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2021 Back-to-school

NRF’s annual look at how consumers are preparing to hit the books.
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NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. Every day, we stand up for, celebrate, educate and inspire the people who power the retail industry. Learn more about us.

NRF NXT Webinar Series

If you’re responsible for digital tactics and innovation at your organization, this is a series you don’t want to miss. With new NRF NXT FREE webinars posted every week in September, your Wednesdays just got more exciting.

 
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NRF NXT
 
Shopping online at Amazon
 
2021 Top 100 retailers

NRF’s annual look at top retailers based on sales rankings. While pandemic-related lockdowns negatively impacted some, others were able to benefit.

 
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NRF Retail Law Summit

A virtual event to convene in-house retail attorneys, compliance officers and HR professionals. Watch sessions on demand and earn CLE credits until August 13! Log in or register to access tools and strategies to guide your organization forward.

Watch on demand
Retail law
 
credit card swipe at a retailer
 
Retailers on swipe fee competition

The deadline is approaching for retailers to back Fed’s move on swipe fee competition. The scarcity of online debit card routing options has cost retailers billions of dollars.

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State of Retail and the Consumer 2021

NRF forecasts that retail sales during 2021 will increase to more than $4.44 trillion as more individuals continue to get vaccinated and the economy reopens.

See forecast
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corporate meeting
 
Tax Committee Summer Meeting

Join NRF in advocating against raising the corporate tax rate at the Corporate Taxpayer Fly-In, taking place in conjunction with the NRF Taxation Committee summer meeting.

 
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Latest from the blog

Retail Gets Real Podcast
4 retail executives on how to turn off work
 
out of office
Retail Gets Real 229: Execs from BJ’s, P&G, The Container Store and Carol’s Daughter share boundary setting tips.
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Small Business
How Ice Cream Jubilee plans to keep growing, scoop by scoop
 
Ice Cream Jubilee
D.C. entrepreneur Victoria Lai on the sweet and salty sides of owning a small business.
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Diversity and Inclusion
General counsels embrace role in diversity as NRF holds first Retail Law Summit
 
Law Summit
Topics included ethics, ecommerce, privacy and ESG issues.
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Consumer Trends
Consumers embrace physical retail as U.S. emerges from the pandemic
 
In-store shopping
New research highlights how consumer expectations for physical shopping have changed.
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Retail Gets Real Podcast
How ‘circular commerce’ helps retailers protect their brands
 
Resale items
Retail Gets Real 228: Trove CEO Andy Ruben on resale’s dual promise of profitability and sustainability.
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Retail Technology
How Walmart uses technology to stay ahead of the curve
 
Walmart converge session
NRF Retail Converge: Global CTO Suresh Kumar discusses the tech that saw the retailer through the pandemic.
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Retail Gets Real Podcast
A closer look at navigating the return to the office
 
work from home
Retail Gets Real 227: PwC’s Sushil Ahuja and Elizabeth Yates on accommodating and adjusting to the new office dynamic
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Cybersecurity
How to protect your company from cyberattacks
 
Converge cyber session
NRF Retail Converge: Former NSA director discusses disruptive cyber threats.
Read more
Small Business
Small retailers weigh in with their elected representatives
 
small business store
NRF Store Tours highlight conversations on sourcing and shipping, workforce development and payments processing.
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Retail Gets Real Podcast
How retailers are rethinking store experiences
 
Shopping in-store
Retail Gets Real 226: Melissa Gonzalez of the Lionesque Group shares what she’s seeing as physical retail adapts for the
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More than Half of Retail Professionals Say Pandemic Accelerated Tech Product Launches
 
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National Retail Federation and Euromonitor International release a new report on retail technology
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Retail Gets Real Podcast
How TikTok creates a space for community commerce
 
TikTok
Retail Gets Real episode 225: TikTok’s vertical director of retail and restaurants on commitment to inclusivity.
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NRF Retail Converge

Did you miss the live show? You can watch NRF Retail Converge on demand through July 25 and catch up on sessions from leaders in the retail industry.

