Whole Foods Wins NRF Innovator Award

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation here said Friday it has named Whole Foods Market as the winner of the association's Innovator of the Year Award.

NRF said it plans to present the award to Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods, at the NRF's Annual Convention & Expo in New York on Tuesday. The award is given to retailers that have "successfully distinguished themselves as retail pioneers through the use of new, innovative or imaginative techniques, formats or service," NRF explained. "Furthermore, they have demonstrated an ability to sustain and build this concept in the face of challenges."

Also, NRF selected Burberry as the International Retailer of the Year, and Richard Cohen, group vice president of legislative affairs, Macy's, as the winner of t5he association's Silver Plaque. The annual NRF convention, called Retail's BIG Show, takes place Jan. 15-18 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.

SN is providing live updates from the convention on the Total Access blog.