Consumer Behavior

NRF calls for leadership, collaboration in light of destructive protest incidents

Photo by istock.com

June 2, 2020

The National Retail Federation, in response to the protest activity relating to the death of a Minnesota man while in police custody that has resulted in retail store vandalism and closures, is calling for leadership and collaboration to tackle racial injustice.

It is also urging people to stop looting and destruction under the name of protest, in a statement issued Monday.

"There is a real problem and divide in this country that we share the responsibility to address. It requires leadership in the municipal, state and federal levels of government, in our schools, our places of worship, our businesses and our homes, so we can work together — honestly, transparently and inclusively — to find solutions," the NRF said in the statement

The protests nationwide have included intentional destruction, damage and vandalism to many retail stores, including Target, CVS and local mom and pop businesses. The defacing, looting and plundering, according to the NRF, "impedes progress and healing."

"Retailers are committed to the values of diversity, inclusion and opportunity and that has always been at the heart of our industry. The actions of a few are impacting not just stores, but also putting at risk the people who work and shop there," noted the statement.