 
Watch on demand
NRF Retail Converge
 

Recaps from NRF Retail Converge

Consumer Trends
How Gen Z is driving the future of retail
 
Maryleigh session
NRF Retail Converge: Insights and trends from the digitally native generation.
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Consumer Trends
The strategy behind Kate Spade New York and Hollister’s TikTok success
 
tiktok session
NRF Retail Converge: A discussion about meeting the consumer where they are and trusting creators.
Read more
Retail Technology
How Walmart uses technology to stay ahead of the curve
 
Walmart converge session
NRF Retail Converge: Global CTO Suresh Kumar discusses the tech that saw the retailer through the pandemic.
Read more
Loss Prevention
3 ways to maximize your LP budget
 
loss prevention converge session
NRF Retail Converge: Directors of loss prevention on making the most of limited resources.
Read more
Cybersecurity
How to protect your company from cyberattacks
 
Converge cyber session
NRF Retail Converge: Former NSA director discusses disruptive cyber threats.
Read more
Connected Commerce
Top takeaways from NRF Retail Converge
 
Hal Lawton of Tractor Supply at NRF Retail Converge
NRF Retail Converge: Reimagining the future of retail with the people who are leading it
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Connected Commerce
How DVF embraced digital to engage the global consumer
 
Diane von Furstenberg speaks with Alibaba at NRF Retail Converge
NRF Retail Converge: Diane von Furstenberg and Alibaba on the future of fashion.
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Consumer Trends
Nordstrom Rack redefines ‘convenience’
 
Geevy Nordstrom Rack
NRF Retail Converge: President Geevy Thomas on leveraging digital and physical.
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Careers and Leadership
NRF Retail Converge: Day 4 highlights
 
Macy's
There’s no playbook in leadership, but you must put people first.
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Map of United States
 
Coronavirus Retail Restrictions by State

State-by-state look at coronavirus-related laws, executive orders, regulations and guidance governing store operations for retailers as we head toward a post-pandemic climate.

 
Explore map
NRF Foundation All Access

Bahja Johnson started in the rotational management program and is now Gap Inc.’s first head of customer belonging. Get a close look at how her passion for inclusion is improving the bottom line, and inspiring change across the industry.

 
Watch now
COVID-19 training
 
NRF Foundation COVID-19 training
The NRF Foundation launched credentials in its RISE Up program in response to COVID-19. As restrictions lift, train employees to avoid and de‑escalate conflict.
 
Enroll now

Current COVID-19 resources

Resources
Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
 
Resources and information for retailers on the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Retail Sales
June Retail Sales Increase as Recovery Continues
 
Retail sales saw solid growth during June as the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic continued.
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Global Port Tracker
Retail Cargo Continues to See Double-Digit Increases Over 2020 as Supply Chain Disruptions Continue
 
Imports continue to show double-digit growth over last year as strong consumer demand keeps up its momentum.
Read more
More than Half of Retail Professionals Say Pandemic Accelerated Tech Product Launches
 
National Retail Federation and Euromonitor International release a new report on retail technology
Read more
Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
NRF Welcomes EEOC Vaccination Guidance
 
NRF Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission releasing updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance
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Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
Retailers to State & Local Leaders: Clarity Needed on Mask Orders
 
Retailers ask state governors and mayors to consider the practicality around new CDC guidelines on masks.
Read more
Retail Sales
April Retail Sales Hold Mostly Steady from March and Show ‘Off the Chart’ Gains Over 2020 Shutdowns
 
Retail sales were virtually unchanged from a month before and grew dramatically year-over-year in April.
Read more
Connected Commerce
Retailers help advance President Biden’s vaccination goal
 
Target, Krispy Kreme, The Vitamin Shoppe and more are offering incentives to vaccinated people.
Read more
Global Port Tracker
Retail Cargo Imports Set New Record as Economy Recovers
 
Retail cargo imports hit a new record this spring and the first half of 2021 is expected to be a third higher than 2020.
Read more
Monthly Economic Review
With ‘Feel-Better Situation’ for Consumers, Economy Could See Fastest Growth Since 1980s
 
With more businesses reopening and rehiring employees, the economy could see its fastest growth in three decades.
Read more
Retail Sales
March Retail Sales See Strong Rebound Amid Increased Vaccination and Government Stimulus
 
Retail sales rebounded March as government checks fattened bank accounts and more vaccination let consumers get out.
Read more
Monthly Economic Review
One Year Later, Economy 'Has Come a Long Way'
 
The economy has made dramatic progress since the pandemic hit a year ago, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz says.
Read more

SmartBrief newsletters

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Latest retail news from NRF SmartBrief

July 23, 2021
Home Depot taps Bluetooth tech to thwart tool thieves
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How Gap is building its clout among Gen Z
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July 23, 2021
Armani sets goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
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Bed Bath & Beyond CEO: How the home has changed
July 23, 2021
Active wear brands shift to focus on "workleisure"
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