Retail innovation is when a retail company introduces something new that creates value for a customer that wasn’t there before. Retail innovation also happens in these three areas:

• – merchandise/product
• – consumer/customer experience
• – business model and process

The most successful retailers focus on all of three of these areas instead of just one.

 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is hosting their Annual Convention & EXPO at the Javits  Convention Center in New York. This event will teach guests how to strengthen retail communities and drive retail innovation. The NRF Convention & EXPO will start at 8 AM on January 11, 2015 and run until 11:45 AM on January 14, 2015. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:

Influential Speakers

Every year, the NRF brings in retail industry leaders to inspire and education guests on how to drive their own retail innovation. Each speaker session is organized into content tracks. Some of the topics they focus on include:

• – mobile retailing
• – sustainability
• – research
• – global trending

The NRF’s Breakout Sessions will focus on a single topic while their Keynotes will cover various topics.

Networking Opportunities 

Guests will be given plenty of time to mingle and network. While the NRF’s opening night reception is somewhat formal, guests can loosen up at the EXPO Hall’s happy hours. The convention will also have daily lunches and breakfasts. The Annual Retail Industry Luncheon is one of the main networking events. This luncheon will also celebrate retailers for their innovation and achievements.

A Close Look at the Latest Retail Technology

The NRF’s EXPO will display the retail industry’s most innovative technologies. Guests can also find effective retail solutions and tools in booths and BIG !dea sessions. The EXPO is located on Level 1 and Level 3 of the center.

Registration

Registration is open to everyone. Guests can gain access to different areas of the convention and EXPO depending on their pass.

• – Full Conference Passes: include all educational sessions, networking, the Networking Luncheon, Motivational Lunch and EXPO. NRF and Shop.org members will be discounted.
• – EXPO-only Passes: is free to retailers, and non-retailers can buy one for a small fee. It is also available for the three days the EXPO is open.