Green retailing is now more of a trend than a concept and at NRF’s Annual Convention and EXPO, retailers and experts from around the world will come together to discuss how retailers can alter their impact on the environment, the future of green stores and even “greentailing” in a challenging economy. NRF’s Convention will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, January 11 - 14, 2009.
In addition to educational sessions about sustainability, NRF will present its Seeing Green Concept Store, where the latest green technologies and products will be on display. The concept store will highlight over 15 companies featuring products like digital name tags and coupon redemption technology, energy-saving fabrics and floor coverings, eco-friendly virtual graphics and even digital receipts. The Seeing Green Store will be open during EXPO hall hours (Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.).
“We wanted to display the best of what the world has to offer when it comes to green products and services for retailers,” said NRF Vice President of Conferences Susan Newman. “Our educational content and the concept store will give attendees an up-close-and-personal look at the world of green retailing.”
Seeing Green sponsors include allEtronic, Bizerba, Capital Networks, Creative Realities, Ecrio, Intel, PLX Devices Inc., Merida Meridian, Inc., NEC, Novar, Panphonics, Park Woodworking, Roll-A-Shade, ScentAir, Spark Productions, Viewnique, Wilsonart Contract Laminates and Xit Poll.
Sessions during the Convention focusing on green initiatives and sustainability include:
Greentailing in Tough Times: How are Consumers Reacting and Retailers Responding?
Monday, 1/12, 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Experts will discuss the key retail trends in sustainability and present current consumer responses to the trade-offs between saving green and conscientious green. Additionally, guests will hear from leading retailers about their sustainability efforts and how their company is responding in today’s tough economic climate.
Speakers: Brenda Mathison, Director of Environmental Affairs, Best Buy Properties; Neil Stern, Senior Partner, McMillan Doolittle; Will Ander, Senior Partner, McMillan Doolittle; Yalmaz Siddiqui, Director of Environmental Strategy, Office Depot
Harvesting the Low-Hanging Green Fruit
Wednesday, 1/14, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
This session will demonstrate how retailers can accomplish quick and easy initiatives before larger and more complex solutions are sought.
Speaker: James Dion, President, Dionco Inc.
Sustainable Retailing: A Call to Action
Wednesday, 1/14, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
This presentation will provide insight into the value proposition for sustainable retailing. Guests will hear about current legislative battles facing retailers in certain states as well as consumers’ growing concern about energy conservation.
Speakers: L.J. Mohan, Vice President, Facilities Management and Energy Engineering, Polo Ralph Lauren; Mr. Rob Bergh, Vice President, Optimal Advantage
NRF and the exhibiting companies within the Seeing Green concept store are hosting an advanced showing of the space for members of the press. Though the EXPO floor doesn’t open until Monday, January 12, NRF will host media tours for press, analysts and bloggers to gain a sneak peek of two noteworthy components of the EXPO Hall at its Annual Convention. The tours will be held Sunday, January 11 at the Jacob K. Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York City. Photographers and camera crews are also invited to attend these tours.
Concept Stores tour: Sunday, January 11, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Exhibiting companies in NRF’s Seeing Green and Customer Experience Concept Stores will welcome members of the press for an advanced look at the future of “greentailing” and digital music stores. Attendees will see demonstrations and learn how retailers can improve the customer experience, increase sales, merchandise more effectively, generate customer and employee loyalty, and integrate technology into their daily store operations.
To attend: Meet in the Press Lounge in Room 2D08 no later than 12:20 p.m. to be escorted on to the EXPO floor. (All press must be escorted by staff members to gain admittance.) Press badges will be required, so make sure you have registered for the conference at the press registration office in Room 2D04 before attending this tour.
DESiGN STUDiO tour and reception: Sunday, January 11, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
World-renowned retail store designers will be available for an advanced showing of this year’s DESiGN STUDiO, where designers from across the world profile their work. The DESiGN STUDiO is an environment displaying the latest trends and examples of store design. As a part of the tour, retail designers will discuss a few of their past projects and outline how they are focusing on innovation to overcome economic challenges.
To attend: Meet at the entrance to the DESiGN STUDiO, located above the EXPO Floor in the Crystal Palace. Press badges will be required, so make sure you have registered for the conference at the press registration office in Room 2D04 before attending this tour.
RSVP for one or both media tours at www.nrf.com/pressreg or email Kathy Grannis at grannisk`nrf.com. These tours are complimentary and reserved for members of the press, accredited bloggers, and analysts only. RSVPs are requested, though not required. Additional information will be available on site in the Press Registration office, Room 2D04 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and services. NRF represents an industry with more than 1.6 million U.S. retail establishments, more than 24 million employees - about one in five American workers - and 2007 sales of $4.5 trillion. As the industry umbrella group, NRF also represents more than 100 state, national and international retail associations.For more information on NRF products/services, visit www.nrf.com.
