New York
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, diversity and inclusion, 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 January 9-12, 2025, in New York City and is open to all undergraduate and graduate students and all educators and staff at any U.S. college or university.
Registration for our 2025 event is now open! Registration closes on Friday, Dec. 20.
Register Now
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OUR 2025 SCHEDULE
Thursday
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
12:00 - 2:00pm
Mock Negotiation with the Ross Buyers
FULL
Session Details
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!
Location: 1372 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Sign up deadline: Dec 20, 2024 | Max capacity: 25
11:00am - 3:00pm
Burlington Stores Tour & Talk
Session Details
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.
Location: 1400 Building, 11th Floor - 1400 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Sign up deadline: Dec 16, 2024 | Max capacity: 25
3:00 - 5:00pm
Target Tour & Talk
Session Details
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!
Location: Marriott Marquis O'Neill Ballroom (1535 Broadway) + Times Square Target Store (237 W. 42nd St. New York, NY)
Sign up deadline: Dec 6, 2024 | Max capacity: 20
11:30am - 3:00pm
Kohl's Chats
Session Details
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
- 2:15 to 2:45 - Production & Sourcing at Kohl's Overview
- 3:00 to 3:30 - Kohl's Concept to Customer Process
- 10 minute office tours between each
Location: New York Design Office - 1400 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Sign up deadline: Jan 6, 2025 | Max capacity: 60
1:00 - 3:00pm
Nordstrom Tour & Talks
FULL
Session Details
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!
Location: Nordstrom NYC Flagship - 225 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Sign up deadline: Dec 27, 2024 | Max capacity: 50
1:30 - 3:30pm
Retail Revelations: A Journey with Macy's Inc.
Session Details
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!
Location: Macy's Inc. Corporate Headquarters - 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Sign up deadline: Dec 9, 2024 | Max capacity: 40
2:00 - 5:00pm
Swing & Spin with DICK'S Sporting Goods x Chelsea Piers
Session Details
DICK'S Sporting Goods is inviting students to Chelsea Piers for a day of fun, including golf lessons on a heated driving range with golf professionals and a private spin class. Learn more about life at DICK'S Sporting Goods and our internship opportunities. Only Sophomores.
Location: Chelsea Piers
Sign up deadline: Dec 13, 2024 | Max capacity: 25
Sunday, 10:00 am or 4:00 pm
Zebra Technologies NRF Big Show Booth Tour
Session Details
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.
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.
Sign up deadline: Dec 18, 2024 | Max capacity: 8 per tour
Friday
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.
9:30 - 9:35am
Welcome to the Student Program
9:35 - 10:15am
Sustainability in Action: IKEA's Vision for a Circular Future
Javier Quiñones – CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA
Scot Case – National Retail Federation VP, CSR & Sustainability
10:15 - 11:00am
AI-Powered Design: A New Era of Creativity
Joshua Longo – Senior Director of Design: Hardgoods, Crate & Barrel
11:00 - 11:20am
Break
11:20 - 12:00pm
Young Professionals Panel
Alexia Densmore – Associate Buyer, ALDI
Natalie Jeske – Associate Product Manager, Tapestry
Clay Lute – Global Merchant - Men's Denim, Clavin Klein
LeAnn Percivill – Brands Manager, Renovation Brands
Lunch
12:00 – 1:00pm
Provided by
1:00 - 1:45pm
The Courage Factor: Unlocking your Leadership Potential
Tonya Hallett – Vice President - People eXperience Technology, Amazon
1:45 - 2:30pm
The Power of Experiential Retail
Anna Harmon – CEO & Co-Founder, Studs
Casey Lewis – Founder, After School
Snack
2:30 – 2:50pm
Provided by
2:50 - 3:35pm
TBD
3:40 - 4:20pm
Merchandising for Social Purpose
Hannah Roshetko Raser – CVS Health AVP of Front Store Strategy & Transformation
Ron Brown – Target Vice President of Community Impact
Kimberly Lee Minor – CEO, WOC Retail Alliance
4:20 - 4:40pm
Break
4:40pm
The 4th Frontier: How UNIQLO Plans to Become the #1 Global Apparel Retailer
Yoshihide Shindo – UNIQLO USA CEO
Sheneque Alexander – Fast Retailing USA, Inc.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
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.
Saturday
Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00am
Provided by
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
TBD
Laura Felice – BJ's Wholesale Club EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Ann Sattin – American Express National Client Group Vice President and General Manager
Saturday Jan. 11 | 8:00AM – 11:15AM
An exclusive session just for educators attending the Student Program.
Lunch
11:00am – 12:00pm
Provided by
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.
Saturday Jan. 11 | 12:00PM – 1:00PM
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
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.
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 2025? Share your company’s expertise with our students by applying to speak at our event.
Apply to Speak