NRF Association News
NRF SmartStat: July 2, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 02, 2009
About 144 million Americans will host or attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic for Independence Day this weekend. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
Learn how ARTS standards make complexity simple
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 02, 2009
The inaugural ARTS Users' Meeting, a face-to-face venue for retailers to learn about ARTS standards, technical research and new initiatives, will be held Sept. 20 to 23 at the Marriott World Center Resort in Orlando, Fla. The meeting promotes networking opportunities and offers a comprehensive three-day educational program on the benefits and "how-to" of ARTS standards. Learn more.
NRF announces date, location for 2010 Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 02, 2009
NRF's Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO, retail's largest loss-prevention event, will be held June 14 to 16, 2010, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Exhibit, sponsorship and speaking opportunities are now available. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: July 1, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 01, 2009
About a fifth of people use social media to look for sales, promotions or coupons. Source: Shop.org survey conducted by BIGresearch
Early-deadline rate for Retail's BIG Show expires July 10
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 01, 2009
Online registration is now active for Retail's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13, 2010, in New York. Join thousands of your industry peers at the BIG Show, which offers networking, educational sessions and an EXPO floor with the latest technologies. Register by July 10 to save $500 off on-site registration. Learn more.
Despite economy, largest retailers remain power players, according to STORES report
NRF SmartBrief | Jul 01, 2009
In spite of economic uncertainties, many of the nation's largest retailers held on to coveted spots at the top of the retail ladder last year. According to the STORES Top 100 Retailers, which ranks retailers by annual revenues, the top three U.S. retailers are Wal-Mart, Kroger and Costco. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 30, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 30, 2009
Cities with the highest average base pay for cashiers are Seattle; Bremerton, Wash.; and Philadelphia. Source: 2008 U.S. Retail Compensation and Benefits Survey, conducted by Mercer for NRF
How Overstock.com, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Drugstore.com use social media to connect with shoppers
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 30, 2009
At Shop.org's Annual Summit, Sept. 21 to 23 in Las Vegas, hear from retail's "social media all-stars" as they share experiences and provide advice on how companies can use Twitter and Facebook to positively impact sales. Retailers, attend the Shop.org Summit for as little as $500, including airfare, hotel and conference registration. Learn more.
NRF releases Summer 2009 Retail Sales Outlook
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 30, 2009
"The worst is behind us," says NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells in NRF's most recent Retail Sales Outlook, a bimonthly report on industry sales. The report uses recent economic data to analyze the impact of key indicators such as job losses and the housing market on retail sales growth. NRF members, download a free copy of the report.
How Shopko execs discovered the art of strategic software and service agreements
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 29, 2009
Given the economy, negotiation execution has never been more important. At NRFtech: IT Leadership Summit, hear from Shopko's CIO and CTO about how to achieve a best-in-class contract while maintaining a positive relationship with the vendor before, during and after the negotiation process. NRFtech, Aug. 9 to 11 in San Diego, is the retail industry's most influential event for senior-level IT executives. Learn more.
FTC commissioner discusses online behavioral advertising at NRF meeting
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 29, 2009
A member of the Federal Trade Commission told retailers at an NRF meeting last week that businesses are not moving forward quickly enough in implementing the FTC's self-regulatory guidelines for online behavioral advertising, but stopped short of saying the group is considering any mandatory regulations. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: June 29, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 29, 2009
Consumers listed Ford, Chevrolet and Coca-Cola as their favorite American brands. Source: BIGresearch American Pulse.
View presentations, blog posts from NRF Loss Prevention Conference
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 26, 2009
If you missed NRF's Loss Prevention Conference and EXPO last week, learn what happened during the show through blog posts, presentations and handouts. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 26, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 26, 2009
About 121 million Americans own an American flag. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
Connect to NRF on Facebook
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 26, 2009
On NRF's Facebook page, find recent retail news, participate in a discussion board, view photos from events, read the NRF blog and learn about upcoming events. Take the opportunity to get connected with past and present colleagues and some of the most prominent people in retail. View the page.
High-profile data breach prompts aggressive approach to security
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 25, 2009
At NRFtech: IT Leadership Summit, hear from Robert Carr, chairman and CEO of Heartland Payment Systems, about how a data breach triggered an expansive companywide response that included new technology development and industrywide information sharing. NRFtech, Aug. 9 to 11 in San Diego, is the retail industry's most influential event for senior-level IT executives and offers many networking opportunities. Learn more.
