From the most coveted award in retail — The Visionary — to our annual List of People Shaping Retail’s Future, celebrate the retail professionals who are sparking innovation and inspiring incredible change. Join the hundreds of retailers who support the work of the NRF Foundation.
Join us in celebrating
retail professionals
The Visionary is the most coveted award in retail. For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation has honored an individual who has served the industry with distinction throughout their career.
Pictured: The Visionary 2026 Fran Horowtiz
A dynamic group of retail leaders creating opportunities and sparking innovation.
Pictured: Top, left to right: Brieane Olson (PacSun Chief Executive Officer) and Billy May (Brooklinen Chief Executive Officer); Bottom, left to right: Scott McBride (American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer), Kory Marchisotto (e.l.f. Beauty Chief Marketing Officer), and Kathleen McLaughlin (Walmart Executive Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer);
Each year, the NRF Foundation honors a partner who exemplifies an extraordinary collaboration with the use of RISE Up training and credentialling to prepare students to begin a career in retail. Our 2026 Partner of the Year, presented by Old Navy, is The Door, located in NYC.
Meet 'The Door' — this year's NRF Foundation RISE UP Partner of the Year
The highest honor that the NRF Foundation can bestow upon a student features a top award of $25,000 and recognition as an emerging leader in retail.
Pictured: Top, left to right: Madison-Jade Bishop (Drexel University), Shayma Banks (Columbia College Chicago); Bottom, left to right: Sarah Starko (Babson College), Jacquelyn Dufner (University of Minnesota), Emme Serafino (Drexel University)
Meet the 2026 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship Finalists
The team business competition provides undergraduates with real-world experience and $30,000 for the top team.
Pictured: NRF Foundation University Challenge 2026 Finalist Teams from Columbia College Chicago, The University of Texas at Austin, and University of North Texas
Meet the top teams in the 2026 NRF Foundation University Challenge Scholarship
Our new NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight recognizes the contributions and shares the stories of store leaders who exemplify your brand values, develop your teams, invest in your communities and drive success.
This year, we shined the spotlight on five amazing store leaders who lead by example and deliver results:
Ashley Baker from Macy’s, Jordan Duessett from DICK’S Sporting Goods, Sophonias Gabremariam from BJ’s Wholesale Club, Jennifer Mitchell from CVS Health, and Bill Ryan from Lowe’s.
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