2025 Student Program

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NRF Foundation Student Program

January 9-12, 2025

Marriott Marquis, NYC

The NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City gives college students the unique opportunity to launch their future careers in retail and experience all that the industry offers. Retail executives in marketing, merchandising, talent, entrepreneurship, sustainability, supply chain, technology and more share their stories, insights, and what they learned in their careers, and students explore various careers paths in the retail industry, meet with dozens of recruiters from their favorite brands and create visions for their futures, all in just four days.

The NRF Foundation Student Program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and all educators and staff at any U.S. college or university.

NRF Foundation New York logo.

Made possible
by retailers like you

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OUR 2025 SCHEDULE

Thursday

Tours and Talks


Thursday Jan. 9 | All Day


Go behind-the-scenes, meet retail professionals and explore career paths with select retailers hosting sessions in their NYC offices, stores and more. Tours & Talks will go live in November, and students registered for the Student Program can sign up at no additional cost. Note: students only

9:00AM - 9:30AM and 9:30AM - 10:00AM

Tours & Talks

Foot Locker Reimagined 34th Street Store

Location: 112 W 34th St., New York, NY 10120

In the heart of New York City, where the pulse of fashion and culture beats strongest, Foot Locker has once again set the stage for sneaker culture with the grand reopening of its Reimagined flagship store on 34th Street. This isn't just a store; it's a multi-brand experience, a testament to Foot Locker's commitment to not just selling sneakers but celebrating them. This Foot Locker Reimagined store includes and introduces "Home Court”, a concept that dives deep into basketball culture, making it a haven for hoop fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike. This space isn't just about selling shoes; it's about immersing oneself in the world of basketball, where every corner of the store tells a story of the game's influence on fashion and lifestyle. There is also “The Clinic” to test your jumping skills. The collaboration with Nike and the Jordan Brand marks a significant step in blending premium customer service with cutting-edge products. At this Foot Locker Reimagined store you will find the latest on-court and off-court, multi-brand footwear and fashion for Men, Women and Kids. Foot Locker's owned brands are also represented. Foot Locker has also integrated; 3-D scanning technology for sizing, a communal try-on area, a Sneaker Hub and elevated brand storytelling with an enhanced Striper customer service vibe. Max capacity: 15 per tour

Sponsored by PAVE Global, hosted by Foot Locker

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11:00AM - 3:00PM

Tours & Talks

Burlington Stores Tour & Talk

Location: 1400 Building, 11th Floor - 1400 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Join us at the Burlington Stores New York City Buying Office! Learn about our careers and internship programs and get a glimpse into the off-price retail world! We are offering 2 interactive experiences, please sign up through the link and indicate the one that best suits your career interest. Buying Market Shadow: Join alongside our Burlington Buyers in market at live vendor appointments within the garment district. Be a part of selecting merchandise and negotiating the best deals for our customers! Planning & Allocations Experience: Hear from Durand Guion, SVP of the Fashion Office about fashion and trends in Off-Price, followed by an interactive activity with our Planning & Allocations teams. Sign up deadline: Dec 16, 2024 | Max capacity: 25

Sponsored by Burlington

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11:30AM - 3:00PM

Tours & Talks

Kohl's Chats

Location: New York Design Office - 1400 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

The Kohl's Chats event is an opportunity for students to learn about specific departments within Kohl's they may be interested in pursuing: Buying and Inventory, Production, Sourcing, and Design. Students will also hear about the journey a product takes to get from concept to customer and have a chance to walk through the office! At Kohl's Chats, you will be able to sign up for one or multiple sessions of your choice. Kohl's will send individual sign-up links at a later date. For now, please submit your interest in the form! Session Schedule 11:30 to 12:00 - Kohl's Concept to Customer Process 12:15 to 12:45 - Buying & Inventory at Kohl's Overview 1:00 to 1:30 - Kohl's 101 1:45 to 2:15 - Design at Kohl's Overview 2:30 to 3:00 - Production & Sourcing at Kohl's Overview 3:15 to 3:45 - Kohl's Concept to Customer Process 10 minute office tours between each Sign up deadline: Jan 6, 2025 | Max capacity: 60

Hosted by Kohl's

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12:00PM - 2:00PM

Tours & Talks

Mock Negotiation with the Ross Buyers

Location: 1372 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Visit the Ross Stores New York Buying Office in the heart of the Fashion District. Learn how our Buyers secure product at our great prices by listening in on a Mock Negotiation with the Buyers. And take a tour of our sample floors to see what will soon be in stores! Great opportunity for those looking to explore our Buying and Planning Summer Internship or Full Time roles, therefore must graduate between May 2025 - May 2026. Freshman and Sophomores, please come see us at the Fair!

