Partnerships & Research
The retail industry has never been more dynamic than it is today, nor more in need of timely, relevant information. NRF Foundation publishes research and benchmarking studies and undertakes other initiatives to enhance industry operations and promote best practices. With support from key business partners, NRFF is able to launch valuable educational and career advancement initiatives.
Research
Retail Industry Indicators is a valuable annual report providing comprehensive demographic data about retailing that serves as an excellent statistical resource for anyone interested in the retail industry.
Retail Horizons, prepared in partnership with KPMG, is an annual benchmarking survey of retailers in all segments and formats that examines nine functional areas and reports trends and intentions of retail companies for the coming year.
The
Customers' Choice Awards, with support from American Express,
honors those retailers across all channels and formats who
demonstrate superior customer service, as nominated by more than 25,000
consumers around the country in a blind survey.
With the support from KPMG, NRF Foundation published our
25th
Anniversary book, recording the last twenty-five years of
NRFF
activities, accomplishments and milestones.
Education & Training
Working with mall developers such as Westfield,
General Growth Properties, and KRAVCO/Simon,
NRF Foundation established 23 Retail Skills Centers (RSC)
across the United States. These centers recruit,
assess, train, and place new associates
for local retailers.
Microsoft Corporation underwrote a State of eLearning Survey in 2008, to benchmark and project the industry's education practices across electronic platforms.
Career Advancement
American Express supports the aspire2retail Intercollegiate Student
Challenge.
The
student challenge engages university students in a
competition to
design a multi-tiered business strategy. Retail Executives serve as mentors to
students across
the country for this challenge.
CareerBuilder works with NRFF on many initiatives including underwriting the distribution of the "GO Retail!" video and sponsoring the Retail Careers Center website.
