The Container Store and Urban Outfitters to be Honored at NRF 2011 Annual Convention
Executives from The Container Store and Urban Outfitters are among the retailers who will be honored at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention and EXPO, or BIG Show, which will be held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, Jan. 9-12, 2011.
The recipients will accept their awards during the show’s Annual Retail Industry Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
“In this highly competitive industry, it’s important for retailers to break away from the mold and push their company to new heights,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO, NRF. “Every year we search to find those who continue to do just that. We applaud each of this years’ winners and are thrilled to honor them in front of their peers.”
Gold Medal: Kip Tindell, chairman and CEO of The Container Store, will receive the NRF’s Gold Medal Award, which is given to individuals who have served the industry with distinction and achieved a national reputation for excellence. The recipients have also displayed creative genius and inspirational leadership and have won the respect of fellow merchants for devotion to the retail craft.
Tindell has been at the helm of The Container Store since it first opened its doors in Dallas in 1978. Today, the company operates 49 stores nationwide and a thriving website, with total 2010 sales projected at $560 million, Tindell continues his commitment to being a trailblazing retailer. But for Tindell, the goal never has been growth for growth’s sake. Rather, it’s to adhere to a fundamental set of corporate values, centered around an intense employee commitment, strict merchandising and superior customer service. Tindell continues to embody the unique corporate culture he created, and has nurtured a fierce employee loyalty that has landed the company at the top of FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” the past 11 years.
Innovator Award: Glen T. Senk, CEO of Urban Outfitters, will receive the Retail Innovator of the Year Award, given to individuals who have successfully distinguished themselves as retail pioneers through the use of new, innovative or imaginative techniques, formats or service. Furthermore, they have demonstrated an ability to sustain and build this concept in the face of challenges.
Senk was named CEO of Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters, Inc. in 2007. He started with the company in 1994 when he joined Anthropologie as president of what was then a single store prototype, and rose swiftly through the ranks. Prior to Anthropologie, Senk served as senior VP and general merchandise manager of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. where he oversaw the retail and mail order operations for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Hold Everything, Chambers and Gardener’s Eden.
International Retailer of the Year: Sir Philip Green, owner of Arcadia Group, the United Kingdom's largest privately owned clothing retailer with more than 2,500 outlets, will be honored as International Retailer of the Year. The award is given annually to an individual who has achieved international recognition for excellence in his or her native country and internationally.
Arcadia operates eight different fashion brands, including Topshop, which has grown into a fast-fashion powerhouse, with stores around the globe.