What Is the National Retail Federation (NRF)?

What Is the National Retail Federation (NRF)?

Let me tell you about the National Retail Federation, or NRF, which is a key retail trade association founded back in 1911. It's composed of members from every corner of the retail world, including department stores, specialty shops, discount outlets, catalog and online sellers, independent retailers, restaurant chains, grocers, and even companies that supply goods and services to these retailers. Originally known as the National Retail Dry Goods Association until 2011, the NRF acts as an umbrella organization for numerous state, national, and international retail associations.

Understanding the National Retail Federation (NRF)

You should know that the NRF positions itself as the world's largest association of retailers, covering a broad range of retail segments in the United States and more than 45 countries. It organizes a massive annual convention called 'The Big Show' in New York City, spanning multiple days. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NRF provides memberships to retailers, industry partners, universities, and students, and it publishes retail-focused materials like newsletters and STORES magazine.

The organization has divisions focused on areas such as technology and education. As the 'Voice of Retail,' the NRF represents merchants who influence and connect with everyday American consumers. It also functions as a lobbying group, dedicating resources to support legislation that affects the retail industry and labor practices. For instance, in July 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the NRF pushed for a nationwide mask mandate for shoppers and employees in all stores.

The NRF Foundation

Through the NRF Foundation, a nonprofit arm, the organization delivers resources and experiences for individuals eyeing jobs or careers in retail. Its primary aim is to nurture the next generation of retail leaders. You'll find offerings like a career center, job boards, training programs, and scholarships for retail employees and students.

One key initiative is the RISE UP training and credential program, which provides skills and hands-on opportunities for students at over 900 high schools, career and technical education centers, and workforce boards across the U.S. The curriculum and exams are recognized by the industry and were developed with input from major retailers such as Walmart, The Home Depot, Burlington Stores, Macy’s, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Nordstrom. According to the foundation, more than 400,000 people have earned RISE Up credentials, and it has distributed over half a million dollars in college scholarships. It also runs in-person and virtual programs to educate young people and others about the retail industry, offering introductions and insights from experts.

NRF Membership

If you're considering joining, the NRF offers memberships for retailers, industry partners, universities, students, and even a global option through the Federation of International Retail Associations (FIRA). Benefits vary by type but include networking events, access to curated online content like research reports, and chances to advocate on policy issues. University members get exclusive events and content for students studying retail, plus access to NRF-supported scholarships.

Membership costs differ by category. For example, a university membership runs $1,000 annually, FIRA dues are $1,400 per year, and fees for retailers and industry partners vary based on specifics.

Retail's Big Show

The NRF's Big Show stands as the oldest retail conference and expo in North America, over 100 years old. It usually occurs over four days in January at the Javits Center in New York City, drawing tens of thousands of attendees—over 40,000 in 2020—with more than 700 booths, lectures, classrooms, industry gatherings, networking, guest speakers, new tech demos, innovation labs, and a gala.

In 2021, it shifted to a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it's set to return to the Javits Center in January 2022 for its standard four days, including an opening party the night before.

NRF FAQs

You might wonder about the purpose of the National Retail Federation. It serves to advocate for public policies impacting retailers, educate lawmakers and the public on retail's role, train young people for retail careers, and offer networking, fellowship, and insights to members like universities and associate retailers.

As for who runs it, the NRF is governed by a board of directors and an executive committee, with Mike George, president and CEO of Qurate Retail, Inc., as chairman.

Regarding certification, the NRF provides a Retail Industry Fundamentals credential through a 10-lesson course that covers topics like workplace safety, economic impacts, customer service, and sales basics.