John Furner President and CEO | Official website
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 advocates for the retail industry, their associates, and the customers they serve."
The Retail Advocates Summit, NRF's premier advocacy event, will be held in July with more than 50 small businesses ranging from online sellers to small and mid-size store owners. These businesses will be nominated by state retail association executives, their peers, and leading national retailers. Five finalists will be selected from the 50 small businesses and honored at the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program.
Affirm, the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth, is sponsoring this year's program. Affirm Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Public Policy and Social Impact Ulrico Izaguirre expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with NRF and support retail small business owners across the country.”
In a statement, Izaguirre highlighted the significance of small businesses, saying, “NRF and its Retail Advocates Summit provide a unique platform to advocate for small businesses, which are not only the cornerstones of local communities across the country but also comprise the vast majority of Affirm’s merchant base.”
For those interested in nominating a retail small business for the America’s Retail Champions honor, more information can be found on the NRF website.
NRF is a staunch advocate for the retail industry, supporting its success and impact on the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs. The organization has been a voice for every retailer and retail job for over a century, highlighting the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.
Affirm, on the other hand, aims to deliver honest financial products that improve lives by providing transparent payment options. By partnering with NRF, Affirm supports small businesses and aims to empower consumers to spend and save responsibly while helping businesses grow.
For more information about NRF and Affirm, visit their respective websites.
