The National Retail Federation has represented retail for over a century. Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, retail contributes $5.3 trillion to the annual GDP. No other industry comes close.
Wherever the industry goes, the nation follows — so we’re committed to helping retail go further .Together with our philanthropic arm, the NRF Foundation, we stand up for, celebrate, educate and inspire our industry. We’re retail’s greatest advocates, uniting an industry of leaders and boundary breakers around complex issues and bold opportunities.
NRF Board Chair and BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO, Bob Eddy, kicks off NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show with a welcome address and a look ahead at what’s in store for the industry. He’ll offer a preview of this year’s event highlights and share NRF’s key initiatives shaping retail in 2026.
Immediately following, Ed Stack, Executive Chairman of DICK’S Sporting Goods, will join Bob on stage for a fireside chat. Their conversation will explore leadership strategies for navigating shifting consumer expectations, the evolving role of experiential retail in sports, and how DICK’S is leveraging technology and community engagement to drive growth and loyalty.
The theme of this year’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, which took place Jan. 11-13 at New York’s Javits Center, was “The Next Now,” and the packed event provided plenty of solutions exemplifying that leap forward in available capability and performance.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the term on many peoples’ lips was “agentic AI.” In a fireside chat with CNBC anchor Jon Fortt, Walmart EVP and CTO Hari Vasudev discussed the company’s partnership with Google to embed Gemini AI in the retailer’s e-commerce site to create a seamless experience for the customer.
“What they then get is the ability to essentially complete the shopping journey in a very, very timely way,” Vasudev explained. The philosophy behind Walmart’s implementation of such solutions, according to Vasudev, is “effectively deploying technology that is purpose fit to reduce friction for the customer and making sure that they’re having a very highly optimized experience.”
Agentic AI pricing capabilities will become essential in 2026 for retailers beset by tariffs, inflation and customers’ relentless pursuit of value, according to Matt Pavich, Revionics’ senior director, strategy and innovation. The tool employs a simple-language interface to provide retailers with a customized pricing algorithm.
The Innovators’ Showcase featured agentic AI software as well, including BetterBasket, which provides grocery retailers with AI agents for pricing, competitive intelligence and promotion optimization, with the aim of helping teams boost revenue, manage margin targets and automate decisions using real-time data across operations.
In the quest for enterprise AI wins, the marketing department’s pain points offer plenty of opportunities.
NRF Foundation Honors raises $2.7M to support retail careers, “The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration; it’s a catalyst for the work we do year-round,“ NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie.
Presented by American Express and PwC, the event hosted over 700 attendees and was co-driven by Goodwill Industries International President and CEO Steve Preston and NRF Foundation Board Chair, as well as BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO Bob Eddy, who also serves as NRF Board Chair.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz was honored with The Visionary award for her expertise in building brands and as a globally recognized industry leader.
There were so many people in attendance from all over the World, in attendance to share there retail experience , network and learn more about Technologies and AI, in the Retail industries.
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BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, City Hall Plaza NYC 01/01/26
It was a special day for especially Muslims of New York, who saw for the 1st time in the history, of New York seeing a Muslim Mayor elected to the greatest city in the World, New York City.
As being a devout Muslim myself I am very happy seeing a Muslim mayor, being elected in my lifetime, alongside many more Muslims living in New York City.
Now with that said, many New Yorkers Voted for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, from all backgrounds, religious backgrounds.
He kept his campaign very simple, speaking the language of New Yorkers, who needed help with so many things. He kept his campaign simple and to the point.
Free Buses, Grocery Stores, Taxing the rich, Pre K for all, rent freeze for 2 years, fighting for Immigrants. This was the platform, Mayor Zohran Mamdani had ran on, and people liked what he said and voted him in.
Now if he is going to accomplish all of the above is another matter, but it seems his heart and soul is in the right place, and we will see what he can do in his term.
There were many firsts, for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, First Muslim Mayor, 2nd youngest mayor at age 34. First Asian Mayor and first Mayor from Africa and the list carries on.
112th NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani 1st Muslim inaugurated at City Hall NYC, January 1st 2026, took place at City Hall. Thousands in attendance to witness his swearing in ceremony and millions more watching on TV and watch parties throughout New York City, I personally was invited to over 15 watch parties, which I politely declined as I was interested in being in person at Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration.
Before Mayor Mamdani’s swearing in ceremony, there were 2 other political leaders who were sworn in: Mark Levine, 52nd New York City Comptroller, who was sworn in by sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Mr. Levine went on to say, he will make changes, to his office and will pledge his support to the mayor and work in hand in hand with him, to make New York a great city and affordable for all New Yorkers.
Jumaane D. Williams, the Public Advocate of the City of New York, won his 2nd and final term by a landslide. In a moving address, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reflects on his journey and shares a powerful message of self-acceptance and community.
Alexandra Cortez , AOC, Congress member and big supporter of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, opened up by welcoming guests and congrulating, Mayor Mamdani on his victory and went on to say she was very honored to support and endorse him very early in his campaign.
Prayer was done by From the ISLAMIC CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY, by IMAM KHAL — IMAM KHALIF, joined by members of many Faith Communities. A RABBI, PASTOR, REVEREND Stephen Green, and many others.
Live musical performance by Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by THE Fifth-Grade Members of The Staten Island Chorus, accompanied by Adam Ben Davis.
See more about 112th NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani 1st Muslim inaugurated at City Hall NYC -2026, in our World Liberty TV, Political blogs by clicking here.
