Retail Organizations Key Terms

Retail organizations are great for networking, learning, creating policies, and protecting rights.

Retail organizations connect members to retail professionals who share similar work experiences and can offer newcomers the opportunity to rub shoulders with more experienced peers. Besides, the chance to socialize and network, many retail trade associations provide training and certification programs, instrumental to career advancement and professional development. Retail trade associations are a valuable asset to professional, executives and workers in the industry. As you seek to join professional retail organizations, you may encounter unfamiliar key terms specific to the retail industry.

 

National Retail Federation (NRF)

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is a vital sources of retail industry information and training. As a retail research and education organization, NRF led the way in launching a retail online careers center for prospective candidates entering the industry. The organization is a partner with colleges and universities in offering retail educational and certification programs. Members are from all areas of retailing including independent, discount, drug, department, specialty and grocery stores.
Try: Visit NRF's homepage for detail information about services available to its members.

Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)

This trade organization works with the industry's most successful retailers influencing policy and advocating for the advancement of retail industry agenda. Top retail management from leading companies participate in networking and educational training of the association's members. RILA also equips its members with the latest news and trends, retail industry resources and information through newsletters and webinars.
Try: Visit RILA and learn about professional development programs and services in this retail industry association.

North American Retail Dealers Association (NARDA)

North American Retail Dealers Association (NARDA) serves independent retailers from a broad range of consumer home service and product companies as a non-profit trade organization. The agency offers business and financial services, educational programs and information resources in the areas of advocacy, market research through its small business council.
Try: Find membership information at NARDA.

National Grocers Association (NGA)

National Grocers Association (NGA) offers membership to independent retail and wholesale food distributors and grocers. The organization operates as a national trade association representing the interest of its members in government policy, operational service programs and educational food industry coalition. NGA also formed the non-profit organization, Grocers Research and Educational Foundation to advance industry operating and productivity standards.
Try: NGA offers a broad range of educational research in the retail food industry and professional resources for its members.

National Consumers League (NCL)

Operating as advocates for retail consumers and workers, The National Consumers League (NCL) is a non-profit agency that specializes in retail related consumer and employee issues. The NCL issues publications, news and consumer retail research promoting the protection of the right to fair labor practices and retail industry safety standards in the US and abroad.
Try: Review the resources available at NCL.

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) represents professionals in the international retail real estate industry. Members of this retail organization advance the interests of developers, retail managers, shopping center owners and lenders. ISCS accomplishes much of its work through member events, education and governmental policy programs, market research and printed materials promoting the interests of the retail real estate global industry.
Try: ICSC offers a range of informational resources for professionals interested in global retail real estate and the shopping center industry.

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