On January 11th, we kicked off NRF 2026 at Asylum NYC with an unforgettable evening of bold takes, industry foresight, and high-energy networking. From Rick Watson’s provocative keynote on the "Death of Scale" to the unfiltered live taping of The Watson Weekend with Rick and Jess, we moved past the hype to define what it actually takes to win in the Age of Intelligence.
It wasn't just a conference, it was a masterclass in the Adaptability Quotient (AQ), backed by live music, fake headlines, and the sharpest minds in retail.
THE WATSON WEEKEND LIVE!
In this live episode of The Watson Weekend at NRF Presented by Radial, Jessica Lesesky and Rick Watson look back at what they got wrong in their 2025 predictions (hello, Target and Temu!) and suggest what will happen at OpenAI, Nike, and Shopify in 2026. From leadership voids at big-box giants to the "agentic" future of e-commerce, we’re breaking down who’s winning, who’s stalling, and who’s reinventing the game.
In This Episode:
Target’s Identity Crisis: Is Target losing its soul? We critique the missing "mom hub," the vacant CMO seat, and how leadership changes are impacting their core customer base.
The Temu Pivot: How the disruptor bypassed tariff hurdles by recruiting local sellers—positioning themselves for a massive growth spurt.
The AI Battleground: ChatGPT has the hype, but does Google have the win? We discuss why Google’s distribution network and daily tool integration might give them the ultimate edge in the AI race.
Nike Under Pressure: With activist investors circling and margin pressures rising, we look at how competitors like On and Adidas are gaining ground. Can the Swoosh regain its innovative spark?
Shopify & Agentic Commerce: Moving beyond the digital storefront, we explore Shopify’s shift toward AI-powered, agentic commerce and what it means for the future of shopping.
On is like… we’ve got 12 styles and they’re all bangers
- Jessica Lesesky
THE PANEL
At the Watson Weekend Live at NRF, presented by Radial, industry leaders Emma Lawson, Dina Rosenbloom, and David Katz are joined by host Nick Kaplan to delve into the evolving landscape of brand management. Spanning the luxury, indie, and large-scale retail sectors, the conversation explores how brands can remain resilient and decisive in an increasingly volatile market.
Key Takeaways:
Mission-Driven Agility: True agility isn't just about moving fast—it’s about adaptability. The panelists argue that staying anchored to your brand’s DNA and mission enables clear, confident decision-making.
The Myth of Size: Can a corporate giant move like a startup? Yes. By reducing bureaucracy and empowering individual decision-makers with clear accountability, large organizations can mirror the nimbleness of indie brands.
Ruthless Prioritization: Success in challenging environments requires the courage to say "no." The experts discuss the importance of balancing operational efficiency with the flexibility to pivot when necessary.
Culture of Accountability: Fostering an environment where teams can learn from mistakes openly is essential for long-term growth and brand consistency.
THE KEYNOTE
Is your business built for scale, or is it built for speed?
In his 2026 keynote at Watson Weekend at NRF, Presented by Radial, Rick Watson breaks down why the traditional "safety in size" mindset is officially dead. After a 2025 defined by indecision and market paralysis, the winners of this year are those who prioritize motion over perfection. We are no longer just in the era of e-commerce; we have entered the Age of Intelligence. Success now requires more than just reacting to trends—it requires an Adaptability Quotient (AQ) that allows you to anticipate demand before it even hits the radar.
Key Takeaways:
The Death of Scale: Why being "big" is now a liability and how "speed" became the ultimate competitive advantage.
2025 Retrospective: Learning from the paralysis of last year to ensure your team never stagnates again.
Values Over Volume: Deep-dive case studies on Lululemon vs. Alo and Victoria’s Secret vs. Skims—why standing for "something" is the only way to stay relevant.
The Age of Intelligence: Navigating the shift from reactive selling to predictive logistics.
Mastering Your AQ: Practical steps to develop your Adaptability Quotient and lead with conviction.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
