NRF Launches Contest to Find America's Best Retail Stories

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As part of its multi-pronged "Retail Means Jobs" campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the industry's considerable economic impact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) introduced a national video contest, "This is Retail," to illustrate the many career choices and employment opportunities available. The retail industry supports one in four American jobs, according to the Washington, D.C.-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 NRF President and CEO Matthew 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 the Capitol 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.