WHAT IS NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION? Founded in 1911, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is a retail association composed of members from all phases of the retail industry, including department stores, specialty, discount, catalog, online and independent retailers, restaurant chains and grocers, as well as businesses. which supply goods and services to retailers. Formerly called the National Retail Dry Goods Association in 2011, the NRF is the umbrella of many state, national and international retail associations. The NRF created the NRF Foundation, a non-profit organization, to provide resources and experience to those interested in a job or long-term career in retail. Its main goal is to support the next generation of potential retail leaders. NRF's offerings include a career center, job boards and training. It also provides scholarship programs for retail employees and students. NRF RISE UP The foundation's RISE UP training and credit program offers skills and hands-on, h...