Hosted by ROSS

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1:00PM - 2:00PM and 3:00PM - 4:00PM

Tours & Talks

Petco Union Square Flagship Tour & Talk Sponsored by PAVE Global

Location: 44 Union Square E, New York, NY 10003

The Petco Union Square Flagship isn’t your average pet store—it’s a two-story experience with a blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty, bringing in the elements of New York City and the iconic Union Square Park, which is across the street. As we explore this flagship, it feels like walking through a street scape and park within the Tammany Hall landmark building with its rooftop glass turtle. This flagship isn’t just about buying pet supplies; it’s a sanctuary dedicated to the health and wellness of pets and their devoted pet parents. As you enter the flagship there is a central park like area, with original creations/merchandise for the pet and pet parents that is ever changing. This flagship includes the following areas; pet grooming, pet wash, Just Food for Dogs, Reddy (Petco’s owned brand), pet training, veterinary services, cat adoption, companion animals, cat and dog food assortment areas, as well as designated toy and home areas. It's a is a place to celebrate the bond between pets, their parents, and the Petco brand.

Hosted By Petco.

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1:00PM - 3:00PM

Tours & Talks

Nordstrom Tour & Talks

Location: Nordstrom NYC Flagship - 225 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019

Join us for an exclusive opportunity! NRF Students are invited to step behind the scenes at our Nordstrom NYC Flagship store for a unique experience that promises inspiration and insight. During this immersive event, you’ll engage directly with some of our fearless leaders and their dedicated teams. Discover the inner workings of our store, learn about the innovative strategies that drive our success, and gain valuable perspectives on the retail industry. This is more than just a tour—it’s a chance to explore potential career paths at Nordstrom. Whether you’re interested in fashion, customer service, or retail management, our leaders will share their journeys and offer guidance on how to thrive in this dynamic field. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and envision your future with Nordstrom! We can’t wait to see you there!

Hosted by Nordstrom

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1:30PM - 3:30PM

Tours & Talks

Retail Revelations: A Journey with Macy's Inc.

Location: Macy's Inc. Corporate Headquarters - 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

Macy’s Inc. Tour & Talk is an exciting opportunity for students to explore the dynamic world of retail merchandising and supply chain. This engaging event kicks off with a panel featuring passionate associates from across Macy's Inc., who will share their career journeys, insights, and the innovative strategies that drive success for both brands. Following the panel, students will embark on an exclusive tour of the iconic Herald Square store, experiencing firsthand how these strategies come to life in a bustling retail environment. This immersive experience not only enhances their understanding of career opportunities within Macy's Inc. but also inspires them to envision their own paths in the retail industry. Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry professionals and gain invaluable knowledge from one of the most renowned names in retail! Sign up deadline: Dec 9, 2024 | Max capacity: 40

Hosted by Macy's Inc.

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3:00PM - 5:00PM

Tours & Talks

Target Tour & Talk

Location: Marriott Marquis O'Neill Ballroom (1535 Broadway) + Times Square Target Store (237 W. 42nd St. New York, NY)

Target invites you to participate in an engaging panel featuring Target leaders who will share their backgrounds, career paths, and valuable lessons learned throughout their journeys. After the panel, we’ll wrap up the tour at our Target Herald Square store, where you’ll gain insights into store operations, career opportunities, and how we strive to fulfill our mission of “helping all families discover the joy of everyday life” every day! Sign up deadline: Dec 6, 2024 | Max capacity: 20

Hosted By Target

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SPECIAL NRF BIG SHOW TOUR

Sunday, 10:00am or 4:00pm

Tours & Talks

Zebra Technologies NRF Big Show Booth Tour

Location: Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center, 655 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 Please meet in the front of Crystal Palace on the 3rd floor near the Jacob Javits statue and Starbucks. Zebra's Big Show booth number is 3303.

