NRF and Rethink Retail welcome a new class of retail thought leaders and introduce a year-round engagement platform that extends recognition beyond NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, in partnership with Rethink Retail, the National Retail Federation debuts the 2027 class of Retail Voices by NRF, an exclusive community of standout thought leaders whose experience and insights advance the global retail industry. This year’s selected Retail Voices are featured on NRF’s website and will be celebrated at NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show, Jan. 10 – 12, 2027, at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Created in 2024, Retail Voices by NRF shines a spotlight on leaders and luminaries whose experience, insights and public contributions enrich the global retail industry. The 2027 class pairs returning Voices with a new group of Voices, spanning roles across retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) and united by a shared commitment to elevating the industry through innovation and community impact.

New for 2027, the program adds a year-round community platform that keeps Voices connected beyond NRF Retail’s Big Show in January. The 2027 class can connect with one another, share insights and stay engaged with the industry throughout the year — extending the program’s impact well beyond those three days.

“NRF has always championed the experts who amplify the important role retailers play in the economy and with the people they employ and the consumers they serve. The industry has a great story to tell, and Retail Voices is a direct extension of that mission. Since 2024, the program has provided a platform for the thought leaders and story tellers who help create a better understanding about our industry and the important impact it has in communities large and small. This year, we are proud to expand the program as we welcome our 2027 class: A distinguished group whose insight and influence extends across the global retail ecosystem,” NRF SVP of Event Strategy Susan Newman said.

“What makes this program powerful isn’t the recognition alone. It’s the community it creates. Retail’s best ideas rarely come from one person working in isolation. They come from leaders who share what they’ve learned and push each other further. This year’s class reflects the depth of thinking happening across our industry, and we’re honored to give these Voices a way to stay connected all year,” Rethink Retail CEO Marie Chevrier Schwartz said.

Retail Voices receive elevated access and visibility during NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show, with curated networking and thought-leadership experiences designed to inspire collaboration among retail’s leading minds. The Voices will then carry that momentum forward into the new year through continued connection and community.

To engage with this year’s cohort, use and follow the hashtag #RetailVoicesbyNRF and tag @National Retail Federation and @Rethink Retail on LinkedIn and @NRF and @Rethink_retail on Instagram.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. Learn more at nrf.com.

About Rethink Retail
Rethink Retail is your go-to destination for executive-led insights into the trends and innovations that are transforming the global retail landscape. Through our award-winning podcasts, fresh, original and thought-provoking content series, and partnerships with the world’s leading retail events, we reach a growing audience of the top retail decision-makers and industry thought leaders. Learn more at www.rethink.industries.

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SOURCE RETHINK Retail