National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay

Retailers urge tariff cuts to fight inflation

Retailers urge tariff cuts to fight inflation

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation urging the Biden administration to repeal tariffs on goods from China as a way to fight inflation, the trade group said Wednesday. To get that message out, the NRF said it is launching the second phase of a seven-figure advocacy campaign with broadcast, digital and out-of-home advertising, including a

Early holiday shopping boosts October retail sales

Early holiday shopping boosts October retail sales

WASHINGTON – Early holiday shopping helped boost retail sales in October, the National Retail Federation said on Tuesday. “Retail sales data for October reflects the enduring strength of consumers’ finances and willingness to spend as the holiday season gets underway,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The robust balance sheets of American households are being

May retail sales down from April, up vs. last year

May retail sales down from April, up vs. last year

WASHINGTON – Retail sales in May were down compared to April but up strongly year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said Tuesday. “While May retail sales were down slightly, largely due to supply chain constraints, the more accurate indicator remains in the year-over-year data which, as the NRF calculates, showed growth of over 17%,” NRF president

NRF: Yes to infrastructure, No to tax hike

NRF: Yes to infrastructure, No to tax hike

WASHINGTON – National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay responded to President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion “American Jobs Plan” by endorsing investments in the nation’s infrastructure, but arguing that hiking the corporate tax rate would hurt the economy. “Improving U.S. roads, railways, bridges and ports will help the retail industry continue to move the

NRF: Paycheck Protection Program still critical

NRF: Paycheck Protection Program still critical

WASHINGTON – The extension of the Paycheck Protection Program is vital to the survival of small businesses, National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay said Thursday. His remarks followed the Senate’s approval of an extension to the program. “Throughout the past year, countless small businesses have been devastated by the pandemic,” Shay said. “The

Senate passes COVID-19 relief bill

Senate passes COVID-19 relief bill

WASHINGTON – The Democratic-controlled Senate on Saturday passed President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package which would provide millions of Americans with $1,400 direct payments, billions of dollars for vaccine distribution, and funds to help reopen schools and colleges. The chamber passed the bill following a session that began around 9 a.m. Friday and

Retailers welcome passage of stimulus bill

Retailers welcome passage of stimulus bill

WASHINGTON – Retailers welcomed the passage of a bipartisan economic relief bill by Congress on Monday. “Retailers are encouraged by the passage of this economic relief package that will keep the economy open and moving in the right direction as the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay

NRF urges early vaccines for retail workers

NRF urges early vaccines for retail workers

WASHINGTON – Retail workers should be among the early recipients of COVID-19 vaccines, the National Retail Federation contended on Wednesday. “Retailers have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic protecting associates, serving customers, and keeping the communities in which they live and work safe and healthy,” NRF president and chief executive officer Matthew Shay

NRF postpones ‘Big Show’ until June 2021

NRF postpones ‘Big Show’ until June 2021

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is postponing its Big Show annual convention and expo, normally held in January, until June 2021. But NRF said Thursday that it also plans to hold a virtual event in January. Both events will feature the theme “Forward Together.” “The health and safety of our team, industry partners and

Retailers propose blueprint for reopening stores

Retailers propose blueprint for reopening stores

WASHINGTON — Two retail trade groups on Monday released a multi-step plan for reopening those stores shuttered due to the coronavirus. The Blueprint for Shopping Safe from the National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association suggests a phased approach to reopening those stores that have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and

Retailers welcome CARES Act in turbulent times

Retailers welcome CARES Act in turbulent times

WASHINGTON  – The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from president and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the Senate’s expected vote Wednesday on stimulus legislation intended to ease the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic: “Retailers big and small and the associates they employ appreciate the efforts by leaders in the House and

NRF urges action on behalf of retailers

NRF urges action on behalf of retailers

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation on Wednesday sent a letter to President Trump and other leaders of the federal government, supporting their swift efforts to minimizing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The letter from the NRF, reproduced below and also available here as a PDF, also details the impact the crisis has had