what is the national retail federation nrf 
the national retail federation nrf is a retail trade association founded in 1911 that is made up of members from all phases of the retail industry including department stores specialty discount catalog internet and independent retailers restaurant chains and grocers as well as businesses that supply goods and services to retailers the nrf formerly called the national retail dry goods association in 2011 forms an umbrella over many state national and international retail associations understanding the national retail federation nrf the national retail federation states that it is the largest association of retailers in the world it represents a wide variety of retail segments in the united states and over 45 countries it also holds a large annual convention dubbed the big show held in new york city over multiple days 3based in washington d c the nrf offers memberships to retailers industry partners universities and students and distributes retail focused publications such as newsletters and stores magazine 4the nrf has several divisions dealing with different aspects of retailing such as technology and education known as the voice of retail the nrf prides itself on representing the merchants that impact and connect with the everyday lives of the american consumer 5the nrf is also a lobbyist group that spends its time energy and money lobbying for and supporting legislature that impacts the retail industry and labor practices for example in july 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic the nrf lobbied that all retailers adopt a mask mandate for shoppers and employees in all stores 6the nrf foundationthe nrf created the nrf foundation a nonprofit to provide resources and experiences for those interested in jobs or long term careers in retail its main goal is to support the next generation of potential retail leaders the nrf foundation s offerings include a career center job boards and training it also provides scholarship programs for retail employees and students 7the foundation s rise up training and credential program offers skills and practical hands on opportunities for students at over 900 high schools career and technical education centers and workforce boards in the united states rise up s curriculum and exams are industry recognized the foundation created this program in collaboration with major retailers including walmart the home depot burlington stores macy s bjs wholesale club and nordstrom 8according to its website over 400 000 people received rise up credentials in addition the nrf foundation has awarded over half million dollars in college scholarships it provides in person and virtual programming to help interested young people and others learn more about the retail industry and gain introductions and insights from industry experts nrf membershipthe nrf offers memberships for retailers industry partners universities and global membership the federation of international retail associations fira depending on the membership nrf offers member specific networking and event opportunities access to curated online content like research reports and provides opportunities for advocating on policy issues university members gain access to exclusive events and content designed to benefit students studying the retail industry plus access to nrf supported scholarships for students at member universities 9the cost of membership varies depending on the category for example a university membership s annual fee is 1 000 fira s annual dues are 1 400 and membership dues for retailers and industry partners vary 9the national retail federation focuses on the strong representation of the retail industry and advocates for policies that support and protect the retail industry the nrf foundation works to educate the public about innovation in the industry and educate and encourage those interested in working in the retail market retail s big showthe nrf s big show is the oldest over 100 years old retail conference and expo in north america it typically takes place over four days in january at the javits center in new york city where it hosts tens of thousands of guests over 40 000 in 2020 with over 700 booths lectures classrooms industry gatherings networking opportunities guest speakers new tech demonstrations and innovation labs and a gala 10in 2021 the big show moved to a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic it will be back at the javits center in january 2022 for its usual four days plus an opening party the night before the conference hall opens 11nrf faqsthe purpose of the national retail federation is to act as an advocate for public policy that impacts retailers to educate lawmakers and the public about the role of retail to train young people for successful careers in the retail industry and to provide opportunities for fellowship networking and provide insights to nrf members like universities and associate retailers among others the national retail federation is run by a board of directors and an executive committee its chairman is mike george president and ceo of qurate retail inc 12the nrf offers a retail industry fundamentals credential program that you can earn by enrolling in the 10 lesson certification course the program offers a broad overview of topics in the retail industry including workplace safety economic impacts customer service and sales basics 13