NRF Launches Retail Video Contest

As part of a multi-pronged “Retail Means Jobs” campaign with the goal of raising awareness of the industry’s considerable economic impact, National Retail Federation (NRF) President and CEO Matthew Shay has introduced a national video contest, “This is Retail,” to illustrate the many of career choices and employment opportunities available. The retail industry supports one in four American jobs, according to the Washington-based trade organization

“We’re on a hunt to find the best retail stories in America -- from marketing geniuses to customer service superstars to small business owners, who are the fabric of every local community,” noted Shay. “NRF’s This is Retail contest will put a face on an industry that is seamlessly woven into the fabric of America and influences every aspect of our life and culture -- from commerce and fashion to real estate and public policy.”

To take part in the contest, retail employees or business owners must submit a two-minute video showing how their company positively affects shoppers or the community, their role in the creation of an innovative product or technology, or how an initiative will generate new jobs to boost the economy. The campaign aims to demonstrate retail’s importance to the U.S. economy to decision-makers in Washington and on Wall Street.

NRF will accept video submissions from March 5 through March 16. After entries are winnowed down by a panel of retail executives to a field of 20, the finalists will be spotlighted on a dedicated website, and winners will be chosen based on votes. The winners will be revealed during NRF’s Washington Leadership Conference in May. The first-place winner will receive $25,000; second place, $15,000; and third place, $10,000.