An open letter to the retail community from Tracy Mullin
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 25, 2009
Read an open letter in which NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin shares her thoughts on what the end of merger discussions between NRF and RILA means for NRF members, how companies can take advantage of this opportunity, and new association plans on the horizon. Read the letter.
NRF SmartStat: June 25, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 25, 2009
Aeropostale, Buckle and Ross Stores are almost certain to see same-store sales increases over the next 75 days. Source: BIGresearch's ForecastIQ
Find opportunity at Retail's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 24, 2009
Online registration is now active for Retail's BIG Show, Jan. 10 to 13, 2010, in New York. Join thousands of your industry peers at the BIG Show, which offers networking, educational sessions and an EXPO floor with the latest technologies. Register early to save $500 off on-site registration. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 24, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 24, 2009
Preliminary findings indicate retail shrinkage averaged 1.52% of retail sales in 2008, up from 1.44% in 2007. Source: National Retail Security Survey
Two universities join as NRF Foundation college partners
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 24, 2009
The Retail and Consumer Sciences Program at the University of Tennessee and Ohio University's Retail Merchandising Program have joined NRF Foundation College Partners. College Partners are featured on the Retail Careers Center Web site, and partners have the opportunity to showcase their retailing programs, share campus activities, highlight outstanding students and much more! Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 23, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 23, 2009
Four out of five Americans believe that a person's vote on whether to join a union should be secret, a number that is higher among union members. Source: NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch
No health care reform is better than employer mandate
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 23, 2009
Congress began committee deliberations on health care reform legislation last week, but NRF told lawmakers retailers would rather see no reform than be saddled with an employer mandate, and also warned that a proposal to use a nationwide Value Added Tax to help pay the $1 trillion-plus price tag would be "absolute Armageddon" for merchants. Read about this and more on NRF's BIG blog. NRF retail members may participate in a conference call covering the very latest updates in health care reform on June 25. Learn more.
EBay, Macy's and drugstore.com execs to keynote Shop.org Annual Summit
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 23, 2009
John Donahoe, president and CEO of eBay Inc.; Dawn Lepore, CEO and chairwoman of drugstore.com Inc.; and Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO of Macy's Inc., will be speaking at the 2009 Shop.org Annual Summit in Las Vegas. A variety of educational sessions will be presented at the summit, including topics about navigating the waters of our troubled economy, Twitter and social media, key trends in international expansion, making sense of the e-commerce platform, and retailer success stories using mobile technologies. Learn more.
Trends that are driving the retail decision-making process
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 22, 2009
Find out what technologies retailers are investing in and learn contract-negotiation tactics in such areas as real estate, technology and other service agreements. Join us at noon Eastern, Tuesday, June 23, for a complimentary webinar to hear industry experts discuss how retailers can succeed in this challenging economy. Learn more.
Consumers plan to come out of hiding for Fourth of July
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 22, 2009
According to NRF's 2009 Independence Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 144 million people plan to host or attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic July 4. Though gas prices are still far below last year's levels, a recent uptick in costs is causing some Americans to reconsider their plans. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 22, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 22, 2009
On top of his $1 base salary, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey was awarded $33,830 in bonuses last year. Source: STORES CEO Compensation Report.
Mobile retailing is here. Are you ready?
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 19, 2009
At NRFtech 2009, listen to YUM! Brands and MobiBucks executives discuss the key factors in creating effective mobile interactions between retailers and customers. NRFtech, Aug. 9 to 11 in San Diego, is the retail industry's most influential event for senior-level IT executives and offers many networking opportunities. Learn more.
Learn about the latest in health care reform
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 19, 2009
As the drumbeat for health care reform continues to accelerate, NRF is at the center of health reform efforts, fighting for the interests of our retail and restaurant members. Join us on a conference call covering the very latest updates in health care reform on Thursday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 19, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 19, 2009
About one-fourth of retailers offer smoking cessation programs to corporate staff; one in ten offer this program to in-store staff. Source: 2008 U.S. Retail Compensation and Benefits Survey, conducted by Mercer for NRF.
