To date, we have recognized over 100 extraordinary individuals who are shaping the retail industry’s future.
Every year, the NRF Foundation recognizes The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future: a celebration of dynamic individuals shaping the industry, a way for the NRF Foundation to demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities that exist within retail, and a powerful platform for individuals and brands.
The five categories
True originals who rock the boat with ideas so crazy, they just might work. These are the people who make you rethink what you thought you knew about retail, opening you up to new possibilities for your customers, your business and your world.
Pictured: Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, Co-founders and co-CEOs, Allbirds
Determined idealists whose passion, energy and heart inspire everyone around them. They’ve taken their big dreams and sky-high goals and turned them into retail reality. They're making serious waves with their fresh ideas and don’t show any signs of slowing down.
Pictured: Charlotte Gould, CEO, Stitches by Charlotte
Inspirational change-makers and big-hearted optimists who make retail shine as a force for good. They see a need and use their skills and resources to fill it to the brim, bringing joy and new opportunities to their companies, communities and the whole wide world.
Pictured: Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, Co-founders, R.Riveter
Champions of retail, bridging the gap between the industry and the rest of the world. Whether they’re journalists, activists, innovators or business leaders, these nominees don’t work in retail — but they’re helping it evolve. They’re passionate, persistent and intelligent, and their work is paving the way for innovative retailers everywhere.
Pictured: Stacy Brown-Philpot, CEO, TaskRabbit
Fearless leaders who never shy away from what others may see as insurmountable challenges. These top retail executives have more than just elite status — they have vision, passion and heart. Their forward-looking decisions have a ripple effect across the industry.
Pictured: Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, Co-founders and co-CEOs, Warby Parker