John Furner President and CEO | Official website
The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced the five finalists of the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program today. This initiative celebrates small business retailers who are exceptional advocates for the retail industry and their communities.
"Small businesses play an essential role within communities across America, fostering local economies, creating jobs and bringing unique products and services to Main Street,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “NRF is honored to recognize the 2024 America’s Retail Champions finalists and celebrate the significant contributions these small business owners make in their local communities every day."
Retailers were nominated by state retail associations and their peers based on engagement in public policy discussions at various levels. Forty-four U.S. small retailers were selected as champions for the program, with five named as finalists. One will be named the 2024 America’s Retail Champion on July 25 at a special dinner during NRF’s 2024 Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C.
This year’s program is sponsored by Affirm, a payment network that supports consumers and helps merchants drive growth.
“Small businesses make up the vast majority of our merchant base and are often the first destination for consumers to find the items they want and need,” Affirm Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Public Policy, and Social Impact Ulrico Izaguirre said. “Affirm is proud to sponsor NRF’s 2024 America’s Retail Champions program, and we are honored to celebrate these exceptional small businesses and their dedication to retail and their communities.”
The five finalists for the 2024 America’s Retail Champions program are:
[Details about finalists]
About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for people, brands, policies, and ideas that help retail succeed. Based in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers an industry that significantly contributes to the economy. As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, retail supports over one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans — contributing $5.3 trillion annually to GDP.
About Affirm
Affirm aims to deliver honest financial products that improve lives by building a transparent payment network focused on trust. The company empowers millions of consumers to spend responsibly while providing businesses tools for growth without hidden fees or late charges.
