WASHINGTON, 2015-4-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today the National Retail Federation announced a multimillion-dollar investment to form a new department within the organization focusing on industry research. The Retail Research and Analysis Center will bring together all existing research within NRF and expand upon the wide range of issue areas and trends already studied. The Center will focus on four main areas: the economy, legislative and regulatory policy, the retail industry and consumers.
“NRF is at the forefront of research and analysis that impact our industry, the consumers it serves and the economy in which it operates,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “By significantly investing in the future expansion and scope of NRF research, our members will have additional tools and insight as they operate in a very dynamic marketplace. And, our advocates will have the facts they need to advance retail’s policy agenda.”
Shay announced that Ellen Davis will now serve as NRF’s senior vice president of research and strategic initiatives. Davis will also continue to function as executive director of the NRF Foundation.
“It is extremely exciting to be a part of building upon one of the core services we provide to our members, the media, analysts and decision makers,” Davis said. “Studies, surveys, white papers and critical analysis by industry leaders help us frame policy debates, identify trends, and change perceptions about retail’s evolution. As the nation’s largest private-sector employer and an industry that contributes $2.6 trillion dollars annually to the U.S. GDP, the retail industry impacts all sectors of our economy and is uniquely positioned to provide business insights and analysis to shape key debates in Washington.”
NRF has started an extensive search for a vice president of research development and industry analysis, reporting to Davis. Current staff and consultant resources are being utilized and additional dedicated staffing is anticipated.
“NRF is an acknowledged leader in advocacy, research, education and analysis. The formation and funding of the Retail Research and Analysis Center will allow us to take this important function to the next level, with the resources necessary to deliver real results for our members and the industry,” continued Shay.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. NRF.com
Kathy Grannis
(202) 783-7971
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press