The NRF 2025 Big Show is packed with innovation, inspiration, and strategies to shape the future of retail. With so many sessions to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to focus your attention. That’s why we’ve rounded up three of the most exciting, game-changing sessions you simply can’t miss. These discussions bring together retail leaders, digital visionaries, and industry disruptors who are reshaping the way we do business.
1. Digital Transformation: Insider Insights from Starbucks and Levi’s®
- When & Where: Sunday, January 12, 11:20am - 11:50am | Klaviyo Stage
- Speakers:
- Dr. Janet Sherlock (Former Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Ralph Lauren)
- Deb Hall Lefevre (EVP, Chief Technology Officer, Starbucks)
- Jason Gowans (SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Levi Strauss & Co.)
Kicking off the NRF 2025 Big Show in style, this session dives into the digital transformation journeys of Starbucks and Levi’s. From revolutionizing operations to leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, AR, and robotics, these retail giants are redefining efficiency, agility, and customer engagement. The panel explores how digital innovation is driving not only profitability but also creating new opportunities for employees and shareholders.Why It’s a Must-See: With insider insights from leaders at Starbucks and Levi’s, this session is a masterclass in implementing transformative strategies that balance innovation with operational excellence.
2. Mastering Digital Personalization: Crafting Unique Journeys
- When & Where: Monday, January 13, 11:20am - 11:50am | Mirakl Stage
- Speakers:
- Christopher Thomas-Moore (SVP - Chief Digital Officer, Domino’s Pizza)
- Giri Agarwal (Chief Strategy Officer, Incisiv)
- Ken Feyder (VP, Head of IT - Americas, Hermès of Paris)
- Greg Pulsifer (SVP, Sam's Club eCommerce, Sam’s Club)
Personalization is the cornerstone of modern customer experience, and this session showcases how the world’s most innovative brands are making it happen. Through advanced data analytics and AI, these leaders are crafting hyper-personalized customer journeys that drive engagement and revenue. From loyalty programs to predictive product recommendations, learn how to use digital tools to captivate customers and build lasting connections.Why It’s a Must-See: If personalization is on your roadmap, this session provides actionable strategies to elevate your digital marketing and CRM efforts.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Humans: Five Ways AI Will Make Retail More Personal, Not Less
- When & Where: Tuesday, January 14, 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Logicbroker Stage
- Speakers:
- Vicki Cantrell (CEO, Vendors in Partnership)
- Mirko Saul (SVP of Innovation, Schwarz Digital GmbH & Co. KG)
- Suzanne Long (Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer, Albertsons Companies)
- David Roth (CEO, The Store – WPP; Chairman BAV, WPP)
- Shirley Gao (Chief Digital and Information Officer, PacSun)
Artificial intelligence often conjures images of automation overtaking human roles, but this session turns that narrative on its head. Hear from industry leaders how AI is augmenting decision-making, reducing repetitive tasks, and enhancing human-to-human interactions. Learn how retailers are leveraging AI to connect with customers more deeply while streamlining operations and boosting innovation.Why It’s a Must-See: As AI continues to shape the retail landscape, this session provides critical insights into creating a future where technology and human touch coexist harmoniously.
Tailor Your Digital Strategy and Solutions
NRF 2025 promises to be a game-changing event for the retail industry, offering insights and strategies that blend innovation, personalization, and technology with a human touch. These three sessions are just the tip of the iceberg, but they capture the heart of the transformation shaping retail’s future.If you’re inspired by these topics and want to explore how digital transformation, personalization, or AI could elevate your brand, let’s talk! At Echidna, we specialize in helping businesses thrive in the digital wild with tailored strategies and cutting-edge solutions.Start a Conversation