Learn how your organization can lead the economic turnaround
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 18, 2009
Sign up for a free webinar on thriving in the current economic environment by reducing costs, streamlining operational processes and connecting with customers. Speakers from AMR Research and IBM Global Retail Industry will address participants' questions during this live event. Register now and join us June 23. Learn more.
NRF urges Congress to resist textile industry pressure to toughen tariff enforcement for apparel imports
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 18, 2009
NRF today urged Congress to resist political pressure from the textile industry, saying calls to stop alleged "cheating" on apparel import duties could lead to "overzealous enforcement" that would penalize legitimate importers and have an adverse impact on small retailers in particular. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 18, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 18, 2009
Half of retailers use competitive information to help determine where to locate new stores. Source: 2007 NRF retail real estate study conducted by AMR Research
NRF asks Congress not to use VAT to fund health care reform
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 17, 2009
NRF is asking the House Ways and Means Committee not to consider a value-added tax as a means of funding health care reform, saying a VAT would have a negative effect on the economy during the national recession. NRF told the committee in a letter that a VAT would further depress consumer spending that has already plummeted in the past two years. The committee reportedly is debating between one broad tax such as a VAT and a combination of smaller taxes. Read the news release.
Troubled economy increases shoplifting rates, according to National Retail Security Survey
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 17, 2009
As retailers struggle with a pullback in consumer spending, the economy continues to present new challenges for companies' bottom lines. Preliminary results of the latest National Retail Security Survey, released at NRF's Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO, show that retail shrinkage averaged 1.52% of retail sales in 2008, up from 1.44% in 2007. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 17, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 17, 2009
More than 7,000 candidates earned the NRF Foundation's National Professional Certification in Customer Service in 2008. Source: NRF Foundation
Learn the 3 P's of retail: product, presentation and people
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 16, 2009
Register to learn the three P's of retail, all of which impact sales and profit. The course is broken into four modules that include an introduction to the retail industry and retailing, the shopping experience, retail people and positions, and understanding what creates sales and profits. Register by June 30 to receive 30% off the regular price of $50. Learn more.
Law enforcement, loss prevention professionals honored at NRF conference
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 16, 2009
NRF announced the recipients of the distinguished Loss Prevention Retail Partnership Award, Ring of Excellence Award, Volunteers in Action and the 2009 Loss Prevention Case of the Year at its annual Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 16, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 16, 2009
Last year, retailers invested in internal IT staff and increased training budgets 20%. Source: NRF Annual IT Budget Survey, conducted by AMR Research
NRF SmartStat: June 15, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 15, 2009
CVS, Rite Aid and IHOP were the "hottest" retailers in 2008. Source: STORES Hot 100
Don't miss out on the latest loss prevention news
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 15, 2009
STORES LPinformation is a free monthly e-newsletter designed specifically for the LP community. It highlights loss prevention stories from the current issue of STORES, as well as upcoming STORES and NRF events. Learn more and subscribe to LPinformation.
Get in front of 17,000 retail professionals at NRF's BIG Show
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 15, 2009
Want to get in front of 17,000 retail professionals to showcase your products and solutions? Become an exhibitor at or sponsor of Retail's BIG Show and see the opportunities unfold. Take a peek at the prospectus for Retail's BIG Show in January 2010 to get an idea of the offerings. Learn more.
NRF urges Senate committee to reject employer mandate and other "bad reforms" for health care
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 12, 2009
NRF commended the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for revising a "worst-case scenario" plan for health care reform, but urged the panel to reject proposals for a pay-or-play employer mandate and other "bad reforms" that could drive up costs without addressing underlying problems with the health care system. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 12, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 12, 2009
Half of merchandising executives say improving margins is a top priority for 2009. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2008, Forecasts for 2009
Retailers can walk NRF Loss Prevention EXPO floor for free
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 12, 2009
At NRF's Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO, June 15 to 17 in Los Angeles, attendees can join educational sessions about pandemics, communicating during a crisis, and little things that can cause a store to lose money. On the EXPO floor, see the technologies and security features that retailers use to protect stores from retail crime. Register by today, June 12, to save $100 off the on-site registration rate. Retailers and law-enforcement officials qualify for a complimentary pass to the conference EXPO floor. Learn more.
