This year, NRF will be hosting two Big Shows – yes two.
Retail’s Big Show is the world’s largest retail conference and marketplace. It’s where the entire retail industry ecosystem unites in a signature global event unparalleled in its size and scope. Traditionally, Retail’s Big Show has been held annually in mid January in NYC. While freezing in NYC, the timing was perfect for the entire retail and ecommerce ecosystem to plan their year by learning about new strategies and technology.
In 2020, NRF’s Big Show got even bigger as they expanded to create the inaugural NRF Retail Week in NYC kicking off with NRF 2020: Retail’s Big Show. Because the entire retail and ecommerce community descends on New York, they typically do business the entire week of NRF’s Big Show. So it only made sense to create an iconic week just for retail and ecommerce. And only NRF can convene a community of this size, filled with the biggest and brightest in retail.
“For over 100 years, NRF’s annual convention has been the biggest, best and most impactful event that convenes industry leaders to exchange visionary ideas, build partnerships and experience new technologies.”
Matt Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation
This year NRF will host a virtual event in January, followed by an in-person event held in June. Will they be able to recreate the excitement and enthusiasm now that the world has changed with Covid? Only time will tell. We are hopeful that NRF 2021 Chapter 1 in January will just be a teaser for the greatest Retail’s Big Show of all time.
NRF Retail Week’s Big Show by the Numbers:
40,000+ attendees
102+ countries
45 languages spoken
16,000 retailers
275,000 sq. ft of Expo Hall
800+ exhibitors
30 brands in the Startup Zone
50 technologies in the Innovation Lab
20 podcasts recorded
100+ retail stores visited
28,000 NYC hotel rooms booked
10,000 drinks served at the opening reception
10,000 Krispy Kreme doughnuts consumed
200,000 cups of Starbucks consumed
1,000 lbs of candy from Dylan’s candy bar
920 members of the press
3,600 media hits
1 billion impressions #NRF2019 on Twitter