Zebra Technologies is a dynamic community of builders, doers and problem solvers. We empower businesses to make every asset and worker visible, connected, and fully optimized. We take pride in creating a culture of respect, collaboration, inclusion and innovation. The NRF Student Program provides talented students interested in retail careers unique educational and scholarship programs, networking opportunities and access to the latest industry news and research. NRF Foundation Student Program attendees can join Zebra for a guided tour of our booth on Sunday, January 12 at 10:00 am or 4:00 pm. Sign up deadline: Dec 18, 2024 | Max capacity: 8 per tour

Sponsored by Zebra Technologies

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Kristin Shane waves from the stage to the audience at the Student Program show.

Main Stage Sessions


Friday Jan. 10 | 9:30AM — 5:20PM


Insights and expertise from speakers across various sectors of the retail industry including merchandising, marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more.

9:30AM - 9:35AM

Main Stage

Welcome to the Student Program

Steven Preston

Steven Preston

President and CEO

Goodwill Industries International

9:35AM - 10:15am

Main Stage

Sustainability in Action: IKEA's Vision for a Circular Future

Javier Quiñones

Javier Quiñones

CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer

IKEA

Scot Case

Scot Case

CSR & Sustainability

National Retail Federation VP

10:15AM - 11:00AM

Main Stage

AI-Powered Design: A New Era of Creativity

Joshua Longo

Joshua Longo

Senior Director of Design: Hardgoods

Crate & Barrel

11:00AM - 11:20AM

Break

11:20AM - 12:00PM

Main Stage

Young Professionals Panel

Alexia Densmore

Alexia Densmore

Associate Buyer

ALDI

Megan Marr

Megan Marr

Location Planning Analyst

Ross Stores, Inc.

Clay Lute

Clay Lute

Global Merchant - Men's Denim

Calvin Klein

LeAnn Percivill

LeAnn Percivill

Brands Manager

Renovation Brands

12:00AM - 1:00PM

Lunch

Provided by ROSS Dress for Less logo.

1:00PM - 1:45PM

Main Stage

The Courage Factor: Unlocking your Leadership Potential

Tonya Hallett

Tonya Hallett

Vice President - People eXperience Technology

Amazon

1:45PM - 2:30PM

Main Stage

The Power of Experiential Retail

Anna Harman

Anna Harman

CEO & Co-Founder

Studs

Casey Lewis

Casey Lewis

Founder

After School

2:30PM - 2:50PM

Snack

Provided by Walmart logo.

2:50PM - 3:35PM

Main Stage

Leading with Authenticity & Impact: Unleashing a Career in Store Leadership

Isaiah Brown

Isaiah Brown

Senior Talent Manager

Nordstrom

Brittani Thomas

Brittani Thomas

Program Manager, Early in Career Engagements & Partnerships

Nordstrom

3:40PM - 4:20pm

Main Stage

Merchandising for Social Purpose

Hannah Roshetko Raser

Hannah Roshetko Raser

AVP of Front Store Strategy & Transformation

CVS Health

Ron Brown

Ron Brown

Target

Vice President of Community Impact

Kimberly Lee Minor

Kimberly Lee Minor

CEO

WOC Retail Alliance

Mincdy Scheier

Mincdy Scheier

Founder & CEO

Runway of Dreams and GAMUT Management

4:20PM - 4:40PM

Break

4:40PM - 5:20PM

Main Stage

The 4th Frontier: How UNIQLO Plans to Become the #1 Global Apparel Retailer

Yoshihide Shindo

Yoshihide Shindo

CEO

UNIQLO USA

Sheneque Alexander

Sheneque Alexander

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

Fast Retailing USA, Inc.

