Washington, D.C., October 9, 2025
News Summary
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business have announced the NRF Business of Retail Initiative with a $6 million endowment. This program aims to enhance the study of retail through the establishment of a National Retail Federation Chair in Retail Studies and an annual NRF Summit. It will also provide research grants addressing key retail challenges, creating opportunities for academic and practical advancements in the retail sector.
Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business have officially launched the NRF Business of Retail Initiative, an ambitious new program supported by a $6 million endowment from NRF. This initiative is designed to elevate the study of retail and foster innovation within the sector, which plays a significant role in the economy.
Among its key components, the initiative will establish the first-ever National Retail Federation Chair in Retail Studies, aimed at enhancing academic research and curriculum related to the retail industry. Additionally, an annual NRF Summit will be created to bring together experts and practitioners, while two NRF MBA Fellowships will be awarded to students participating in the program.
To address pressing challenges in the retail sector, the initiative will offer dedicated research grants. These grants will focus on crucial issues such as artificial intelligence, personalization, customization, logistics, and frictionless commerce. Furthermore, the initiative is set to explore the concept of “agentic shopping,” which involves autonomous software agents that shop on behalf of consumers.
Kelly Lee has been appointed as the program director, while Luc Wathieu will serve as the research director for this initiative. Announced on October 6, 2025, this partnership aims to strengthen ties between students, faculty, and retail employers, enhancing real-world educational experiences for participants.
The NRF Business of Retail Initiative aligns with existing centers at Georgetown University that focus on sustainability and the future of work. It reflects the increasing significance of retail as a driver of innovation and economic opportunity, supporting over 55 million jobs and contributing $5.3 trillion to the annual GDP.
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay has underscored the importance of combining academic excellence with industry expertise to produce impactful research. The establishment of the endowed chair and the annual summit holds the potential to significantly influence both academic priorities and industry standards. Specific timelines and details for the inaugural projects and industry partners will be finalized as the chair and summit are established.
The NRF Business of Retail Initiative promises to transform the way retail studies are conducted, ultimately strengthening the sector and benefiting students and employers alike. Further information regarding the initiative can be accessed on its dedicated webpage at businessofretail.georgetown.edu.
FAQ
What is the NRF Business of Retail Initiative?
The NRF Business of Retail Initiative is a program launched by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, aimed at elevating retail studies and fostering innovation in the retail sector, supported by a $6 million endowment from NRF.
What are the key features of this initiative?
The key features include the establishment of the first-ever National Retail Federation Chair in Retail Studies, an annual NRF Summit, two NRF MBA Fellowships, dedicated research grants, and a focus on topics such as artificial intelligence and agentic shopping.
Who are the appointed directors of the initiative?
Kelly Lee has been appointed as the program director, while Luc Wathieu serves as the research director for the NRF Business of Retail Initiative.
When was the initiative announced?
The initiative was announced on October 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
What are the expected outcomes of the NRF Business of Retail Initiative?
The expected outcomes include enhancing academic research in retail studies, fostering innovation in the retail industry, linking students and faculty to retail employers, and addressing real-world retail problems through research grants.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| NRF Chair in Retail Studies | First-ever chair established to enhance academic research |
| Annual NRF Summit | Gathering for experts and practitioners in the retail sector |
| NRF MBA Fellowships | Two fellowships awarded for MBA students |
| Research Grants | Funding to tackle pressing retail challenges |
| Focus Topics | AI, personalization, logistics, frictionless commerce, and agentic shopping |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Mass Market Retailers: NRF and Georgetown Partner to Advance Retail Education
- Wikipedia: National Retail Federation
- NRF: Retail Sales Forecast 2025
- Google Search: NRF Retail Sales Forecast
- Hunton: NRF VP Joins Hunton Andrews Kurth
- Google Scholar: Paul Martino NRF
- Loss Prevention Media: CORCA Legislation Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: CORCA Legislation
- CS News: Valentine’s Day Spending Record
- Google News: Valentine’s Day Spending 2025
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