NRF ANNOUNCES NBA LEGEND AND BUSINESSMAN EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT RETAIL’S BIG SHOW 

Basketball legend and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson will share insights on his storied NBA Hall of Fame career and his success in business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in January.

“From making plays on the basketball court to now running point in the boardroom, Magic Johnson is unmatched in his expansive career as a professional athlete, businessman and entrepreneur,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We are honored to have him share his insights and business acumen from the main stage at Retail’s Big Show.”

On Monday, Jan. 15, Johnson will kick off a national day of reflection and celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during the opening keynote session. The session will focus on the trajectory of Johnson’s career and his work to empower communities through strategic partnerships with globally recognized brands and to foster economic growth and development.

Johnson served as a member of the original Dream Team and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame before founding Magic Johnson Enterprises. As chairman and CEO, he leads the organization that provides high-quality products and services focusing primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities.

One of the most powerful and respected African-American businessmen and philanthropists in the world, Johnson made history in 2023 when he became co-owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders. He also co-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers of the MLB, Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club, and eSports franchise Team Liquid.

In addition to Johnson, several industry leaders are scheduled to appear at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show including BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman CEO Bob Eddy, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner, Levi Strauss & Co. President Michelle Gass, Ulta Beauty CEO David Kimbell, Under Armour President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz, Moët Hennessy CEO Philippe Schaus, PepsiCo Foods North America CEO Steven Williams and others.

An estimated 38,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend NRF 2024 at the Javits Center in New York City on Jan. 14 –16. The event will bring together more than 6,200 brands and feature insights from leaders of some of the world’s largest companies.

Image, above: Last year’s NRF Big Show. Jason Dixson Photography