Breakout Session


Friday Jan. 10 | 1:00PM - 4:20PM
Marriott Marquis Times Square - Westside Ballroom


The Future of Retail: Integrating Technology and Supply Chain Solutions

Go deeper with our breakout session for our NRF Foundation Ray Greenly Scholarship recipients. Limited spots will be made available for additional students registered for the Student Program.

1:00PM - 1:05PM

Breakout

Breakout Session Opening Remarks

Mark Irvin – Chief Supply Chain Officer, Best Buy

1:05AM – 1:45PM

Breakout

Navigating The Future: Career Paths in Retail Tech & Supply Chain

Speakers from Target, Kohl’s and DICK’S Sporting Goods will discuss their career paths in technology and/or supply chain and how they found their place in retail. They will share their backgrounds, and what excites them about their roles and the companies they work for, and the impact that their work has on the consumer and for the business.

1:45PM - 2:30PM

Breakout

Smart Solutions: Harnessing AI for Retail Excellence

In this session, Best Buy will discuss real use cases and stories of Artificial Intelligence use to improve customer experiences, optimize operations, and make data-driven decisions.

2:30PM - 3:30PM

Breakout

Networking Break with Recruiters

3:30PM - 4:15PM

Breakout

Real-Time Insights: The Impact of Digital Twin Technology on Business Strategy

In retail's fast-paced business environment, leveraging real-time data is crucial for effective decision-making. This panel conversation with Best Buy, Macy’s and Walmart will explore the concept of digital twin technology and how it is revolutionizing business strategy by providing actionable insights into operations, supply chain dynamics, and customer interactions.

Saturday

7:00AM - 8:00AM

Breakfast

Provided by Macy's logo.

A retail executive sits at a table with students attending the NRF Foundation Student Program. The students are eager to learn from the woman's retail and executive experience.

Executive Mentor Experience


Saturday Jan. 11 | 8:00AM — 11:00AM
Presented by American Express


More than 100 leaders from companies will join students for small round-table discussions during our signature NRF Foundation Executive Mentor Experience.

8:00AM

Main Stage

The Power of Mentorship

Laura Felice

Laura Felice

Chief Financial Officer

BJ's Wholesale Club EVP

Ann Sattin

Ann Sattin

National Client Group Vice President and General Manager

American Express

A panel of speakers discuss issues related to retail and higher education to a room of educators at the NRF Student Program.

Educator Meeting


Saturday Jan. 11 | 8:00AM - 11:15AM


An exclusive session just for educators attending the Student Program.

11:00AM - 12:00PM

Lunch

Provided by

Target Bullseye logo.

A KOHL'S recruiter speaks to an attendee at the NRF Foundation Student Program Career Fair

Career Fair


Saturday Jan. 11 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Juniors & Seniors

Saturday, Jan. 11 | 1:00PM – 3:00PM
All attendees


Connect with top retailers and begin the conversation to apply for internships and entry-level roles.

A speaker at the NRF Foundation Student Program discuss an important topic from the stage.

Antifragility: Thriving Through Challenges


Saturday Jan. 11 | 12:00PM – 1:00PM
presented by PwC


Learn how to embrace challenges and grow stronger through the adversity you will face in your career journey.

Discover how an antifragile mindset transforms stress into strength and equips you to thrive in the dynamic world of retail. Freshmen, sophomores & educators only.

 

Sunday

A recruiter from DICK'S Sporting Goods chats with an attendee to the NRF Foundation Student Program Career Fair

Get Hired


Sunday Jan. 12 | 8:00AM – 12:00PM


Invitation-only on-site interviews for internships and entry-level roles with retailers you met at the Career Fair on Saturday.

An overhead, fisheye lens photograph of the NRF Big Show, a major event bringing together innovative retailers and the companies who help them innovate. The show floor is filled with people, brightly colored signs, and exhibitors' tables.

NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show


Sunday Jan. 12 | All Day


Students and educators receive access to NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show starting on Sunday. Make sure you register separately if you plan to attend.

Be a Speaker!

Want to be on stage at NRF Foundation New York: Student Program? Share your company’s expertise with our students by applying to speak at our event.

Apply to Speak
 

Last Year's Program

Watch videos and learn from last year's sessions.

View Last Year's Program