NRF | State of Retail (2024)

The retail industry has been undergoing an enormous transformation, especially during the pandemic as it accelerateddigital offerings and adapted quickly to new customer needs. What is the future of retail in a post-pandemic world and beyond?

The retail industry is growing

NRF forecasts that retail sales during 2023 will grow between 4% and 6% over 2022 to between $5.13 trillion and $5.23 trillion. Last year’s annual retail sales grew 7% over 2021 and totaled $4.9 trillion. This growth rate is above the pre-pandemic, average annual retail sales growth of 3.6%.

*NRF retail sales figures exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants.

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NRF State of Retail & the Consumer 2023

This event explored the health of the American consumer and retail industry with retail leaders from major brands, prominent economists and consumer experts.

NRF | State of Retail (1)
NRF | State of Retail (2)

Store openings outpaced closings in 2022

Consumers return to pre-pandemic shopping patterns.

It was a good year overall for U.S. retailers as annual retail sales increased 7% on top of very strong growth in 2021. Consumers returned to many pre-pandemic shopping patterns, including a return to in-store shopping.

Major U.S. headquartered retailers announced plans to open some 7,860 stores and close about 1,680 stores. That’s down more than 55% in 2021, according to analytical work by The Daily on Retail, an investor-focused industry research platform.

NRF | State of Retail (3)

All shopping is retail

Online, in-store and everything in between

Successful retailers are reimagining their offerings to meet consumers both online and in-store, creating an integrated experience that blends channels. Retailers are driving this transformation through innovative thinking and smart investments that improve the customer experience regardless of how they want to shop.

Ecommerce is not separate from retail … it’s all retail

  • 9 of the top 10 ecommerce websites are run by retailers that also operate bricks-and-mortar stores

How much shopping is ecommerce?

Ecommerce levels peaked in April 2020 at almost 19% of retail sales. Since then, levels have dropped to 15%— higher than pre-pandemic but lower than the highest levels in early 2020.

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Ecommerce isn’t the only driver of growth: By the end of 2021, ecommerce’s share of total retail sales actually shrank slightly over the prior year. Industry-wide, online sales still only account for c. 15% of all retail sales. Digital marketplaces are helping the industry grow, particularly small and medium sized retailers.

The role of stores is evolving and still critical to consumer experience

80% of all shopping still happens in stores.

Retail store counts continue to grow with the industry and the broader economy, despite the growing share of ecommerce. In fact, the role of the store is evolving to support buying across all channels.

  • NRF surveys show that over 50% of retailers currently offer, or plan to offer, ship-from-store capabilities
  • Almost two-thirds of retailers currently offer or plan to offer buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS)
  • Ecommerce and in-store retail complement each other and often create a “halo effect”— ICSCfinds opening a new store increases traffic to that retailer’s website by an average of 37% and drives up share of web traffic within that market by 27%

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of Q3 2020, there were 1,045,422 retail establishments in the United States,up4,801 versus Q2 2020, representing the highest Q3 establishment count in the last decade.

Trends shaping the future of retail

The pandemic accelerated many existing trends in the retail industry with respect to fulfillment and logistics, purchasing behavior and payments, and shoppable media. When COVID-19 struck, retailers were able to leverage years’ worth of investments to deliver safe, convenient shopping experiences to their employees and customers in the face of unprecedented demand and disruption.

Experts are re-evaluating how to measure success.

As theevolution of retail continues, many experts are questioning the value of long-standing metrics like same-store sales and wondering how the new retail industry can be measured more accurately.

Data on retail employment needs to be modernized.

Retail is the largest private-sector employer in the country, supporting 42 million jobs overall— roughly one-quarter of the U.S. workforce. But Bureau of Labor and Statistics jobs numbers are very outdated and need to be re-thought. BLS numbers don’t count retail jobs outside of stores, such as those in company headquarters, warehouses, distribution and fulfillment centers, call centers and more.

NRF | State of Retail (4)

More stories and insights on retail’s transformation and trends

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Sam’s Club Chief Merchant on leading through times of accelerated change

Retail Gets Real episode 309: Megan Crozier talks about what it means to be a ‘member-obsessed’ brand.

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Plan for the future of retail at NRF Nexus

Convene, connect and collaborate on innovations in retail marketing, tech and digital.

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NRF | State of Retail (2024)

FAQs

NRF | State of Retail? ›

The National Retail Federation (NRF) started in 1911 and continues to be the leading and largest group of retailers worldwide.

What does NRF stand for in retail? ›

The National Retail Federation (NRF) started in 1911 and continues to be the leading and largest group of retailers worldwide.

