What is the National Retail Federation (NRF)?
The National Retail Federation (NRF) is a prominent retail trade association established in 1911. The NRF represents various retail segments, including department stores, specialty retailers, discount chains, catalog companies, e-commerce, independent retailers, restaurant chains, and grocers. The NRF also encompasses businesses that supply goods and services to retailers. Historically known as the National Retail Dry Goods Association, the NRF serves as an umbrella organization for various state, national, and international retail associations.
Key Highlights
- Leading the Retail Industry: Since its inception in 1911, the NRF has grown to be the largest and most influential association of retailers globally.
- Legislative Advocacy: With a focus on labor laws, commerce, healthcare, and workforce development, the NRF actively engages in lobbying efforts to shape policy agendas beneficial to the retail sector.
- Retail Training and Scholarships: Through the NRF Foundation, the organization offers scholarships, grants, and training programs, fostering a new generation of retail professionals.
- Massive Employment: Retail stands as the largest private-sector employer in the U.S., with about 52 million Americans working within its realm.
- Big Show Extravaganza: The celebrated NRF’s annual convention, known as the Big Show, attracts over 40,000 attendees and is slated to return to NYC in 2022.
Understanding the National Retail Federation (NRF)
Renowned as the largest association of retailers, with representation spanning the United States and over 45 countries, the NRF holds an annual event known as “The Big Show” in New York City. Based in Washington, D.C., the NRF offers a wide array of memberships encapsulating retailers, industry partners, and academic institutions, along with publishing retail-focused content such as newsletters and STORES magazine.
The organization’s broader mission extends to tackling various facets of retailing through its multiple divisions focused on technology, education, and advocacy. Known as the “Voice of Retail,” the NRF represents merchants who play an integral role in the daily lives of consumers.
An essential part of the NRF’s mission involves lobbying for and supporting laws that influence labor practices and the retail industry positively. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NRF advocated for comprehensive mask mandates for both shoppers and employees in retail environments.
Empowering the Next Generation: The NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation, established as a nonprofit branch of the NRF, is dedicated to providing resources and career opportunities within the retail industry. Its primary goal is to develop future retail leaders through career centers, job boards, and training initiatives. Scholarship programs are available for both employees and students aspiring to build careers in retail.
The innovative RISE UP training and credential program aims to offer practical skills and experiential learning to participants from over 900 U.S. high schools, career, and technical education centers, backed by collaborative efforts with significant retailers such as Walmart, The Home Depot, and Macy’s. Notably, more than 400,000 individuals have attained RISE UP credentials to date.
Membership at NRF: A Gateway to Opportunities
Membership with the NRF is diversified, catering to retailers, industry partners, universities, and global entities like the Federation of International Retail Associations (FIRA). Membership benefits include exclusive networking events, access to research reports and curated content, and advocacy opportunities regarding policy issues.
University members specifically enjoy events crafted to benefit retail students, alongside access to NRF-supported scholarships. Membership fees vary—$1,000 for university memberships, $1,400 for FIRA, while fees for other categories are determined on a case basis.
The Iconic NRF Big Show: A Beacon of Retail Excellence
The NRF’s annual Big Show is a landmark retail conference held in North America for over a century. Generally taking place over four days in January at New York City’s Javits Center, it garners a large attendance of over 40,000. The event features an extensive array of exhibitions, lectures, technology showcases, networking opportunities, gala nights, and more.
While the event transitioned to a virtual format in 2021 due to the pandemic, it is set to return in its full splendor at the Javits Center in January 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of the National Retail Federation?
The overarching aim of the NRF is to be an advocate for retail-centric public policy, educate lawmakers and the general public on the pivotal role of retail, nurture youth for successful retail careers, and foster networking and informational opportunities for its members.
Who Runs the National Retail Federation?
The governance of the NRF lies in the hands of a board of directors and an executive committee. The chairman is Mike George, President and CEO of Qurate Retail, Inc.
What Is NRF Certification?
The NRF offers a Retail Industry Fundamentals Certification, achievable through a 10-lesson course comprehensively covering workplace safety, economic impacts, customer service, and sales essentials.
Related Terms: Retail Industry, Retail Advocacy, NRF Foundation, Big Show, Workforce Development.
References
- National Retail Federation. “Labor Policy Expert Joins Government Relations Team at National Retail Federation”.
- National Retail Federation. “NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show”.
- National Retail Federation. “NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show”.
- National Retail Federation. “NRF Membership”.
- National Retail Federation. “About Us”.
- The Hill. “National Retail Federation Calls for Stores to Set a Nationwide Mask Mandate”.
- NRF Foundation. “About Us”.
- NRF Foundation. “RISE Up”.
- National Retail Federation. “About NRF Membership”.
- National Retail Federation. “2020 Recap: Retail’s Big Show”.
- National Retail Federation. “NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show”.
- National Retail Federation. “Board of Directors”.
- Penn Foster. “Retail Industry Fundamentals Credential.”
