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NRF announces award recipients for 2013 Big Show

December 20, 2012

The National Retail Federation announced that Amazon, Crocs, Kohl's and lululemon are the recipients of its annual awards.

The recipients, each company's top ranking executive, will accept their awards during the Annual Retail Industry Luncheon at NRF's Annual Convention and EXPO, Retail's BIG Show, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. The BIG Show will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, Jan. 13-16. Donna Karan, chief designer, Donna Karan New York and founder, Urban Zen, will be the guest speaker for the industry luncheon.

"In this highly competitive industry, it's important for retailers to continue to evolve with their customers' expectations, while also thinking outside the box when it comes to innovation and consumer value," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "We know we don't have to look far to find our award winners each year as retailers are some of the most ground-breaking companies in the world, setting examples for other industries in customer service and experience, innovation and leadership. We applaud our winners this year and are thrilled to honor them in front of their peers."

Gold Medal Award: Amazon Founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos

The Gold Medal is the most coveted award in retail, given to an individual who has served the industry with distinction and achieved a national reputation for excellence. The recipient has also displayed creative genius and inspirational leadership and has won the respect of fellow merchants for devotion to the retail craft.

Retail Innovator of the Year: Crocs Inc. President and CEO, John McCarvel

The recipient of this award has successfully distinguished himself as a retail pioneer through the use of new, innovative or imaginative techniques, formats or service. Furthermore, this individual has demonstrated an ability to sustain and build this concept in the face of challenges.

International Retailer of the Year: lululemon athletica CEO, Christine Day

This award is given annually to an individual who has achieved international recognition for excellence in their native country and internationally.

Silver Plaque: Kohl's Senior Executive Vice President of Logistics, Ken Bonning

The Silver Plaque Award is presented to a senior executive with an NRF member company or retail-related organization who has achieved prominence in his or her individual field and, who has shown outstanding leadership in his or her NRF council or Committee work, making a major contribution to the retail industry and/or to NRF.

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