This morning’s Opening Keynote, “Shaping the Next Now: A fireside chat with Fran Horowitz,” at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show was a masterclass in strong leadership and vision. Horowitz, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and a recipient of the NRF 2026 Visionary Award, sat down with NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay to discuss her 40-year journey in retail and the value of authentic and approachable leadership. Horowitch emphasized the importance of openness to ideas from all levels of the organization.
She developed a passion for retail when she first worked in the industry during high school, and after college, she was drawn to the field and wanted to stay in it. She went through the Saks Fifth Avenue retail training program, noting that retail offers everyone the opportunity to excel and excel quickly. There is so much opportunity, she said.
When it comes to technological innovations, such as AI, Horowitz said, it is most important that a retailer’s digital revolution (however you define it) continues to evolve. Abercrombie is investing aggressively and expects this to help leapfrog the brand.
“Stay close to the customer,” she advised. She told a story of when Abercrombie & Fitch used to only have button-fly men’s jeans until customers said, “Please give us a zipper.” Once they made the change, sales of denim skyrocketed.
Horowitz credits the brand’s success to the combination of legacy and new thinking, as well as respect for team members. Her advice is for retailers to remember: “Retail is a journey. There is no finish line. It continues to evolve.”