NRF convention looks to future

By Andrea Lillo -- Home Textiles Today, 1/8/2001 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK -Retailers attending the National Retail Federation's 90th annual convention, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Sunday, Jan. 14 to Wednesday, Jan. 17, will be able to attend a mix of Super Sessions, many focusing on e-commerce, as well as special events such as award presentations and receptions.

The Super Sessions begin on Sunday with "Cracking the Value Code-Creating Wealth in the New Economy" from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The convention's opening reception will then follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday's Opening Super Session is titled "Retailing 2005: All Things to All People All the Time," from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. The next Super Session, "Internet Revolution Part II: The Internet Sheds its Chains and Goes Wireless," will then follow from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

"Global Online Retailing: The Second Inning" will be presented as Tuesday's Super Session, from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a seminar titled "E-business: Prioritize for Impact" from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday's schedule includes "The Rise of eMarkets-Revolutionizing the Retail/Supplier Relationship" from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In addition to the Super Sessions, additional seminars will run all day during the conference, focusing on different elements of retailing, including tracks on marketing, merchandising and store design, independent retail, strategic, financial, human resource and supply chain.

Three retailers will also be honored for their outstanding achievements during the convention. Robert Ulrich, chairman and ceo, Target Corp., will be presented with the Gold Medal award at the Annual Retail Industry Luncheon on Jan. 16, from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., with anchorman Peter Jennings as the speaker. The International Retailer of the Year award will also be given at this time to Stefan Persson, chairman, H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB.

Build A Bear Workshop will be given the Retail Innovator of the Year during a luncheon on Monday, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Both luncheons are ticketed events.

For more information, visit the NRF website at nrf.com.