NRF APAC 2026 to Define Retail's Future in World's Fastest-Growing Market

SINGAPORE – February 24, 2026 – The future of retail is being written in Asia, and for three days in June, the authors will gather in Singapore. The National Retail Federation and Comexposium today announced the full agenda for NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific, confirming that the industry's most influential event will return from June 2-4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Under the theme "The Next Now," the conference aims to arm retail leaders with actionable strategies as they navigate the rapid transformation of the world's most dynamic consumer market.

Building on the record-breaking attendance of its 2025 edition, the event promises an even more ambitious program. It will feature over 100 content sessions and a speaker roster packed with more than 100 C-suite executives from the region's most powerful retail brands, making it a critical hub for collaboration and innovation.

The Epicenter of Global Retail Growth

The choice of the Asia-Pacific region as the host for NRF's premier international event is no coincidence. APAC stands as the undisputed engine of global retail expansion, with market analysts projecting an average real spending growth of 5% year-on-year. This momentum, fueled by a burgeoning middle class, rapid urbanization, and a swift recovery in tourism, is set to increase APAC's share of global retail sales to 40% by 2028.

Unlike other regions where e-commerce has often been seen as a threat to brick-and-mortar, APAC has cultivated a uniquely balanced omnichannel ecosystem. Projections show strong parallel growth for both store-based retail and digital channels, underscoring a consumer base that demands a seamless "phygital" experience. This convergence is driving intense innovation in areas like pragmatic AI for personalization, advanced data analytics for forecasting, and resilient supply chain technologies to meet ever-higher customer expectations. NRF 2026 APAC is positioned to address these trends head-on, providing a forum to dissect the strategies that will define success in this complex landscape.

C-Suite Convergence: Insights from Retail's Powerbrokers

At the heart of NRF 2026 APAC is its unparalleled lineup of speakers. The conference will once again serve as one of the most senior gatherings in global retail, with confirmed leaders including Scott Price, Group Chief Executive of DFI Retail Group; Koji Nakata, President and CEO of Shiseido Japan; Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls; and Samuel Kim, Senior Advisor and former Group CEO of Lotte Retail. They will be joined by executives from Olive Young, Shanghai Tang, AEON360, and Nestle Japan, among many others.

The presence of these industry titans underscores the event's role as a platform for high-level strategic discourse. Speakers are expected to share firsthand insights into navigating supply chain complexities, harnessing data for hyper-personalization, and building sustainable business models that resonate with the modern APAC consumer.

"Asia is reshaping what modern retail looks like, and NRF 2026 APAC is an important forum for that change," said Scott Price of DFI Retail Group in a statement. "At DFI, we are focused on how customer needs, data and technology come together to create simpler, more seamless experiences across our markets. I look forward to engaging with leaders from across the region and learning the ways they are transforming retail for the customers and communities they serve."

This sentiment was echoed by Shiseido Japan's Koji Nakata, who views the event as a nexus of creativity and technology. "At Shiseido, we see the future of retail as an ever-evolving dialogue between human insights and bold innovation," he stated. "NRF 2026 APAC is a catalyst for reimagining how beauty connects with people. We look forward to shaping the next chapter of retail by creating immersive, purpose-driven experiences that anticipate and elevate the aspirations of tomorrow's consumers."

Beyond the Buzz: Practical Solutions for 'The Next Now'

Moving beyond theoretical discussions, a core component of the event is its focus on applied innovation. The "Exhibitor Big Ideas" sessions, a flagship feature that has proven immensely popular in past editions, will be expanded to four dedicated stages. This unique format eschews traditional sales pitches, instead requiring technology vendors to present alongside retail partners who have deployed and validated their solutions in real-world scenarios.

These sessions offer candid reflections on implementation, focusing on operational lessons and tangible outcomes. With nearly 60 sessions planned, attendees will hear directly from brands like Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Mastercard about the practical application of their technologies. These exhibitors are at the forefront of the trends shaping APAC retail, from Google's AI-driven agentic commerce and AWS's cloud infrastructure for unified commerce to Mastercard's innovations in seamless digital payments. This format provides an invaluable opportunity for retailers to learn what worked, what didn't, and why, directly from their peers.

An Ecosystem of Innovation and Learning

The conference sessions are complemented by a sprawling, two-floor Expo featuring over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in retail technology and solutions. Building on the momentum from the 2024 and 2025 events, which saw attendance grow from 5,800 to over 9,500, the 2026 edition has expanded its physical footprint to accommodate the increased demand. A highlight of the expo floor is the Innovators Showcase, a curated zone featuring standout global startups and tech pioneers selected through a rigorous vetting process.

To further enrich the experience, NRF 2026 APAC will offer a variety of curated learning and networking opportunities. These include guided Expo Tours and Retail Store Tours of Singapore's most innovative retail concepts, offered in English, Japanese, and Chinese. A series of invite-only luncheons will also facilitate deep-dive discussions on specific industry challenges among peers.

For retailers looking to secure their place, early registration offers significant benefits. Until March 31, All-Access Passes are available with savings of up to US$750, along with a limited number of exclusive perks such as travel rebates, complimentary retail tour passes, and invitations to private meet-and-greet sessions with select speakers.