In addition to the 1-day Trade Show are three co-located conferences for those wishing to expand and enhance their visit to our one-of-a-kind produce industry experience.
Tuesday, the Foundational Excellence program – with Cornell professors offering one day of industry trends and take-aways for executives with less than 5 years in produce
Also Tuesday, the Global Trade Symposium offers attendees the latest insights on produce importing and exporting to and from the Northeast Region.
Wednesday, our 1-day Trade Show and Exposition, featuring our Opening Keynote Breakfast, show floor educational Micro-Sessions, Chef’s Demonstrations, and the Connect with Fresh Media Immersion.
Thursday, the “Ideation Fresh” Foodservice Forum covers the role of produce in culinary innovation and foodservice profitability.
More than two dozen prominent leaders in fresh produce discussed the state of imports, exports, logistics and seed development – as well as politics and tariffs – during Global Trade Symposium at the New York Produce Show and Conference.
The annual gathering, took place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Sheraton New York Times Square hotel, and feature six sessions devoted to the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables coming into and out of the United States and Canada.
The first three, including “Politics and Produce, A Global Discussion,” covered the roller-coaster economic environment impacting the supply chain, as well as innovative ideas to ensure future growth for businesses.
“The procurement, movement and promotion of fresh produce by nature can be volatile, even in the best of economic climates,” says Ken Whitacre, CEO and President of the New York Produce Show and Produce Business magazine. “We are grateful to have such an astute group of speakers tackling critical issues head on and presenting strategic ways of solving them.”
The Symposium is the first of five major educational components of the 2025 show, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
Cornell University Professor Miguel Gomez kicked off the day with an overview of the global market before the panel moderated by Tom Stenzel digs into the impact of politics and policy on produce.
Key leaders whose interests span North, Central and South America – Jessie Capote (J&C Tropicals), Ron Lemaire (CPMA), John Pandol (Pandol Bros.), Chuck Zeutenhorst (FirstFruits Farms) and Fernando Cruz Morales (GCMA) – discussed the ever-shifting landscape and provide a look at the future for fresh produce.
Continuing the theme, four panelists in the “Navigating Turbulence in Transportation and Logistics” session led by moderator Anthony Serafino (EXP Group), discussed how to preserve and improve cold chain movement of produce amid the tough economic climate.
Mike Laws (Laws Logistics), Jai Thakrar (Jalaram Fruit), Florent Philippot (Z Group USA) and Tony Martinez (Primo Trading Services/Pharr International Bridge) discussed how companies can remain resilient amid labor shortages, tariffs and weather events by leaning into automation, AI and smart business strategies.
The father-and-son team of David and Jonah Stillman, who have gained acclaim addressing the behaviors and habits of Generation Z, were the keynote speakers at the 2025 New York Produce Show and Conference in Manhattan.
2025 Consumer Media Lunch program: By invitation only and specifically for consumer media, this workshop and lunch brings together influential business journalists, writers, bloggers, registered dietitians and food and culinary experts to help them learn more about the produce world and efforts to increase produce consumption.
This year’s luncheon focused on the Next Gen (Z and Alpha), their eating habits and how the produce industry and consumer media can cover health, nutrition and fresh consumption.
Wildly successful last year, the program also will feature demos and products that appeal to younger generations.
They had an insightful program along with a fantastic line-up of sponsors whose products were showcased in the Guided Tasting: Dole Fresh Fruit, Fresh Gourmet Company, Crunch Time Apple Growers, California Walnuts and Katzman Produce.
Close to 300 Vendors were exhibiting and showcasing there produce on the exhibit floor, vendors in attendance from all over the world, which included, Sunkist, Green Giant, Hunt’s Point Produce Market, Avocados from Mexico, Dole food Company, Wonderful Sales and so much more. See more in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels and blogs by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 71st & Columbus Ave NYC 11/26/25
Two things that made massive cultural splashes this year — Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” — filled the sky and streets of New York when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off this year.
The Nov. 27 parade begins rain or shine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.
It featured 34 balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus.
“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will kicked off a starry show. Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” featured alongside Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana. An eclectic group of stars — from ballet dancer Tiler Peck to YouTube’s “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans — will join the annual holiday kick-off.
Broadway was represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime,” while the Radio City Rockettes were there and some serious athletes — three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace.
Alumni and students at LaGuardia High School in New York City — the school featured in the movie and TV series “Fame” — help celebrate the 50th anniversary of “A Chorus Line.”
Others on hand were Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith and Luísa Sonza.
This year, four new featured character balloons debuted, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” were also represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.
Several new floats debuted this year, including the first Labubu float, with Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko.
There were also be floats from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things” featuring members of Foreigner, and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep courtesy of Serta. The fish-shaped snack Goldfish is returning to the parade with a tiny float that measures just 14 Goldfish crackers long.
The marching bands hailed from South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Santiago, Panama. The New York Police Department’s marching band also join. There are no marching bands from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut set to appear.
There were also be dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.
During the Press Conference, Mayor Eric Adams, spoke about the parade and said this will be his last press conference, and enjoyed being part of the festivities that the security was at its highest peak, keeping parade goers and marchers fully safe.
New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch spoke next, she went on to say how she and her family attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade, annually, she went on to say that there were no credible threats during the parade, additional security was added as well as more drones watching every move.
New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch will stay on as New York City Police Commissioner for the new Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration. As see is doing a great job, as NYPD Commissioner.
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