NRF Lauds Walmart’s ‘Visionary’ Vet Hiring Plan

In response to a speech at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show in New York, during which Wal-Mart Stores Inc. president and CEO Bill Simon said that beginning on Memorial Day, the Bentonville, Ark.-based mega-retailer would offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty, the trade association offered its wholehearted support.

“It is nothing less than visionary for a great American company to make such a bold pledge to help our American heroes,” noted Matthew Shay, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based NRF.

Added Shay: “Walmart is challenging the industry to follow their lead, and I have every reason to believe that retailers -- the industry responsible for one out of every four jobs -- will respond accordingly.”