NRF Foundation Campus | New York

Audience at the NRF Foundation Student Program

New York

New York City skyline with Student Program branding

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

Talks and Tours 2024
Tours & 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

Ross

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

Burlington

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

Target

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

Kohl's

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

Nordstrom

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

Macy's Inc.

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

DICK'S

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

Special NRF Big Show Tour
Zebra Technologies logo.

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

NRF Foundation Student Program 2024 - Friday Main Stage - Kristin Shane
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.

Speaker Session

9:30 - 9:35am

Welcome to the Student Program

NRF 2025 Speaker Speaker Javier Quiñones NRF 2025 Speaker Session Scot Case

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

 

Joshua Longo

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

ALDI Associate Buyer Alexia Densmore Tapestry Associate Product Manager Natalie Jeske Clavin Klein Global Merchant - Men's Denim Clay Lute Renovation Brands Brands Manager LeAnn Percivill

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

Ross
Speaker Session

1:00 - 1:45pm

The Courage Factor: Unlocking your Leadership Potential

Tonya Hallett – Vice President - People eXperience Technology, Amazon
 
Studs CEO & Co-Founder Anna Harmon After School Founder Casey Lewis

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

Walmart
Speaker Session

2:50 - 3:35pm

TBD

 
NRF 2025 Speaker Session Hannah Roshetko NRF 2025 Speaker Session Ron Brown NRF 2025 Speaker Session Kimberly Minor

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

UNIQLO USA CEO Yoshihide Shindo Fast Retailing USA, Inc. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Sheneque Alexander

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

 

NRF Student Program 2024 - Friday Breakout
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

Presented by BestBuy

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

Macy's
Executive Mentor Expreience Session photo
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.

BJ's Wholesale Club EVP, Chief Financial Officer Laura Felice American Express National Client Group Vice President and General Manager Ann Sattin

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

 

 

NRF Student Program 2024 - Educator Meeting
Educator Meeting

Saturday Jan. 11  |  8:00AM – 11:15AM

An exclusive session just for educators attending the Student Program.

Lunch

11:00am – 12:00pm

Provided by

Target

 

NRF Student Program 2024 - 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.

NRF Student Program 2024 - Tools for the Career Fair
Antifragility: Thriving Through Challenges

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

A representative from DICK'S Sporting Goods recruiting team discusses career prospects with an inquiring student.
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.

NFR Big Show 2025 Jason Dixson Photography
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 2025? Share your company’s expertise with our students by applying to speak at our event.

Apply to Speak
 

Last Year's Program

Check out videos from last year's sessions.

View Last Year's Program