NRF Foundation

Educators play a critical role in shaping the next generation of retail leaders. If you know undergraduate students with a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and business strategy, encourage them to apply for the NRF Foundation University Retail Challenge. Students will tackle real-world retail challenges, gain exposure to top industry executives, and compete for a $30,000 scholarship awarded to the top team. 📅 Applications close September 22. Learn more and share with your students: https://bit.ly/3SxVdK8 #NRFFoundation #UniversityRetailChallenge #HigherEd #FutureofRetail

The 2026 NRF Foundation Emerging Retail Leaders Summit welcomes Foot Locker Chief People Officer Michael Keinath, who will share insights on leading with a people-first mindset in a rapidly changing retail landscape. As retail is transformed by AI, automation and evolving customer expectations, the brands that succeed will be those that put people first. Michael shares why the leaders with the greatest impact aren't the ones with all the answers, but the ones who stay curious, embrace change and bring out the best in others. Future leaders will gain practical insights on how a people-first mindset drives innovation, builds strong teams and helps organizations thrive through change. Explore attendance options for your team today: https://bit.ly/43k9DQ2 #NRFFoundation #EmergingLeaders26 #RetailLeadership #CareerDevelopment #FutureLeaders #LeadershipJourney

📣 Nominations for the NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight close tomorrow, August 7. Every day, store leaders bring brands to life through coaching their teams, delivering results and making a lasting impact on their customers and communities. The NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight celebrates those who lead with purpose and put people first. We're looking for store leaders who: • Embody their brand's values • Develop and inspire their teams • Lead high-performing stores • Make a meaningful impact in their communities ⏳ Last chance to submit nominations. The deadline is tomorrow, August 7. ✨ Selected honorees will be recognized at the 2027 NRF Foundation Honors in New York City. 👉 Nominate your store leader today: https://bit.ly/4hi4xMn #RetailCareers #Leadership #NRFFoundation #RetailLeadership #StoreLeadership #Honors

What can happen when talented students tackle real-world retail challenges? 💡 Ella Baird, Eva Sharma, Aahil Tharani and Vaneeza Walimohammad found out firsthand as finalists in the 2026 NRF Foundation University Retail Challenge. Representing The University of Texas at Austin, the team gained valuable experience developing and presenting solutions while competing alongside some of the brightest student talent in the country. Think your team is up for the challenge? Applications for the 2027 University Retail Challenge Scholarship are open now and close September 22, 2026. ⏳ 🔗 Learn more today! https://bit.ly/3SxVdK8 #UniversityRetailChallenge #NRFFoundation #FutureOfRetail

⏰ Today's the day! Interested in the NRF Foundation University Retail Challenge? Join us at 1:00 PM ET for our final information session to learn more about the competition, participation details, and the opportunities available through the challenge. There's still time to register and secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there! https://bit.ly/4hfo1l6 #NRFFoundation #UniversityRetailChallenge #FutureofRetail

The future of retail starts here. NRF NXT is the next generation of the NRF Foundation Student Program, designed for students ready to connect, learn, and lead. ✨ New opportunities. ✨ New experiences. ✨ What's next. The future of retail is you. You are NXT. 🚀 https://lnkd.in/g7iCMpwk #NRFNXT #YouAreNXT #FutureofRetail

⭐ Store Leader Spotlight Nominations Close This Friday! ⭐ Now is your chance to recognize a store leader who is making a difference every day through leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. If there's a store leader who inspires their team, drives results, and embodies their brand's values, we want to hear about them! Don't miss the opportunity to spotlight an outstanding leader and celebrate the difference they're making for their team, store, and brand. https://bit.ly/4hi4xMn #StoreLeaderSpotlight #Leadership #RetailExcellence

The NRF Foundation is proud to announce Jay Schottenstein, CEO of American Eagle Outfitters Inc., as The Visionary 2027. Schottenstein has spent his career shaping the future of retail—leading AEO's growth into a global, multi-brand powerhouse while driving innovation, placing the customer at the center of every decision, fostering talent and making a lasting impact on the communities the company serves. Celebrate his extraordinary leadership and contributions to the industry with us at the NRF Foundation Honors on Jan. 10, 2027, in New York City. https://lnkd.in/dZaC2sWH

A big thank you to Laura Felice , EVP and Chief Financial Officer at BJ's Wholesale Club, for her continued involvement with the NRF Foundation. Laura’s perspective and leadership help strengthen our programs and ensure students are gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Her support, whether through sharing expertise or mentoring students, plays an important role in shaping meaningful experiences. We’re grateful for your partnership, Laura, and the impact you’re making on future retail talent. Support the next generation of retail talent today. https://bit.ly/4vR0b2t

🌟Turning Ideas Into Impact 🌟 Ashley Corona, Yasmine Karkouch and Mihir Patel brought creativity, strategy and fresh thinking to the 2026 NRF Foundation University Retail Challenge, earning a place among this year's finalist teams. Representing Columbia College Chicago, they showed how innovative ideas and a strong vision can stand out on a national stage. Ready to make your mark on the future of retail? Applications for the 2027 University Retail Challenge Scholarship are open now and close September 22, 2026. 🔗 Get Started Today! https://bit.ly/3SxVdK8 #UniversityRetailChallenge #NRFFoundation #FutureOfRetail