NRF Association News
Do you have what it takes to speak at retail's biggest event?
NRF SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
The call for speakers is now open for NRF's signature event -- Retail's BIG Show 2013. The yearly event has more than 130 educational programs and attracts more than 25,500 attendees from across the globe – here's your chance to be a part of it! Proposal submissions will be accepted through June 1. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: May 29, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Almost two-thirds of retailers said they will begin utilizing the collaborative forecasting, planning, and replenishment process to share business data with their supply chain partners this year. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks 2011, Forecasts 2012.
Gilt Groupe CMO: "To stay ahead of the curve, we eat, drink and breathe innovation"
NRF SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Approaching 5 years young, Gilt Groupe has changed the way both retailers and consumers look at shopping for fashion -- and has grown into a billion-dollar company doing it. Gilt Groupe co-founder and CMO Alexandra Wilkis Wilson shared with Shop.org Senior Director Artemis Berry how Gilt's e-commerce and digital strategies revolutionized the category, and what's ahead for the fashion retailer to stay on the cutting edge. Read more.
How Internet Retailer 1000 companies handle shopping cart abandonment
NRF SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
With shopping cart abandonment rates rising, Listrak recently reviewed the check-out process and shopping cart remarketing tactics of the Internet Retailer Top 1000 retailers. In an addition to the Shop.org white paper library, Listrak identifies numerous opportunities for retailers to recover abandoned carts, including the number, timing, and content of follow-up messages, as well as how retailers can significantly improve the check-out process to mitigate cart abandonment in the first place. As a bonus, this paper includes a "look book" appendix that reviews cart recovery e-mails from 20 retailers. Download the white paper.
NRF SmartStat: May 25, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Americans plan to spend an average of $99 on graduation gifts this year. Source: NRF's 2012 Graduation Survey conducted by BIGinsight.
NRF CEO Shay to kick off Global E-commerce Summit in Barcelona
NRF SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
NRF's own President and CEO Matthew Shay will kick off the 4th Annual Global E-commerce Summit in Barcelona, Spain, June 4 to 6. A hotspot for global digital retailers, entrepreneurs and e-commerce experts, the event focuses on the latest consumer trends, insightful strategies, new technologies and award-winning business cases. NRF's digital division, Shop.org, is partnering with Summit organizers on programming and speakers as Vicki Cantrell, Shop.org executive director and NRF senior vice president, communities, will serve as the Global Retailing Chairwoman and Social Commerce Chairwoman. Learn more.
Report: Tablets continue to drive e-commerce sales
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Shop.org's 2012 State of Retailing Online report has found that tablet device shopping and purchases are becoming more lucrative than Web sales generated from laptops or desktops, with 49% of retailers saying their average order value from tablets is now higher than traditional Web sales. The recently released report also examines retailers' tactics for utilizing e-mail, search and QR code technology to elevate their brands, and what retailers are learning from consumers' mobile behaviors. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 24, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
More than one-third of Americans intend to give gift cards as graduation gifts this year, a 5% rise from 2011. Source: NRF’s 2012 Graduation Survey conducted by BIGinsight.
Graduation spending expected to reach $4.7 billion this year
NRF SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
With average spending on graduation rising this year, it seems parents and relatives are all the more eager to show their appreciation for graduates' hard work and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead. NRF's Graduation Survey conducted by BIGinsight found that consumers are opening their hearts and wallets a little bit more to commemorate the momentous occasion, with total spending expected to reach $4.7 billion on apparel, electronics, and more. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 23, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Six in 10 Americans believe state sales tax should always apply to online sales. Source: Purple Strategies.
Register by Friday and save $200 on NRF's Loss Prevention Conference
NRF SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Join thousands of the brightest retail loss prevention professionals, solution providers and law enforcement agencies of all levels June 20 to 22 in New Orleans. This year’s conference features three days of educational programming, more than 200 solution providers in the EXPO, and networking opportunities with peers, mall security, law enforcement and other partners. The deadline to register at the standard rate for NRF's Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO is Friday, May 25. Learn more or register.
NRF launches nationwide campaign on sales tax fairness
NRF SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Through grassroots advocacy, targeted Capitol Hill visits, and a series of road shows across the country, NRF has launched an intensive mobilization campaign to educate lawmakers and the public that a sales tax system which exempts online sales is hurting local communities and job creation. "Over the next 60 days, NRF will engage and mobilize the retail industry in support of a national solution so every retailer -- regardless of whether they sell their merchandise online, through the mail or in a store on Main Street -- can compete on a level playing field," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. Read more.
