There are more than 3.6 million retail establishments in the U.S., and more than 28 million people directly employed by retailers, but just one company and two retail leaders will receive retail’s highest honors at the 2013 Retail’s BIG Show. That makes NRF’s Annual Retail Industry Awards winners part of a pretty elite group.
For example, the inaugural Gold Award goes all the way back to 1929. In 1956, A.W. Hughes of J.C. Penney Company took it home, and the company is still innovating today. Among the recent winners, you’ll find some pretty exceptional people. Take, for example, The Container Store’s Kip Tindell, who won the award in 2011. Under Tindell’s leadership, The Container Store has seen incredible financial growth, but it’s the philosophy of putting employees first that Tindell credits for the company’s success.
And then there’s NRF’s Retail Innovator of the Year Award, which was awarded to Zappos, Inc. in 2010. The forward-thinking company has helped change the way people buy shoes, but it’s the customer satisfaction that sets them apart. The outstanding service Zappos is known for stems from CEO Tony Hsieh’s focus on creating a fun company culture that celebrates individuality—and even “a little weirdness”.
And lastly, there’s NRF’s International Retailer of the Year Award. And the past few winners, include a global best of the best with Angela Ahrendts of Burberry Group winning in 2012, Sir Phillip Green of the Arcadia Group in 2011 and Tadashi Yanai of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. taking home top honors in 2010.
And next year, your nominee (or even you) could join this distinguished fraternity of retail’s finest. Since the honors are awarded by a committee of retailers, it’s the ultimate showing of respect. Have someone in mind for one of these prestigious awards? You can nominate someone in under three minutes. Just tell us who and why in 200 characters or less—and do it before the deadline on June 22. To nominate yourself, your company, your colleagues or that company you’re always admiring from afar, go to www.nrf.com/awards.