9:00-9:10 AM CT
Welcome and introduction
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

9:10-9:45 AM CT
2025 macro outlook and implications for Walmart
Doug Hermanson, Principal Economist, Retail Insights

Shoppers and retailers are facing an uncertain economic environment in 2025 that will bring opportunities and challenges to retailers and manufacturers.
Topics we’ll discuss include: 

• Employment, inflation, and interest rate trends influencing Walmart
• Recent and potential US policy changes
• Retail forecasts for 2025

9:45-10:20 AM CT
Taking a look at Walmart shoppers
Julie Craig, Vice President, Shopper Insights

Walmart’s shoppers are beset with worries and stress. We’ll dig into their key attributes and perceptions to understand what is top of mind.
Topics we’ll discuss include: 

• Walmart shopper demographics and what they mean for the future
• How to evolve with changing shopper behaviors and preferences
• Ways to keep up with digital engagement 

10:20-10:55 AM CT
Taking a look at Walmart shoppers
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Retail Insights

Walmart posted record sales in FY25 and expects even stronger results in FY26. We’ll detail how Walmart plans to generate even greater sales and profits.
Topics we’ll cover include:  

• The impacts of technology on inventory and investment 
• How shifting purchase patterns will affect future sales and profitability 
• What Walmart’s investment choices mean for suppliers 

10:55-11:10 AM CT
BREAK

11:10-11:45 AM CT
Walmart’s flywheel evolution: Gathering momentum
Karen Kelson, Vice President, Retail Insights

Walmart’s ecosystem strategy is becoming more fully embedded in its operations. What do these developments mean for suppliers and customers?
Topics we’ll discuss include: 

• The benefits and drawbacks of B2B and B2C services 
• Decision-making and points of leverage
• Attributes and capabilities necessary for shaping the future 

• Key similarities and differences between Walmart’s and Amazon’s business strategies
• Success and opportunities with investment strategies 
• Implications, impacts, and predictions for the future  

12:20-12:30 PM CT
Day 1 wrap-up
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

12:30-12:50 PM CT
Ask me anything: Open Q&A
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

9:00-9:10 AM CT
Welcome and introduction
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

9:10-9:45 AM CT
The impacts of DEI policies on retailers
Taylre Stumpf, Senior Analyst, Retail Insights

The Trump administration has moved to abolish DEI initiatives across the federal government. Conservative activists are pressuring retailers to minimize their diversity initiatives or risk shareholder lawsuits and political disfavor.
Topics we’ll cover include: 

• An overview of retailers’ responses to DEI modification requests
• How shoppers feel about retailers’ DEI initiatives
• Implications for retailers and CPG/FMCG brands 

9:45-10:20 AM CT
Sam’s Club’s growth plans
Gina Logan, Principal Analyst, Retail Insights

Sam’s Club turned in another strong financial performance in FY25 and has continued its momentum. What do we expect from Sam’s Club this year?
Topics we’ll discuss include:

• The club’s current and future growth drivers
• Investment plans for 2025 and beyond
• Future areas of competition in the club channel 

10:20 AM-10:55 AM ET
Profiling Sam's Club members
Julie Craig, Vice President, Shopper Insights

Sam’s Club members are the lifeblood of its club business, so understanding them better will forge a stronger bond with the retailer.
Topics we’ll discuss include:

• Key motives, attitudes, and behaviors of Sam’s Club members
• How Sam’s Club members’ priorities and preferences are evolving
• How you can best align your strategy to connect with Sam’s Club members 

10:55-11:10 AM ET
BREAK

11:10-11:45 AM CT
Tariffs and the implications of volatile trade policies
David Marcotte, Senior Vice President, Global and Technology

President Trump has vowed to use tariffs as a prime source of revenue in 2025. Tariffs and related import fees have material effects on product costs for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Walmart is the largest retail importer into the US. Walmart imports over 1 million containers into the US per year, almost all from China and Asia.
Topics we’ll discuss include: 

• Likely outcomes of current and future tariffs
• Impacts on production, selling, and purchasing of food and nonfood categories
• Retailers and channels with competitive advantages and how they will likely combat trade tariffs

11:45 AM-12:20 PM CT
Anything, anytime, all at once: Selling in the attention economy
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

Consumers have unlimited choices for acquiring the products they need and want to buy. How do brands break through the cacophony to make a sale and build connections?
Topics we’ll discuss include:

• How today’s supersaturated environment affects consumers
• What consumers want and why they want it
• Implications for creating resonance and trust with brands 

12:20-12:30 PM CT
Day 2 recap
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club

12:30-12:50 PM CT
Ask me anything: Open Q&A
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Mass and Club