How retailers are raising the bar for Pinterest
NRF SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
While many retailers are still conjuring their Pinterest strategies, studies are beginning to reveal that Pinterest-driven users spend nearly twice as much as those coming from a retailer's Facebook or Twitter site. NRF Senior Vice President of Communities and Shop.org Executive Director Vicki Cantrell sat down with Washington, D.C., TV station WUSA 9 to explain which retail companies are staying ahead of the pack and how the virtual pinboard is having a positive effect on retailers' bottom lines. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 22, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
Eight in 10 Americans think the nation needs a clearer approach to sales tax collection. Source: Purple Strategies.
Retailers to Congress: The time for e-fairness is now
NRF SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
NRF launched an intensive mobilization campaign today to educate lawmakers and the public about the importance of a level sales tax playing field between online and brick-and-mortar retailers. A key piece of the initiative is a series of videos outlining the problem -- the first of which features Jim Adams, owner of Falls Road Running Store in Baltimore, Md., and Teresa Miller, owner of Treats Unleashed in St. Louis, Mo. Watch the video.
Why retailers need a digital signage strategy
NRF SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
From the movie screen to mobile phones, there are many different channels for retailers to deliver their brand messages in unique ways. But why has the retail industry been slower to implement digital signage compared to other industries? In an addition to the NRF Retail Reference Center, Platt Retail Institute outlines ways retailers can use digital signage to enhance their communication strategies to deliver choice and personalization to consumers across different media. Download the white paper.
NRF SmartStat: May 21, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Almost half of respondents said customer satisfaction data has the most direct effect on sales associate procedures. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2011, Forecasts for 2012.
Know a retailer that drives innovation? Nominate them for NRF’s Retail Innovator of the Year Award
NRF SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Presented before thousands of industry insiders at Retail's BIG Show in New York City in January, NRF's Retail Innovator of the Year award honors a retail company that has set itself apart from the pack through the use of new, innovative or imaginative techniques and has shown an ability to sustain and build its concept, possibly against great odds. Past recipients include Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters and Bass Pro Shops. Nominate inspiring peers to be considered for this prestigious award by May 25. Learn more.
Paul Begala to retailers: "You’re in the 'American Dream' businesses"
NRF SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
CNN political analyst and commentator Paul Begala spoke before 200 retailers gathered for NRF's Washington Leadership Conference. Begala reminisced about his first job -- in retail -- and stressed why it's so important that retailers deliver their jobs message to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. "Retailers understand the expectations of Americans that politicians often miss – you all are in the real world, and when you make a promise you have to deliver." Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 18, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
Kroger's total retail sales jumped almost more than 6% in 2010, totaling more than $78 billion and placing them at No. 2 on the 2011 Top 100 retailers list. Source: STORES 2011 Top 100.
Saks CEO Stephen Sadove headlines NRF Loss Prevention Conference and Expo
NRF SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
To kick off NRF's LP Conference & EXPO June 20 to 22 in New Orleans, one of the nation's leading CEOs, Steve Sadove of Saks, will discuss how loss prevention and asset protection strategies play an integral role in transforming an organization -- from fostering an ethical culture, blazing trails with emerging technologies, and meeting financial goals. More than 2,700 retail LP executives and law enforcement professionals will travel to the Big Easy to network and learn the latest trends and technology impacting asset protection management. Read more.
How Lowe’s uses mobile apps to effectively manage store operations
NRF SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Mobile technology isn't just revolutionizing sales and customer interaction for Lowe's; its award-winning "mobileDART" application is also changing the way store managers run their stores. In a May 31 STORES webinar, Lowe's Director of Enterprise Information Services Steve Cornett and MicroStrategy's VP of Retail Industry Solutions Frank Andryauskas will share seven key attributes for high-return mobile store operations and provide best practices for industry leaders of mobile operations solutions by retailers across the globe. Learn more or register.
NRF SmartStat: May 17, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Almost six in 10 senior loss prevention executives say their senior management understands the severity of organized retail crime, up from 39% in 2005. Source: NRF 2011 Organized Retail Crime survey.
