The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) have agreed to merge operations. The name of the to-be-formed joint organization was not revealed. The two organizations expect the merger to be completed by this summer.
"This is an historic time for our industry. The challenges and opportunities before our members are unprecedented. Now is the right time to bring these associations together," RILA chairman Robert A. Niblock, and NRF Chairman Myron E. (Mike) Ullman III, said in a joint statement.
The NRF’s membership is comprised of representatives from all retail formats and channels of distribution. It represents 1.6 million U.S. retail establishments, more than 24 million employees and 2008 sales of $4.6 trillion, according to the organization’s Web site.
RILA membership, according to its site, includes more than 200 large retailer member companies representing more than $1.5 trillion in sales.
Niblock serves as chairman and CEO of Lowe's Companies, Inc., while and Ullman is chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
According to the statement, the merged organization will:
Provide a unified and stronger voice on policy, communications, and public affairs issues in Washington, DC;
Operate member events and conferences open to the combined membership of NRF and RILA and, including NRF's "Big Show" and RILA's annual Logistics Conference;
The merger is subject to a due diligence review and membership approval.
Separately, Tracy Mullin, the NRF’s president and CEO, announced she will be retiring from the organization in late 2009. Mullin has been with the organization for more than 30 years, and has served as president and CEO since 1993.
In a letter sent to NRF members, Mullin referring to the proposed merger, saying “After assisting NRF through this transition period, I look forward to tackling some new projects and embarking on new adventures.”
Under Mullin, the NRF moved from its headquarters in New York City to Washington, DC. She is credited with expanding the organization’s focus to include all retail formats and sectors in the U.S. and abroad, including department, specialty, discount, mass merchandise, independent, grocery and pharmacy stores, as well as e-commerce, catalogues and chain restaurants.
Mullin held a series of positions at NRF before her election as CEO. Prior to NRF, Mullin served as senior legislative advisor to the Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate.