What is the NRF retail sales in 2023? ›

The results come as NRF is forecasting that 2023 retail sales will grow between 4% and 6% over 2022. March sales were up in five out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, led by online sales, health and personal care stores and grocery stores, but fell in all but three categories on a monthly basis.

What does the NRF stand for? ›

National Response Framework (NRF)

What is the retail outlook for NRF? ›

NRF forecasts that retail sales during 2023 will grow between 4% and 6% over 2022 to between $5.13 trillion and $5.23 trillion. Last year's annual retail sales grew 7% over 2021 and totaled $4.9 trillion. This growth rate is above the pre-pandemic, average annual retail sales growth of 3.6%.

How does NRF work? ›

The NRF provides leading-edge research infrastructure platforms that ensure that the national research enterprise has the requisite infrastructure to undertake globally competitive discovery science, train the next generation of researchers, support engagement with science by and with the public and promote innovation ...

What is NRF in logistics? ›

© 1997 — 2023 National Retail Federation.

How much does NRF 2023 cost? ›

How much does it cost to register for NRF 2023: Retail's Big Show? For international retailers that are not part of a team see below: Retail Full Conference Pass: Registration fees range from $1,000 – 1,400 for Members and $2,000 - $2,400 for Non-Members.

Who is the NRF? ›

The National Response Framework (NRF) is a guide to how the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities.

Where is NRF 2023? ›

Retail's Big Show took place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, January 14-17, 2023. Check out event photos, blog posts, press coverage and video highlights from NRF 2023.

What does NRF stand for in business? ›

What does NRF stand for?
Rank Abbr.Meaning
NRFNon-Refundable Fee

Who owns NRF? ›

In 2010, NRF became a full subsidiary of Banco Products (I) Ltd. Banco has been a supplier to NRF B.V for more than 15 years and is familiar with its market, products and management. Due to the takeover, NRF has been able to strengthen its global position with new factories and warehouses.

What is the NRF based on? ›

The National Response Framework (NRF) is a guide to how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities across the Nation.

How much does NRF pay? ›

R12 000 n/a R30 000 n/a R48 000 n/a Monthly stipends should be paid out every month. For example, Honours students should receive R1 000 every month for 12 months or depending on the university's academic calendar year.

Who are NRF competitors? ›

nrf.com's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: statista.com, mckinsey.com, nrffoundation.com, retalon.com, and more.

Are retail sales down 2023? ›

Advance Estimates of U.S. Retail and Food Services

The February 2023 to March 2023 percent change was revised from down 0.6 percent (±0.5 percent) to down 0.7 percent (±0.2 percent). Retail trade sales were up 0.4 percent (±0.5 percent)* from March 2023, and up 0.5 percent (±0.5 percent)* above last year.

What are NRF requirements? ›

The entry age requirement is 28, 30 and 32 years or younger for honours, master's and doctoral studies respectively, in the year of application, regardless of first year of registration. Successful applicants will be funded either at Full Cost Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS).

What is the goal of NRF? ›

The goal of the NRF is to create innovative funding instruments, advance research career development, increase public science engagement and to establish leading-edge research platforms that will transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness.

What best describes NRF? ›

The NRF describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious but purely local to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters.

What is the NRF supply chain? ›

NRF works with supply chain professionals to develop resources and advocate for policies that improve the retail industry.

What is NRF technology? ›

The National Retail Federation engages with retail technology leaders to deliver insights on technology trends and challenges facilitate collaboration across the sector. Read the latest articles and insights related to retail technology and learn how to get involved.

What is NRF training? ›

RISE Up is the NRF Foundation training and credentialing program that provides foundational employability skills to help people land jobs and get promoted in retail and beyond.

How big is NRF? ›

The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a high-readiness NATO rapid deployment force comprising land, sea, air, and special forces units capable of being deployed quickly within short notice. The NRF currently comprises up to 40,000 troops, with plans to increase its manpower to over 300,000 troops.

How do I join NRF? ›

Find out if your company is a current member, discover how to join, learn about membership benefits and ROI, or see how you can become even more engaged as a current member. If you're interested in joining, fill out the NRF membership interest form below or contact the team at membershipinfo@nrf.com.

How many employees does NRF have? ›

NRF has 200 employees What industry does NRF belong to?

What is the largest retail association? ›

The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.

Where is NRF located? ›

The Naval Reactors Facility (NRF) is located 52 miles northwest of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The NRF is a United States Department of Energy-Naval Reactors facility where three nuclear propulsion prototypes A1W, S1W and S5G were located.

Is the NRF legit? ›

NRF is the world's largest retail trade association. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that's a great place to start and a great place to grow.

