Conference Edition
| Jan. 15, 2026
|
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The National Retail Federation’s Big Show just wrapped up in New York City, so we’re taking a look back at what was top of mind for retailers at one of the industry’s biggest events.
The big focus, unsurprisingly, was AI. Industry leaders contemplated integrating the technology into their operations and announced partnerships with external platforms — all while stressing the importance of human employees.
You can find coverage from Retail Dive, as well as from our sister publications Marketing Dive and CX Dive, below.
Thanks for reading.
|
|
Caroline Jansen
Senior Editor, Retail Dive
Email
|
Overheard at the show
"This is really significant, just as search was for e-commerce a few years ago."
– Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner on agentic AI
Executives from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Macy’s offered insights as the industry grapples with integrating the new tech into their operations.
|
The retailer’s “green vest” associates serve as a key differentiator — both in stores and online — in an increasingly AI-driven world, according to CEO Mary Beth Laughton.
|
Incoming CEO John Furner said the company is rewriting the retail playbook, in part with new agentic AI capabilities.
|
Assess your technical, operational and strategic fit for flexible payments with Zip’s BNPL readiness checklist.
|
Executives from Vans, The North Face and Timberland laid out their plans for evolution while maintaining each brand’s heritage.
|
Executives from Beyond Yoga, Mejuri and Coterie discussed the undeniable value of brick and mortar in an increasingly digital world.
|
Executives at NRF’s Big Show were quick to say AI can collaborate with — not replace — humans, though it is changing the types of work companies need from employees.
|
Executives from the beauty retailer hinted at building agents and utilizing AI to improve personalization for loyalty members.
|
The technology is redefining how customers interact with brands, but at least some parts of shopping will remain a human experience, executives said Sunday at NRF.
|
At NRF’s Big Show, execs from Mejuri, Coterie and Beyond Yoga emphasized the power of community in amplifying brand messages and viral moments.
|
Parting thought
On stage, retailers were optimistic about the opportunities AI presents. Off stage, conversations were more nuanced. When retailers bring their product listings onto external AI platforms, do they risk losing control over valuable customer data? And does this set the stage for players such as Google and OpenAI to become e-commerce giants?
|
|