What retailers can learn from Gap’s mobile journey
NRF SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
As consumers continue to drive the mobile experience, it's critical that retailers use their customers as a resource to help improve their mobile platforms. Presenting at the Shop.org digital retail marketing workshop in San Francisco, Gap's Senior Director of Product Management Dave Barrowmen explains how this feedback helped in the evolution of Gap's mobile model, and what's up next for its enhanced mobile experience. Read more.
Will online sales tax legislation slow down e-commerce?
NRF SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
As the trend of side-stepping sales tax by purchasing retail products online continues, sales tax fairness – or e-fairness – hinges on the principle that closing these loopholes would protect local jobs while also giving states and municipalities means to keep America's communities thriving. On CNBC's Squawk Box, Staples founder Tom Stremberg joined former Congressman Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., and a panel of experts to discuss this trend, and weigh in on whether the implementation of e-fairness legislation would stymie online sales. Watch the video.
NRF SmartStat: May 16, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
Data breach incidents cost U.S. companies $204 per compromised customer in 2009. Source: Grant Thornton via NRF Retail Reference Center.
Hawaii’s Tanna Dang awarded $25,000 top prize in NRF’s "This is Retail" contest
NRF SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
By illustrating the philanthropic and transformative impact of her retail clothing boutique to the Honolulu community, small business owner Tanna Dang took home first place in NRF's nationwide "This is Retail" contest. Macy's Chairman, CEO and President Terry Lundgren and NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay presented Dang with a $25,000 check this morning at NRF's 77th annual Washington Leadership Conference. Other winners included Florida's Kim Williams of The Polka Dot Press earning $15,000 in second place, and Illinois' Susan Kaufman of Market Alley Wines was awarded $10,000 for third. Read more.
How emerging technologies can present emerging threats for retailers
NRF SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
RFID, touchless payments and other new technologies can open up an array of risks for the cutting-edge retailers who implement them. At the NRF Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO in New Orleans, June 20 to 22, Gary Johnson, vice president of loss prevention at Vitamin Shoppe and NRF's Joe LaRocca will identify how these new technologies can facilitate and drive sales, while identifying potential vulnerabilities with shrinkage, fraud, returns management and data security. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: May 15, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
Almost two-thirds of retailers reported gross margins greater than 40% in 2011, a 23% improvement over 2010. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks 2011, Forecasts 2012.
Retail sales sees slight rise in April
NRF SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
Aided by an unseasonably warm February and March and an early Easter holiday, retailers marked 22 consecutive months of growth even as retail sales softened last month. According to NRF, April industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.1% seasonally adjusted from March and unadjusted 2.8% year-over-year. Read more.
Forrester Research VP Sucharita Mulpuru presents mobile marketing webinar May 23
NRF SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
Following an overview of the Shop.org 2012 mobile marketing edition of the State of Retailing Online survey conducted by Forrester Research, Mulpuru will lead a strategic discussion with retail executives and provide the information needed to drive sales, maintain profitability and build customer loyalty in an ever-changing retail marketing and technology landscape. Shop.org and NRF members receive complimentary registration. Learn more or register.
NRF SmartStat: May 14, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
In Illinois, retail supports more than 1.6 million jobs and is directly or indirectly responsible for 17% the state's GDP. Source: NRF survey conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
Hundreds of retailers to march on Capitol Hill this week
NRF SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
NRF's dedicated team of lobbyists fight every day for retailers' policy priorities in Washington, but it's a retailer's real-life experience told in their own words that will break through the noise on the Hill. The hot issues on deck for discussion this week at NRF's 77th Annual Washington Leadership Conference will be part of a full-court legislative press on Capitol Hill, and lawmakers need to hear from their constituents how legislation impacts everything from big business to Main Street. Learn more.
State, local and federal law enforcement gather at LP 2012 Fusion Center
NRF SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
Collaboration with law enforcement is critical to any retailer's loss prevention initiatives. This year's NRF Fusion Center at the Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO, June 20-22 in New Orleans, features law enforcement agencies from all levels, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ICE -- Homeland Security Investigation, Los Angeles Police Department and many others. See what other agencies are attending.
NRF SmartStat: May 11, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
Americans intend to spend over $1.6 billion in consumer electronics or computer-related accessories on mom this Mother's Day. Source: NRF's Mother's Day survey conducted by BIGinsight
New national travel and tourism strategy could mean billions to U.S. economy
NRF SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
The Obama administration unveiled yesterday a unilateral plan to encourage more domestic and international travel, with the goal of welcoming 100 million international visitors to the United States by the end of 2021. "By streamlining our visa application and review process we can increase international travel, tourism and trade, especially among emerging economies and markets like Brazil, China and India, and welcome more shoppers from our shores to our stores," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. Read more.
