Mike George Salutes Retail’s Resilience at NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show

January 19, 2021: The retail industry’s remarkable ability to reinvent itself under pressure was on full display during 2020, and the result was an astonishing level of innovation, according to Mike George, President and CEO, Qurate Retail, Inc. and Chairman of the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“The retail industry was unwavering in its absolute commitment to the health and safety of our employees, partners, customers, and communities,” said Mike in his keynote opening address at NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter One earlier this month. “Then, we innovated, expanding our online capabilities and integrating them with in-store options, completing projects in months that previously would have taken years.”

Mike noted advances at multiple retailers, including Lowe’s, which introduced curbside pickup a year ahead of schedule; Value City Furniture, which launched a virtual 3D showroom; Gap, which opened a distribution center two months early with integrated automation and robotics; and others.

“These efforts, and so many more, perfectly aligned with what our customers needed from us,” Mike said. “And the customer responded, setting and beating digital sales records.”

The National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association, which serves as a passionate voice for the people, brands, policies, and ideas that help retail thrive. NRF 2021: Retail’s Big Show – Chapter One is bringing together thousands of industry leaders virtually during January to discuss the trends shaping retail via curated sessions, a networking program, and an expo.

Watch Mike’s full remarks below.