Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

inbound

NRF sweeps into NYC on Jan. 15

Retail's Big Show to feature 300 speakers, technology expo.

Retail leaders, industry visionaries, and supply chain specialists will gather in New York City on Jan. 15 for "Retail's Big Show," the National Retail Federation's (NRF) annual flagship convention and expo.

Now in its 106th year, the three-day jamboree will draw some 33,000 attendees from 3,326 retail companies to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. With a crowd that size, attendees are assured of some serious networking opportunities, but there are plenty of other reasons to go. For instance, 510 exhibitors will be on hand to showcase the latest retail technologies and solutions. Attendees will also find ample opportunity for education at the 55 breakout sessions.


This year's speaker lineup will be headlined by Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. On the second day of the conference, Branson will deliver a keynote address titled "Undying Brand Engagement in an Age of Continuous Disruption and Reinvention." The roster of 300 scheduled speakers also includes William Dudley, CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel; and Mike McNamara, EVP and CIO of Target.

For those looking to dig deeper into the details of retail, the agenda also includes presentations by Jodie Fox, co-founder and chief creative officer of Shoes of Prey; Erika Serow, president and U.S. CEO of Sweaty Betty; Meg Lustman, CEO of Hobbs; Jerry Hum, co-founder and CEO of Touch of Modern; and Kevin Brown, SVP and CMO of Select Comfort Corp./Sleep Number.

The Latest

More Stories

Mobile robots, drones move beyond the hype

Mobile robots, drones move beyond the hype

Supply chains are poised for accelerated adoption of mobile robots and drones as those technologies mature and companies focus on implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation across their logistics operations.

That’s according to data from Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones, released this week. The report shows that several mobile robotics technologies will mature over the next two to five years, and also identifies breakthrough and rising technologies set to have an impact further out.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

warehouse automation systems

Cimcorp's new CEO sees growth in grocery and tire segments

Logistics automation systems integrator Cimcorp today named company insider Veli-Matti Hakala as its new CEO, saying he will cultivate growth in both the company and its clientele, specifically in the grocery retail and tire plant logistics sectors.

An eight-year veteran of the Georgia company, Hakala will begin his new role on January 1, when the current CEO, Tero Peltomäki, will retire after a long and noteworthy career, continuing as a member of the board of directors, Cimcorp said.

Keep ReadingShow less

Securing the last mile

Although many shoppers will return to physical stores this holiday season, online shopping remains a driving force behind peak-season shipping challenges, especially when it comes to the last mile. Consumers still want fast, free shipping if they can get it—without any delays or disruptions to their holiday deliveries.

One disruptor that gets a lot of headlines this time of year is package theft—committed by so-called “porch pirates.” These are thieves who snatch parcels from front stairs, side porches, and driveways in neighborhoods across the country. The problem adds up to billions of dollars in stolen merchandise each year—not to mention headaches for shippers, parcel delivery companies, and, of course, consumers.

Keep ReadingShow less
image of board and prevedere software

Board acquires Prevedere to build business prediction platform

The Boston-based enterprise software vendor Board has acquired the California company Prevedere, a provider of predictive planning technology, saying the move will integrate internal performance metrics with external economic intelligence.

According to Board, the combined technologies will integrate millions of external data points—ranging from macroeconomic indicators to AI-driven predictive models—to help companies build predictive models for critical planning needs, cutting costs by reducing inventory excess and optimizing logistics in response to global trade dynamics.

Keep ReadingShow less
vecna warehouse robots

Vecna Robotics names Iagnemma as new CEO

Material handling automation provider Vecna Robotics today named Karl Iagnemma as its new CEO and announced $14.5 million in additional funding from existing investors, the Waltham, Massachusetts firm said.

The fresh funding is earmarked to accelerate technology and product enhancements to address the automation needs of operators in automotive, general manufacturing, and high-volume warehousing.

Keep ReadingShow less