When did the NRF start? ›

It is also an umbrella group that represents more than 100 associations of state, national and international retailers. NRF began in 1911 as the National Retail Dry Goods Association (NRDGA). This was also the year of its first annual meeting.

Why join NRF? ›

In an effort to develop retail's future talent, NRF membership provides resources, tools and experiences to support and promote education, research and careers within the retail industry.

What are NRF students? ›

The NRF Student Association provides talented students interested in retail careers unique educational and scholarship programs, networking opportunities and access to the latest industry news and research. All students at NRF member schools are eligible to become NRF Student Association members.

Is NRF a government entity? ›

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is as an agency of government. It receives its mandate from the National Research Foundation Act 23 of 1998, as amended.

Who is the new NRF CEO? ›

Mr Beh Kian Teik is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation (NRF) from 6 August 2022.

What are the benefits of NRF? ›

Implementation of NRF structures and procedures allows for a scaled response, delivery of the specific resources and capabilities, and a level of coordination appropriate to each incident.

What is the NRF report? ›

NRF produces consumer research throughout the course of the year, dissecting everything from what consumers are buying to how they are shopping for those items and more. NRF's annual lists of the nation's — and the world's — largest and fastest-growing retailers.

How long does it take for NRF to release money? ›

Funds will only be released once the completed documentation has been received by the NRF. Awards not taken up four (4) months after the awarding will be automatically cancelled, unless otherwise approved by the NRF.

How do I get a NRF award letter? ›

Don't know where to find your Outcome Letter or Condition of Grant (CoG)? Simply log into the NRF Online Submission system, go to "Landing Page" and then to "Tracking of Applications". Click on the envelope to open/download the document.

Do you have to reapply for NRF? ›

RENEWAL OF AWARD

Students and fellows are requested to complete an annual progress report (APR) for the renewal of the award. The supervisor or host will provide confidential information on the progress of the student in the degree/ research.

What was the NRF renamed from? ›

The NRF formally replaced the National Response Plan (NRP) on March 22, 2008, sixty days after its publication in the Federal Register.

What is NRF competitive support for rated researchers? ›

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) are pleased to announce the provisional Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers grant awards for the 2023 academic year.

What are the worst months for retail sales? ›

The worst months for retail sales

January and February are typically considered the slowest months for retail as consumers recover from holiday spending and focus on post-holiday savings.

What is the outlook for retail in 2023? ›

Economic outlook for the retail industry

In our baseline scenario (55% probability), we forecast GDP growth to slow to 0.9% in 2023 from an estimated 2% in 2022 and 5.9% in 2021. A relatively healthy labor market will, however, continue to boost sales.

Are retail stores becoming obsolete? ›

However, as more and more of the population receives vaccinations, it's become abundantly clear that brick-and-mortar retail will never disappear. There's no denying that it won't look the same. Even with vaccinations on the rise, it's likely that masks and social distancing will remain a part of our lives.

What does so stand for in retail? ›

SO stands for Sales Order.

What is the NRF customer service certification? ›

Earners of the NRF Foundation's Customer Service & Sales badge have mastered customer service and sales skills. They understand the value of quality customer service and how to provide it. They've learned how to handle multiple customers and how to address customer complaints.

What does the term retail stands for? ›

Retail refers to the sale of goods or services from individuals or businesses to the end-user. Retailers are in the business of buying goods from wholesalers, manufacturers, or other retailers and then selling them to consumers for a profit.

What is NRF certification? ›

The National Retail Federation provides a national certificate to support talented students interested in making retailing their career by offering a national certificate program, networking opportunities, and access to the latest retail research and news.

What is an RMS in retail? ›

RMS stands for Retail Management System, and refers to the modern-day, more robust POS I described above. RMS is an amicable example of the industry attempting to rename a product to better describe its usage and implementation today.

What does SSS mean retail? ›

Same-store sales are also referred to as comparable-store sales, SSS or identical-store sales. Same-store sales figures are expressed as a percentage that indicates the relative amount of revenue increase or decrease.

What is the abbreviation for merchandising? ›

(law) Abbreviation of merchandise. (law) Abbreviation of merchandising.

How many retail associations does the NRF represent? ›

NRF represents the largest private-sector industry in the United States that contains over 3.8 million retail establishments, supporting more than 52 million employees contributing $2.6 trillion annually to GDP.

What are the four types of retail? ›

The four primary types of retailer formats are department stores, supermarkets, specialty stores, and online retailers. Department stores: These are large stores that sell a wide variety of merchandise. Department stores typically have several departments, each selling a different type of product.

What are the 4 types of retail management? ›

Operations management or production management. Strategic management. Marketing management. Financial management.

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