NRF 2020: who's been saying what?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that NRF 2020 is currently taking place in New York. Here, RTIH rounds up its favourite comments from the biggest retail tech show of the year.

“We can produce technology now at a speed that was unimaginable just a few years ago, and that speed really matters.” Target CIO Mike McNamara

“The meme of the twenties will be retailers moving to their own tech intensity. It’s not about taking away the art of retail. It’s about building your tech intensity. You can’t be cool by association with a tech friend — you have to be cool on your own. You have to take pride in the digital capability that you have built.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

“Over the next decade, we want to be as good at AI as any of the top tech companies. AI is about enabling our partners to connect with customers. It’s a human-first digital strategy.” Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson

“Nowadays, it’s all about Big Data, but without understanding people on a deeper level, it’s impossible. I think that’s the big tension we need to solve, between the Big Data, averages and experiences. You can’t average an experience.” Alex Genov, Manager of Research and User Experience, Zappos

"It's imperative that we brands create deeper and more meaningful connections with our consumer each and every day." Matthew Blonder, Reebok's VP of Marketing and Digital Brand Commerce

“The Amazon returns programme is working. We’re getting more customers, younger customers, and some are buying.” Kohl CEO Michelle Gass

“The irony of cashierless check-out being all the rage at NRF 2020 and there being an hour long line to register is not lost on me.” Trevor Sumner, CEO, Perch Interactive

“The role of companies is changing. When I started it was all about delivering value for shareholders. Now it’s just as important to create social value too.” Walmart US CEO John Furner

“It's clear that one reason retail is winning is because we are woven into every community and have led the way for decades in helping our communities thrive.” BJ’s Wholesale Chairman and CEO Chris Baldwin