Without rebate checks, May retail sales fall off last year's pace, according to NRF
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 11, 2009
Without stimulus checks from Uncle Sam, consumers had less money in their pockets to spend last month. According to NRF, retail industry sales for May increased 0.2% seasonally adjusted from April but dropped 4.7% unadjusted over last year. "A slight sales increase from April provides hope that the economic turnaround may not be that far off," NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells said. Read the news release.
Monthly retail import volume still below 1 million containers
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 11, 2009
Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports remained below the 1 million mark in April, which was the third-slowest month in the past five years despite a slight improvement over March, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by NRF and IHS Global Insight. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 11, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 11, 2009
More than one-fourth of retailers have investigated criminal organizations connected to known street gangs with international connections. Source: NRF 2009 Organized Retail Crime survey
NRF SmartStat: June 10, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 10, 2009
In less than a month, NRF has more than 300 fans on Facebook. Join us! Source: NRF
NRF survey finds criminals use recession as opportunity to abuse retailers and consumers
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 10, 2009
According to NRF's fifth annual Organized Retail Crime survey of 115 retailers, nine out of 10 retailers report that their companies were victims of organized retail crime during the past year, up eight percent from 2008. The survey also found that the average retailer spends $215,000 per year in staffing costs alone to fight organized retail crime. Read the news release and the full report.
NRF welcomes Senate bill on hidden fees as next step in credit card reform
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 10, 2009
NRF says legislation introduced in the Senate requiring Visa and MasterCard to negotiate with merchants over hidden credit card "interchange" fees that cost the average household more than $400 a year is the next step in credit card reform, building on a measure signed into law last month. Read the news release.
NRF SmartStat: June 9, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 09, 2009
One-third of adults shop at Best Buy most often for electronics, and the company's consumer-preference share is growing. Source: BIGresearch May 2009 Retail Ratings Report
NRF committees to discuss health care, air cargo and customs security
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 09, 2009
Members of NRF committees will discuss health care, air cargo and customs security during committee conference calls this week. NRF offers more than 50 topic-specific committees and encourages retail members to join these groups to participate in virtual and in-person committee meetings, share experiences and network with peers. Read about recent communications and upcoming committee meetings on NRF's committee page. Learn more.
Industry trade groups advocate changes to data-security standards
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 09, 2009
In an effort to create more transparency and clarity in how data-security standards are developed, several trade associations representing merchants ranging from retail, restaurants and hospitality sent a joint letter to the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council and credit card executives outlining several guidelines that could be implemented immediately that would make PCI more effective and cost-efficient. Read more.
STORES magazine June 2009 edition available now (and it's free!)
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 08, 2009
Stay on top of retail's latest trends with STORES magazine. In this month's issue, read about how compensation is down for many retail CEOs, how Build-A-Bear is making efforts to reach the pre-teen segment of its customer base, and the global expansion of Yogen Früz. The digital edition, which is available free, allows subscribers to save the magazine on a computer, conduct key-word searches of every issue since November 2005, and e-mail articles to colleagues. Read this month's issue.
SmartStat: June 8, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 08, 2009
Cities with the highest average base pay for noncommissioned salespeople are Santa Fe, N.M.; San Francisco; and Park City, Utah. Source: 2008 U.S. Retail Compensation and Benefits Survey, conducted by Mercer for NRF
A loss prevention perspective from the C-suite
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 08, 2009
At NRF's Loss Prevention Conference, June 15 to 17 in Los Angeles, hear retail executives from Gap, PETCO and Ross Stores discuss the top five things the C-suite expects from loss prevention professionals. Learn the critical questions that need to be asked and submit questions to drill down on a particular issue you might be facing. Register for NRF's Loss Prevention Conference by the June 12 advance deadline to save $100. Learn more.
Gain a thorough understanding of buying and merchandising
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 05, 2009
This course is designed for those who need a greater understanding of the functions of an integrated buying and merchandising team. It will assist people from various retail functions who are either moving into, or working with, the buying office. IT departments and vendors will benefit from an increased understanding of buying and merchandising processes. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: June 5, 2009
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 05, 2009
Retail-industry sales are expected to decline 0.5% this year. Source: NRF Retail Sales Outlook
Bill would require Visa/MasterCard to negotiate over credit card fees
NRF SmartBrief | Jun 05, 2009
NRF welcomed introduction of legislation that would require Visa and MasterCard to negotiate over hidden credit card processing fees that cost the average household more than $400 a year. Learn more.
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