From the most coveted award in retail — The Visionary — to our annual List of People Shaping Retail’s Future to our scholarships and our new Store Leader Spotlight, celebrate the retail professionals who are sparking innovation and inspiring incredible change.
Join the hundreds of retailers who support the work of the NRF Foundation and light the way for retail's future.
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The Visionary is the most coveted award in retail. For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation has honored an individual who has served the industry with distinction throughout their career.
Coming This Fall - NRF Foundation The List of People Shaping Retail's Future 2027
A dynamic group of retail leaders creating opportunities and sparking innovation.
Top, left to right: Brieane Olson (PacSun Chief Executive Officer) and Billy May (Brooklinen Chief Executive Officer)
Bottom, left to right: Scott McBride (American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer), Kory Marchisotto (e.l.f. Beauty Chief Marketing Officer) and Kathleen McLaughlin (Walmart Executive Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer)
Coming This Fall - NRF Foundation Training Partner Of The Year 2027
Presented by Old Navy
Each year, the NRF Foundation honors a partner who exemplifies an extraordinary collaboration with the use of RISE Up training and credentialing to prepare students to begin a career in retail. Our 2026 Partner of the Year, presented by Old Navy, is The Door, located in NYC.
Meet 'The Door' — this year's NRF Foundation RISE UP Partner of the Year
Coming This Fall - NRF Foundation Retail's Next Generation Scholarship 2027 Finalists
The highest honor that the NRF Foundation can bestow upon a student features a top award of $25,000 and recognition as an emerging leader in retail.
Top, left to right: Madison-Jade Bishop (Drexel University), Shayma Banks (Columbia College Chicago);
Bottom, left to right: Sarah Starko (Babson College), Jacquelyn Dufner (University of Minnesota), Emme Serafino (Drexel University)
Meet the 2026 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship Finalists
Coming This Fall - NRF Foundation University Retail Challenge 2027 Top Teams
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The team business competition provides undergraduates with real-world experience and $30,000 for the top team.
Top row: Team from Columbia College Chicago
Bottom row: Team from The University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas.
Meet the top teams in the 2026 NRF Foundation University Challenge Scholarship
Coming This Fall - NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight 2027
Our new NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight recognizes the contributions and shares the stories of store leaders who exemplify your brand values, develop your teams, invest in your communities and drive success.
This year, we shined the spotlight on five amazing store leaders who lead by example and deliver results.
Top row: Sophonias Gabremariam (BJ’s Wholesale Club) and Jordan Dusett (DICK'S Sporting Goods)
Bottom row: Jennifer Mitchell (CVS Pharmacy), Ashley Baker (Macy's), and Bill Ryan (Lowe's)
Meet five amazing store leaders who lead by example and deliver results
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