Are you the next America’s Retail Champion? If you love advocating for retail and sharing the story of your small business, you could be!
NRF is recognizing up to 50 small business retailers who are passionate about advocacy and the communities they serve through the 2026 America’s Retail Champions program.
Questions? Contact Ashton Wiggins.
- NRF's America's Retail Champions is presented by
Selection
In 2026, there are 3 ways to be honored:
1. National Honorees - Up to 50 Selected
Up to 50 outstanding small retailers will be named National Honorees based on their leadership, impact and commitment to retail advocacy.
National Honorees will receive:
A digital award and personalized quote for promotional use
A social media toolkit to support local recognition
Brand visibility through official program materials
2. District Delegates - Top 25 Advance
From the National Honorees, the top 25 will be recognized as District Delegates.
District Delegates will receive:
A trip to Washington, D.C., including travel and lodging for the 2026 Retail Advocates Summit (July 14-16, 2026)
Recognition at a special dinner celebrating retail advocacy
A custom program lapel pin representing their ambassador role
3. The Top 5 Finalists
The District Delegates will be narrowed down to 5 finalists, with one ultimately being named the 2026 America’s Retail Champion! The winner will be announced on July 15, 2026, at an industry dinner in conjunction with the Retail Advocates Summit.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a U.S.-based small retailer with revenue under $38 million and employ less than 500 employees
Demonstrate a commitment to advocate for retail
Submit a complete application which includes narrative responses
Be willing to record a video testimonial if selected
(See contest rules for complete information)
Deadline
Contest opens for submissions on February 13, 2026
Submissions due by March 31, 2026
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Past Honorees
Forty-five U.S. small retailers were selected in 2024 as champions and 5 were named finalists.
To learn more about NRF's program, meet the 2024 Honorees.
See what previous honorees are saying
"NRF's America's Retail Champions program is a terrific way for small retailers to collectively lift our voices to our elected officials and inform them on the issues that mean the most to their constituents — which is all of us, and the people we employ and serve!"
“Being America’s Retail Champion taught me that that advocacy isn't about politics, it gives Main Street a seat at the table — and with that microphone in hand, one retailer’s voice becomes a chorus that drives change."
“Being named an ARC honoree and stepping into retail advocacy opened my eyes to just how critical legislation is to the survival and success of our businesses.”
"Being a finalist for the America's Retail Champion award was an absolute honor - but being able to represent our industry through advocacy with NRF is the true reward, as I know I'm able to affect real change that benefits the daily lives of retailers everywhere."
Questions? Contact Ashton Wiggins.