Retail’s Future Unfolds: NRF 2026 Promises Innovation and Industry Leaders in NYC

NRF 2026 Retail’s Big Show, the premier event for the retail industry, is set to take place in New York City from January 11-13. The show will be hosted at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan and promises to be a comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations, technological tools, and solutions shaping the future of retail.

With over 5,000 exhibitors anticipated from approximately 100 countries, NRF 2026 is expected to draw a massive audience. The event’s agenda is packed with conferences, insightful keynote speeches, and dynamic panel debates, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities.

Adding a unique element to the event, actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds will be a featured speaker, sharing his experiences and insights into his diverse business ventures. The show will also see participation from leaders representing some of the world’s most prominent retail corporations, including Google, Amazon, Zalando, AliExpress, Adidas, JD Sports, VF Corp., H&M, Mango, Guess, Old Navy and Gap Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Perry Ellis, The North Face, Bestseller, Lowe’s, Pandora, Coach and Shopify.

Industry experts will lead sessions focused on critical topics such as enhancing the customer experience, streamlining business operations for greater efficiency, fostering business agility, attracting and retaining top talent, and navigating the evolving landscape of retail technology. Confirmed speakers include Fran Horowitz, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch; Linda Hubbard, CEO of Carhartt; Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks Global; Michael Rubin, founder and CEO of Fanatics; and Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty.

NRF 2026 will feature several key attractions, including The Expo – a dedicated area for exploring new retail technologies and solutions – the Vendors in Partnership Awards, and a focused segment on the growth of Retail Media Networks. Attendees can also enjoy networking opportunities during happy hours on the Expo floor and participate in tours of innovative retail spaces throughout New York City.

France will have a significant presence at NRF 2026, with representatives from leading companies like LVMH (Gonzague de Pirey), L'Oréal (Gabriel Bertoli), Mirakl (Anne-Claire Baschet), and Decathlon (Hervé D’Halluin) participating. A total of 28 French companies will be exhibiting under the Business France banner, showcasing their expertise in areas such as inventory optimization (Autone), retail analytics (RetailNext), omnichannel solutions (OneStock, Revers.io), and innovative purchasing paths (Faume, Live Vendor).

The 2025 edition of NRF Retail’s Big Show, held from January 16-18, was a resounding success, attracting over 40,000 visitors and featuring approximately 6,000 exhibitors, demonstrating the event’s continued importance and influence within the retail sector.