National Retail Federation
Recent News About National Retail Federation
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NRF expresses disappointment with outcome of USTR's China tariff review
The National Retail Federation (NRF) expressed its disappointment today with the outcome of the U.S. Trade Representative's four-year review of the Section 301 China tariffs. The statement was issued by David French, NRF's Executive Vice President of Government Relations, following the release of the review by the U.S. Trade Representative and the White House.
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NRF criticizes Fed's proposed changes to debit card 'swipe' fee cap
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has expressed its concerns to the Federal Reserve regarding the proposed changes to the 13-year-old cap on debit card "swipe" fees. While the NRF welcomes the move to lower the cap, it argues that a proposed change in methodology would result in an excessively high cap.
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CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor reports modest growth in April sales
Retail sales in April experienced a modest increase from the previous month, but a shift in the timing of Easter led to a slight year-over-year decline, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. The report was released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
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First Quarter Results Show Economy is Slowing but ‘Remains Resilient
Economic growth slowed during the first three months of the year, but consumers are still spending more than last year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today. “The U.S. economy lost some spring in its step during the first quarter as the pace of growth declined, and the downshift came with an unexpected bout of inflation,” Kleinhenz said, noting that prices for services are still increasing even as prices for goods level off. “But even with signs that the economic expansion is decelerating, the economy remains resilient, boosted by a solid job...
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NRF Expresses Disappointment Over Veto of Congressional Action Against Final Joint Employer Rule
WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation (NRF) expressed disappointment after President Joe Biden vetoed the congressional resolution aimed at repealing the National Labor Relations Board’s final joint employer rule. Executive Vice President of Government Relations at NRF, David French, stated, "NRF is disappointed that President Biden vetoed the Congressional Review Act resolution that would have jettisoned the National Labor Relations Board’s Joint Employer final rules."French highlighted the importance of clarity in joint employment arrangements, stating, "Given the...
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NRF Statement on Proposed Warehouse Safety Bill
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued a statement regarding the proposed "Warehouse Worker Protection Act," with Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French expressing the organization's concerns. French highlighted that "Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have consistently shown that warehouse workplaces are safe workplaces." However, he pointed out that the legislation in question could have significant negative implications, stating, "This legislation would overturn decades of employment and labor law,...
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Retailers Reject Proposed ‘Swipe’ Fee Settlement as Inadequate
The National Retail Federation has spoken out against a proposed settlement of a class-action antitrust lawsuit over “swipe” fees charged to merchants by Visa and Mastercard. NRF Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Martz criticized the settlement, saying, “This ‘settlement’ is a backroom deal struck without the input of major retailers or the trade associations that protect the interests of small Main Street merchants. It fails to address anticompetitive practices that lead to ever-rising swipe fees.”In a letter to U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie,...
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Consumers Expected to Spend Near-Record $33.5 Billion on Mother’s Day
Consumers are anticipated to spend a near-record $33.5 billion on Mother's Day this year, as reported by the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics on April 25, 2024. This figure marks the second-highest in the history of the survey, following last year's record of $35.7 billion.NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay emphasized the significance of Mother's Day, stating, "Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who play a meaningful role in our lives." The survey indicates that 84% of U.S. adults are expected to...
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NRF Statement on Final Overtime Rule
The National Retail Federation's Executive Vice President of Government Relations, David French, expressed the organization's views on the Department of Labor's (DOL) final overtime rule. French stated, "NRF acknowledges the steps that DOL took to phase in the full impact of the new rules in response to employer concerns." He also mentioned concerns about the impact of the new rules on retailers' ability to offer flexible benefits packages to lower-level exempt employees.French further raised concerns about the timeline for implementing the new rule, particularly the...
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Census Data Shows Retail Sales Grew in March Amid Early Easter, Bigger Tax Refunds and More Jobs
WASHINGTON – Retail sales in the United States continued to show an increase in March, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz highlighted the resilience of consumer spending despite inflationary pressures, stating, "March’s Census Bureau numbers confirm that consumer spending remains steady." Kleinhenz attributed the growth in retail sales to various factors such as an early Easter holiday, larger tax refunds from 2023, and improved job market conditions. However, he also pointed out a concerning trend...