What U.S. military leadership skills can bring to the retail supply chain
NRF SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
In times of crisis, it's training, leadership and personal accountability that help bring about speedy resolution. As NRF's Global Supply Chain Summit came to a close on Tuesday, Ret. Commander Kirk Leopold of the U.S. Navy shared his experience as commanding officer of the USS Cole including how military leadership skills helped bring an end to a terrorist attack on his ship as well as how these types of experiences enable veterans to excel in the very complex supply chain field. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 10, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
Consumers intend to spend $1.6 billion on clothing for mom this Mother's Day. Source: NRF's Mother's Day survey conducted by BIGinsight
Retail’s BIG Show gets big-time acclaim from Trade Show News Network
NRF SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
Already the premier trade event for retailers across the world, Retail's BIG Show garnered one more accolade -- this time, from the world's leading online resource for the trade show, exhibition and event industry. NRF's 2011 event captured spot #151 on the Trade Show's News Network's list of Top 250 Trade Shows, boasting more than 22,500 attendees and exhibitors across 152,000 net square feet. "After 100 years as the premier trade event for retail professionals, it's rewarding to see how far we've come as an industry and how critical education and networking is," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. Read more.
How Chick-fil-A serves up customer satisfaction with Wi-Fi
NRF SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
An enjoyable fast food drive-thru experience can be found through quick and friendly service, and emerging technologies are beginning to help stores make the former appear effortless. In a May 17 STORES webinar, executives from Chick-fil-A and Aerohive Networks will explain how they designed and executed a coverage plan to improve the customer experience with a Wi-Fi- enabled point-of-sale system scaled across 100 of its stores. Learn more or register.
NRF SmartStat: May 9, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
Last year, almost 40% of retailers said retail cargo theft occurred en route from the manufacturer to the distribution center. Source: NRF 2011 Organized Retail Crime survey.
Why retailers should move their retail supply chain to the cloud
NRF SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
In the retail supply chain, it's essential to know what's going on and what is where at any given moment. At NRF's Global Supply Chain Summit in Atlanta, GT Nexus co-founder and CMO Greg Johnsen explained how cloud technology is changing the supply chain industry and gave steps for easing your company into this very complex solution. Read more.
Crate & Barrel, Sterling Jewelers, and The Children’s Place discuss the raw material truth of corporate social responsibility
NRF SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Complying with corporate social responsibility policies are a no-brainer for retailers, but more often than not, meeting these requirements is often easier said than done. At one of the opening day sessions at NRF's Global Supply Chain Summit in Atlanta, a panel of retail executives outlined tactics that can come in handy for retail supply chain executives to comply with daunting federal regulations such as the Lacey Act. Read more.
Nominations for NRF’s Annual Retail Industry Awards accepted through May 25
NRF SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Each year, NRF recognizes retail industry executives who have displayed creative genius, inspirational leadership, and served the industry with distinction through the Retail Industry Awards program. Three awards are presented at Retail's BIG Show in New York City every January to honor retailers that have gone above and beyond to have a positive impact on the industry. Nominate your favorite retailer now for NRF's Gold Medal Award, Retail Innovator of the Year, or International Retailer of the Year. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: May 8, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Shoppers will spend an average of $58.25 on personal services such as spas or facials for Mother's Day. Source: NRF Mother's Day survey conducted by BIGinsight.
How to achieve brand consistency across print and digital
NRF SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
As new technology emerges, so do the number of channels and opportunities to reach new markets. But how can retailers ensure their creative departments aren't sending mixed messages? In a May 9 webinar, marketing executives from Bare Necessities, Best Buy, and Sears Holdings will discuss best practices for organizing a marketing team in this new era of technology, who should make decisions, and how to ensure brand integrity across channels. This webinar is free for NRF and Shop.org members. Register now.
NRF SmartStat: May 7, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
More than three-quarters of executives made customer insight and data gathering a top concern in 2011, compared to one-quarter in 2006. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks 2011, Forecasts 2012.
NRF Global Supply Chain Summit kicks off in Atlanta
NRF SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
Retail supply chain professionals and strategic partners from across the globe gathered for an opening night reception in downtown Atlanta to commemorate the start of the second annual NRF Global Supply Chain Summit and EXPO. Over the next few days, attendees will discuss current issues in supply chain management, including a focus on the regulatory environment, corporate social responsibility and global trade management. Read more.
