Show? A lot. That’s kind of the point. But if you’d like more of a breakdown—a tasting menu, if you will—of the “Fast Forward” theme and the tech vendors, keynotes, and sessions you’ll be walking into, we’ve teamed up with NRF to provide just that.

Let’s taste some samples.

Your appetizer: The theme of the event—and the year

For better or worse, your customers are no longer big on waiting.

Window shopping has evolved into scrolling, and consideration has turned into a tap-tap-click that translates into a package at their door. NRF even notes that 51% of consumers expect delivery the next day.

Supply chains are getting faster, sales cycles are getting shorter, and now, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are suddenly weeklong events (not how it works, guys).

Retail’s Big Show isn’t here to tell you how fast to go. It’s here to help you find the speed that’s right for you. The fitting theme of the year: Fast Forward.

Find the speed that’s right for your brand, your resulting strategy, and, in turn, your competitive edge. The world’s best retailers know how to set their own pace. They’ve calibrated their supply chains, customer experiences, and innovation cycles to work for them.

This year, NRF’s Big Show is built around the Fast Forward theme to help you balance what the customer wants with what your company needs in order to thrive.

Here come the salads: Network, network, network

What better way to whet your palate—aka get comfortable at a big event—than to meet, mix, and mingle with fellow retail aficionados?

Interact with retail colleagues, build partnerships with innovative vendors, and tap into industry experts with their eyes and ears on current challenges and future trends. After all, retail success is a team sport. At NRF ’27, you can build a winning team of peers and partners that can move your business strategies forward faster. (Pretty on theme, huh?)

You’ll be in good company, as NRF has a knack for gathering the top retail minds to bring you a plethora of learning opportunities packed into three days. Tune in to candid stories from the field, data-driven trends, expert insights, and inspiring takes on creative problem-solving.

Past attendees can’t say enough about the many tips, tools, and aha moments they’ve taken back to the office and immediately put into practice.

There’s not just plenty to see; there are also plenty of people to meet.

The main course is piping hot—and so are these insights

One-click purchases. Same-day delivery. Next-day restocks. We already touched on Fast Forward, but many of the insights you’ll be chowing down on correlate directly to this overarching and relevant theme. So let’s dig in further.

Today’s retail customers have a need for speed. But is faster always better? If you’re sacrificing quality experiences or your company’s operational health in pursuit of quick turnarounds, you might soon find yourself in the danger zone.

NRF has made it easy to discover insights and technology to help you balance what the customer wants with what your company needs to thrive.

The Expo will include:

• AI Stage: how AI is reshaping the path to purchase
• Reverse Logistics Pavilion: solutions for retail returns efficiency
• NRF Innovators Showcase: emerging retail technologies

Full? Already? Take some insights to go—there’s plenty. Just don’t miss the Expo. It features new technologies to help advance retailers into the future. You won’t just see new products; you’ll also get to try them on for size.

Saved room for dessert? The speakers have arrived

NRF ’27 has a knack for gathering expert speakers. This upcoming year is no exception.

If you’re feeling full (of knowledge), simply kick back at a session. Let keynote speakers from the biggest brands in retail help inspire new ways for your business to meet customer expectations while moving at the speed that keeps every facet of your operation running smoothly.

Guest speakers have faced the same challenges you’re tackling now and overcome them. At NRF ’27, their goal is to help you lead with vision and proven strategies.

Learn about cost savings, profit potential, how to manage complex times, and so much more. Think of these keynotes as the cherry on top of your sundae.

Wishing you could Fast Forward to NRF ’27: Retail’s Big Show right now? Here’s the next-best thing: Fast-forward your registration here and save $200 by Nov. 18 on your ticket to NRF. (Discount is only for a limited time.)

Check out the All-Access Pass or see how qualified retailers can snag a complimentary Retail Expo Pass.