NRF takes 'Retail Means Jobs' campaign to Orlando, Fla.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is moving forward with a campaign that seeks to show the role the retail industry plays in powering economic growth and job creation, and engages business, political, industry and civic leaders in a conversation about the retail industry’s public policy priorities.

NRF said its Retail Means Jobs campaign, which launched last fall, made a stop in Orlando, Fla., this week, where president and CEO Matthew Shay addressed hundreds of business and industry leaders gathered at the Association of Golf Merchandisers’ Orlando Retail Conference and the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show, where he detailed the retail industry’s top public policy priorities, and NRF’s jobs, innovation and consumer value agenda.

“In the retail industry, we have a vision for a more hopeful future,” Shay said in prepared remarks. “It’s a vision for creating millions of new jobs, so we can put Americans back to work. It’s a vision for spurring innovation, so we can speed the flow of business and improve service. And it’s a vision for delivering value for consumers, so we can put the American dream within reach of every American family.”

“Our campaign is called ‘Retail Means Jobs’ — and for good reason.” Shay said. “Retail supports one in four American jobs — 2.6 million jobs here in Florida alone. Retail generates almost one-fifth of our nation’s GDP. And retail contributes billions to other industries — from manufacturing to real estate to finance.”