NRF SmartBrief: May 4, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
More than half of Mother's Day celebrants will treat mom to a nice dinner or brunch. Source: NRF Mother's Day survey conducted by BIGinsight.
5 tips to leverage integrated retail and business intelligence
NRF SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
Technology has given consumers 24/7 accessibility, prompting a mainstream shift for shoppers to use their devices for cross-channel comparisons of prices, reviews, and more. So what techniques can retail executives use to understand this "mix and match" consumer behavior? In a May 10 STORES webinar, executives from CitiXsys will share how retailers can prepare their infrastructure to adapt to rapid changes in customer affinity for sales channels while also creating a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. Learn more and register.
Best practices to boost springtime conversions and sales
NRF SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
The early season of warm weather for most of the country has helped the early spring holidays, and with Mother's Day, Graduation and Father's Day on the horizon, the springtime shopping season is in full swing. In a post on the Shop.org blog, Head of Research Fiona Swerdlow provides tips for boosting spring gift sales and conversions, starting with evaluating and updating promotions that have worked with your customers in the past. Read more.
Free live streaming of today’s San Francisco digital retail marketing workshop
NRF SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
Learn the latest tips and tactics on digital retail marketing from the comfort of your own office as executives from Gap and Sephora come together for a half-day workshop in San Francisco. Today's seminar presented by Shop.org and RAMA will be live-streamed -- and free! Take this opportunity to review the latest research on Internet trends, marketing innovation and what's next in social and mobile. The program runs 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. PDT. Learn more or register now.
NRF releases 2nd quarter Retail Sales Outlook
NRF SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
"There is no doubt that the economy is on the upswing, certainly compared to six months ago," writes NRF's Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz in NRF's most recent Retail Sales Outlook, a quarterly report on industry sales. The report uses recent economic data to analyze the impact of key indicators such as employment and the housing market on retail sales growth. NRF members, download a free copy of the report. Learn more.
NRF SmartStat: May 3, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
More than one-quarter of loss prevention executives said organized retail crime threats to their company can be rated as “severe” or “significant.” Source: NRF 2011 Organized Retail Crime survey.
Bare Necessities' CMO talks "transmedia" and the new rules of mobile and social
NRF SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
With the emergence of new social media platforms and mobile gadgets, retail marketers have an ever-expanding arsenal of ways to creatively reach customers. To get a CMO's perspective on where the social and mobile wave is taking the industry, Bare Necessities CMO Jay Dunn explains how brand consistency across all channels and a "transmedia" marketing model must go hand-in-hand for retailers to effectively reach the super-connected shopper. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 2, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
More than three-quarters of respondents reported that average sales per employee exceeded $75,000 in 2011, a 14% improvement over 2010. Source: Retail Horizons: Benchmarks 2011, Forecasts 2012.
NRF: Why debit swipe fees haven’t fallen far enough
NRF SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
A report released by the Federal Reserve yesterday showed that the average debit card swipe fees charged by big banks fell by an average of just 24 cents since the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act was implemented in 2010, with partial "monopoly prices" plaguing businesses and consumers. "We believe the numbers for the big banks are too high and had the Fed followed the law there would be significantly greater savings for merchants and their customers," NRF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan said. Read more.
NRF SmartStat: May 1, 2012
NRF SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
In California, retail supports over 4.7 million jobs, representing nearly 25% of the state's total employment. Source: NRF survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
What’s hot in retail (and at NRF)
NRF SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
Riding the wave of warm weather and another strong retail sales report, retailers jumped into the month of April with an extra spring in their step. From consumer research on what to expect for the spring holidays to NRF's latest push behind the Retail Means Jobs campaign, view a comprehensive list of what your retail peers found valuable last month. Read more.
From Florida to Illinois to Hawaii, meet NRF’s Top 3 "This is Retail" finalists
NRF SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
NRF today announced the final three winners of its "This is Retail" video contest, determined after a week of public voting through NRF's Retail Means Jobs website. The top three winners include the personal stories of three retail companies who hail from Florida, Illinois and Hawaii and represent different categories of the retail spectrum. The finalists will be awarded cash prizes totaling $50,000 when the rankings are unveiled May 16 at NRF's Washington Leadership Conference. Read more.
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