PLEASE NOTE: If you were redirected to this eligibility page after creating an account, your business is currently under review by NRF. Please visit the Registration Eligibility Desk onsite at the Javits Convention Center to complete your qualification and finalize your registration to attend the show.
Outlined below are the retail and non-retail industry categories recognized by NRF for securing your pass to attend Retail’s Big Show in 2026.
The type of company you represent, your role within the organization, and your company title are among the factors used by NRF to determine your badge designation for the event. If you own or operate multiple businesses that fall into both retail and solution provider categories, your access eligibility will be determined based on your primary business.
Retailers/Food Retail/Foodservice
Sells goods directly to consumers via storefront, catalog, television, or online. Retail status requires current operation and a minimum of $1M/year in sales.
Consumer Brands
Sells non-durable, non-tech products such as food, beverages, makeup, and pharmaceuticals for individual consumption.
Consumer Services
Services that directly impact a consumer’s life or experience, such as travel agencies, ticketing platforms, cleaning services, and tutoring. (Excludes cashback, coupon, or return services.)
Retail Brand Investment Firms
Investment entities such as holding companies, private equity firms, or family offices that have a significant equity ownership (actively participating in their strategic direction and operations) in retail brand(s) and companies providing products or services closely related to the retail industry.
Entertainment
Operators of entertainment venues and destinations including concert halls, amusement parks, and sports teams.
Hospitality
Operators of hotels, resorts, casinos, airlines, trains, and cruise lines.
Industry Partners
Vendors providing products or services to retailers, such as logistics, POS systems, data solutions, and loss prevention.
Business Electronics Companies
Hardware/software firms selling communication or computing devices to retailers and consumers.
Consultants
Firms or individuals offering business strategy advice or product evaluations.
Delivery/Payment/Loyalty App Providers
Apps purchased by retailers for services like delivery, payment, loyalty programs, returns, etc.
Employee Benefits and Insurance Payers
Firms managing payroll, recruiting, or insurance services for retailers.
Financial Institutions
Banks, credit card providers, mortgage firms, and investment advisors.
Government
Federal, state, or local agencies.
Insurance Services
Insurance providers for businesses or individuals.
Marketplace/Ecommerce Technology Providers
Platforms or tech firms serving online commerce and transactions.
Media Outlets
Non-editorial media professionals (TV, podcast, blog, etc.).
Recycling Services
Firms managing recycling for retail and other commercial properties.
Shopping Center / Property Management
Developers or managers of shopping centers and commercial real estate.
Visual Merchandising / Store Design
Firms offering consulting or architectural services for retail design (not consumer-facing product sellers).
Both (Retail + Non-Retail Divisions)
Companies that maintain distinct divisions or lines of business that qualify separately under both retail and non-retail categories. These organizations may operate consumer-facing retail brands while also providing technology, logistics, financial, or other B2B services to the industry.
Badge assignments for "both" companies are based on an individual’s role and division within the organization, and are subject to NRF review.
Press / Media
NRF welcomes industry members of the editorial press to cover its conferences. Media attending must be pre-approved to receive complimentary registration. For more information, contact eventpress@nrf.com.
Analyst
Individuals or organizations whose core business produces research and analysis on issues related specifically to the retail industry. For more information, contact eventpress@nrf.com.
Educator
Teaching faculty or directors affiliated with retail-related academic programs. Requires documentation (e.g., CV, university ID).
Trade Association
Nonprofit industry organizations; limited to two attendees per association.
Nonprofit Companies
Entities organized for non-commercial purposes. Contact required for approval.
Students at the undergraduate and graduate level are eligible to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City (Jan. 8-11, 2026).
This event is a four-day experience that helps college students explore careers in the retail industry. Students connect with retail executives across marketing, merchandising, sustainability, tech, and more — and meet hundreds of recruiters from top brands during the career fair.
The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, educators, and staff at any U.S. college or university, and registration closes on Dec. 19, 2025.
Students that register for and attend the NRF Foundation Student Program are eligible to redeem a student pass to NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.
Please email registration@nrf.com for any qualification questions.
Contact Customer Service by e-mail at nrfbigshow@maritz.com, or by phone, 864-208-3373 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET).
