Agenda

Javier Quiñones, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA U.S., opens NRF Rev 2026 with a powerful perspective on the convergence of profit, sustainability, and circularity. In this forward-looking keynote, Javier will share practical strategies that balance business growth with environmental responsibility. Learn how IKEA is embedding circular principles into every stage – from designing repairable furniture to launching national Buy back & resell services. He will also discuss how IKEA partners with companies to reduce food waste from its locations, alongside efforts in renewable energy, such as on-site rooftop solar energy, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Walk away with actionable insights that prove a more sustainable future isn’t just possible – it’s profitable.

Significant progress is being made in recommerce. No longer a write off, retailers are embracing resale and contributing to a more circular economy.  And, as the demand for circular business models continues to grow, retailers like Target are leveraging technology and AI to transform traditional B2B resale practices. In this session, hear from Target about how its recommerce program has evolved into a data-driven machine, enabling the company to optimize resale strategies to drive the best pricing possible, enhance inventory management, and accurately forecast future pricing for B2B channels.

Reverse logistics is not just about managing returns – it’s a strategic lever for cost savings, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This session dives into how retailers and manufacturers are reimagining reverse logistics with smarter processes, advanced technologies, and data-driven insights. From automated returns handling and centralized processing hubs to AI-powered routing and resale-ready refurbishments, learn how leading companies are transforming a cost center into a competitive advantage. Discover practical innovations that reduce friction, recover value, and streamline operations across the reverse supply chain.

Steve Preston, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries International shares how resale, donation, and recycling can unlock new value in reverse logistics. With retailers facing mounting challenges from returns, waste, and sustainability—pressures only increasing under Extended Producer Responsibility and global markets—Preston highlights practical strategies to recover value, reduce waste, and deliver better outcomes for both businesses and communities.  Walk away with how innovators like Goodwill can be key partners in building more efficient, responsible systems leveraging data, automation and strategic partnerships.  

Returns are a pivotal part of the customer experience—and a powerful opportunity to build loyalty. This session explores how innovative retailers (or manufacturers) are using AI-driven automation to improve customer experience, boost average selling price, reduce returns rates and disputes, and enhance long-term customer loyalty.  Ideal for all in the reverse logistics industry who are focused on optimizing the customer journey.  

The shift toward circular textile is accelerating, driven by a powerful combination of tightening regulations and rising consumer expectations. In this session, industry leaders will unpack how evolving policies — such as extended producer responsibility laws and digital product passports — are reshaping the fashion landscape, while conscious consumers demand more sustainable and transparent practices. Learn how brands are responding with innovative circular models from resale and rental to repair and recycling –that meet both compliance standards and market demand. Gain insight into how aligning regulatory readiness with customer values can unlock new growth opportunities and future-proof your fashion business.

Circular textile is redefining the way brands manage reverse logistics, and revenue recovery. This session explores how forward-thinking companies are building circular systems that not only reduce waste but also unlock new value streams. From reselling returned goods and refurbishing inventory to recycling materials and streamlining reverse operations, learn how retailers and manufacturers are transforming traditional cost centers into engines of profit and sustainability. Hear practical examples of how circular strategies are delivering measurable business impact – while meeting growing demands for responsibility and transparency.

Retail returns and takeback programs aren't just a customer service issue – they’re a significant financial challenge. In this session, hear directly from a Chief Financial Officer as they share how returns and takeback programs impact the bottom line, shape inventory strategy, and influence company forecasting. Gain insight into how CFOs evaluate return policies, the hidden costs behind reverse logistics, and the metrics that matter most in driving profitable decisions. This candid discussion will equip retail leaders with a financial lens on one of the industry's most persistent challenges.

Resale is no longer a side hustle – it’s a serious growth engine. This session dives into how retailers and manufacturers are capitalizing on the booming secondhand market to drive revenue, attract new customers, and extend product life cycles. From owned resale channels to third-party partnerships and peer-to-peer platforms, learn the models that are working and the strategies that are scaling. Hear how smart pricing, inventory grading, and seamless integration are turning gently used goods into profitable, brand-building opportunities.

In this session, leading venture capitalists and investors share how next-generation innovations will reshape returns and reverse logistics in 2026. The discussion will spotlight how emerging technologies are transforming reverse logistics from a costly necessity into a strategic advantage. From AI and RFID to predictive analytics, automation, and resale, these tools are unlocking new ways to reduce return volume, cut costs, and streamline operations. The panel will also explore where investment dollars are flowing today—and which innovations are positioned to drive tomorrow’s transformation across retail and supply chains. Attendees will gain insight into the trends, technologies, and strategies poised to turn returns into a source of value, efficiency, and customer loyalty in the years ahead.