NEW YORK — The National Retail Federation and RETHINK Retail have named the 2027 class of Retail Voices by NRF, while expanding the program with a year-round platform designed to connect retail thought leaders beyond the organization’s annual Big Show.
Created in 2024, Retail Voices recognizes industry leaders whose experience, insights and public contributions help advance discussion about the global retail industry. The 2027 class includes both returning and newly selected participants from across the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors.
Among the returning Retail Voices is Liza Amlani, principal of Retail Strategy Group, who has been named to the program for three consecutive years. Amlani, a former merchandising executive whose experience includes leadership roles at Ralph Lauren and Accenture, advises retailers and brands on merchandising, product creation and operating strategies.
Members of the class will be recognized at NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 10-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York.
New this year is a year-round community platform intended to extend the program beyond the three-day event. NRF and RETHINK Retail said the platform will give Retail Voices opportunities to remain connected, exchange insights and engage with the industry throughout the year.
“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,” said Susan Newman, NRF senior vice president of event strategy.
Newman said Retail Voices has provided a platform since its launch for thought leaders and storytellers who help broaden understanding of retail and its impact on communities.
“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,” she said.
The year-round component marks a significant expansion of the initiative. Selected participants will join an online community hosted by RETHINK Retail and remain connected with NRF research, content and programming throughout the year.
“What makes this program powerful isn’t the recognition alone. It’s the community it creates,” said Marie Chevrier Schwartz, CEO of RETHINK Retail. “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.”
During NRF 2027, members of the Retail Voices class will receive expanded access and visibility as well as curated networking and thought-leadership opportunities. The organizations said those connections will continue after the event through the new community platform.
“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,” Schwartz said.
The Retail Voices initiative is part of NRF’s broader effort to highlight executives and other thought leaders contributing to conversations about the future of retail. The program focuses on participants with demonstrated leadership and public thought leadership as well as a commitment to innovation and community-building.
