NRF Research

NRF produces research throughout the year responding to trends, consumer sentiment and economic forces.

NRF conducts research throughout the year, staying on the pulse of the retail industry and consumer behavior as they evolve. In addition, NRF gathers member-submitted research from within our network to provide a closer look at the future of retail as well as research specific to the consumers themselves.

NRF Consumer Research

NRF produces consumer research throughout the course of the year, dissecting everything from what consumers are buying to how they are shopping for those items and more.

 
Convenience consumer
 
Top Retailers

NRF's annual lists of the nation’s — and the world’s — largest and fastest-growing retailers. The largest and fastest-growing retailers in the U.S. and across the globe are listed in NRF's annual Top 100 Retailers, Hot 100 Retailers and Top 50 Global Retailers lists.

 
Shoppers in mall
 
State of retail

The retail industry is undergoing an enormous transformation, leaving many asking, “What’s the future of retail?”. Retail has been undergoing an enormous transformation during and post-pandemic, as it accelerated digital offerings and adapted quickly to new customer needs.

 
Consumer shopping
 
The value of a retail career

Americans are engaging with the retail industry on a nearly daily basis. The retail industry powers the economy as the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 55 million working Americans.

Retail workers
 
Economy

Learn more about the current state of retail and the role it plays in supporting the U.S. economy, including retail sales, monthly economic reports and more data from the National Retail Federation.

Economy
 
Member-submitted research

Industry partners can submit industry white papers, research and reports for retail members to access and utilize. NRF welcomes members to submit research and white papers for consideration.

 
Consumer spending