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NRF Announces Promotion of Adam Lukoskie
The National Retail Federation today revealed the promotion of Adam Lukoskie, the Executive Director of the NRF Foundation, to the role of senior vice president of NRF. In a statement, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay praised Lukoskie, saying, "As executive director of the NRF Foundation, Adam has been a true champion for the retail industry and the millions of people it employs."Shay highlighted Lukoskie's dedication to programs that assist individuals in securing employment in the retail sector, advancing their careers, and preparing the next generation of talent. He...
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CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Retail Sales Grew in March Amid Wage Gains and Easing Inflation for Goods
Retail sales in the United States saw a steady pace of growth in March, as reported by the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor powered by Affinity Solutions. The data, released by the National Retail Federation (NRF), highlighted the impact of wage gains and easing inflation on consumer spending patterns.NRF President and CEO, Matthew Shay, noted, "As inflation for goods levels off, March’s data demonstrates steady spending by value-focused consumers who continue to benefit from a strong labor market and real wage gains." He added, "In this highly competitive market, retailers are...
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NRF Announces Promotion of Chief Lobbyist
The National Retail Federation today announced the promotion of David French from senior vice president to executive vice president of government relations and executive director of the National Council of Chain Restaurants. In a statement, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay praised French, saying, “As NRF’s chief lobbyist, David is a great partner of many years who has done an incredible job with public policy efforts that support retailers and the millions of people they employ and the communities they serve.”French has been with NRF since 2011 and has been instrumental...
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Import Cargo To Hit 2 Million Containers For First Time Since Last Fall
WASHINGTON – Next month’s inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to top 2 million units for the first time since last fall as imports grow despite new supply chain challenges, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.“U.S. imports are continuing to increase despite another disruption impacting U.S. ports,” stated Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy. Gold emphasized the need for flexibility and resiliency in supply chains, stating,...
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Joint Association Statement on New DHS Textile Trade Enforcement
WASHINGTON – The American Apparel & Footwear Association, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the United States Fashion Industry Association have collectively responded to the Department of Homeland Security's recent announcement regarding new enforcement actions aimed at combating illicit textile trade.In their joint statement, the associations expressed appreciation for DHS's efforts, stating, "We appreciate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s announcement today outlining enhanced enforcement activities to prevent illicit...
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NRF Unveils 2024 Top 50 Global Retailers
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today announced the 2024 Top 50 Global Retailers, a list compiled by Kantar based on the operational performance of international retailers at the beginning of 2023. NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews expressed, "In our increasingly interconnected global economy, retailers are continually expanding their international customer base." He added, "It is exciting to see the tremendous breadth and diversity of businesses that are featured in this year's Global Top 50."Maintaining its position as the world's largest...
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NRF Calls for Small Business Nominations for 2024 America’s Retail Champions
WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today announced that the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program is now open for nominations. Now in its seventh year, America’s Retail Champions honors small retailers from across the country who speak out on public policy debates affecting the retail industry at the national, state, and local levels.NRF Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French emphasized the importance of small business owners, stating, "Small business owners are the backbone of communities large and small across America. They are exceptional...
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NRF Says Economy Remains ‘Sturdy’ Despite Forecast for Slower Growth
WASHINGTON – Despite expectations for slower growth of both gross domestic product and retail sales, the economy should continue to do well the remainder of this year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.“No one can accurately forecast what surprises the next year might hold, but the foundation of the economy is relatively sturdy and still on a sustainable path,” Kleinhenz said, adding that the continuing recovery remains “highly reliant” on consumer spending. “Barring unexpected shocks, it should continue growing in 2024, although not...
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Americans to spend $875 on average for winter holidays
According to a survey conducted Prosper Insights & Analytics at the behest of the National Retail Federation (NRF) this year's average is a $42 increase over 2022
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U.S. import cargo volumes set to slow, according to NRF report
According to a Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, U.S. import cargo volumes at major ports have peaked for 2023