If there is one constant in the retail industry, it’s change: Retailers interact with almost everyone on the planet, every single day. Being that close to the consumer means keeping up with evolving trends in fashion, products, technologies and policies that affect the industry in Washington, D.C.
For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation — or the National Retail Dry Goods Association, as it was known at its founding — has proudly published STORES Magazine. Over that time, both NRF and STORES have changed format, focus and design multiple times to adapt to the ever-changing needs and trends of the times.
As the industry changes, so too must NRF and the way we tell our industry’s story. While the December issue of STORES will be the last published in this format, much of the vital content we have all relied upon for so long will continue to be published here on NRF’s website.
While the December issue of STORES will be the last published in this format, much of the vital content we have all relied upon for so long will continue to be published here on NRF’s website.
STORES has been an invaluable resource to many through the years. It has told retail’s story and given readers a common identity and a common understanding of the retail industry. It is where we’ve come to gather ideas, to learn, to be inspired and to grow both as professionals and people. It has helped us comprehend the past and prepare for what’s next, and it has brought us closer to inspiring leaders and innovative companies.
In turn, the excellent reporting and thinking delivered by STORES has helped all of us better tell our story to the world. The economic footprint and social impact of retail is massive, but isn’t always fully appreciated; STORES has helped to educate, inform and inspire all of us to better advance the industry.
It has been an honor to write this column on the important policy issues impacting retail since arriving here as CEO in 2010. What happens in Washington directly affects the entire industry, and as the trade association representing the voice of retail in Washington, our No. 1 job is advocacy. While the issues our industry faces often change, creating the healthiest economic and regulatory environment to allow retailers to grow and thrive will always remain at the core of what we do at NRF.
Finally, and most importantly, we express sincere gratitude to Susan Reda and the entire team at STORES for their hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering the best publication focused on retail.
Thank you for being such loyal readers of STORES over the years. As always, we want to hear your ideas for our blog, podcast and other editorial content. Please email editor@nrf.com.
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