NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay took to the main stage today at Retail’s BIG Show to update the industry on, among other things, trends for the coming year that will shape retail. While the economy has been a trending topic over the last several years at Retail’s BIG Show, Shay noted that with the campaign season picking up steam, it will be an even bigger discussion in 2012. And not one that’s just on the minds of retailer. Candidates and voters alike are making it a priority.
The question coming out of many of those discussions: “Where are the jobs?” That’s not something retailers wonder about because, as Shay explained, the retail industry supports 42 million jobs in the U.S. and knows exactly where the jobs are. Watch Shay’s full remarks as he explains why the retail industry has been “a source of strength during an otherwise sluggish economic recovery,” three trends the retail industry will see in 2012, NRF’s economic forecast for the year, and what messages NRF will be taking to the Hill to ensure that retail has a voice as big as its economic footprint.