Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, known as Jay and Silent Bob from the 1994 movie “Clerks,” will be the keynote speakers on Oct. 17 for the closing general session at this year’s NACS Show in Chicago, the National Association of Convenience Stores has announced.
The duo will share stories about their careers, specifically focusing on the convenience retailing industry, as well as offer advice on branding and effective storytelling.
“Clerks” focuses on the events and relationships at a Quick Stop convenience store. The independent film won the Award of the Youth and the Mercedes-Benz Award at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, the Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
“Clerks” is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time, NACS said.
Among other films, Smith wrote, directed, co-produced and starred as the character Silent Bob of stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob in “Clerks.” He owns Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank, New Jersey, a comic bookstore that became the setting for the reality TV show “Comic Book Men.”
As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Mewes became a pop culture icon since his debut in “Clerks.” Mewes has captured audiences with his rebellious banter with Smith.
Both Smith and Mewes are also podcasters.
NACS has more than 1,000 retail member companies that represent more than 200,000 convenience stores in more than 50 countries, including 90,000 stores in the United States.
The 2025 NACS Show is being held Oct. 14-17 in Chicago at McCormick Place. Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is slated to close out the event with an interactive trivia contest
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