Segal gets NRF thinking global

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/21/2002 12:00:00 AM

New York — As the new chairman of the National Retail Federation (NRF), Gordon Segal, who is ceo of Northbrook, IL-based Crate & Barrel, sees "trade issues to address as well as international issues and personnel issues."

Personnel issues are critical "since our membership employs 20 percent of the working people of this country." Using his experience as a springboard, Segal sees "opportunities for more international retail linkage."

In addition, he noted, "It is time for the specialty store segment of retailing to become more involved. We don't always have the same point of view as the department stores and mass merchants."

Under his watch, which is a two-year term, Segal also said "the NRF has to work harder to make retail more exciting — to recruit the best people. We need to attract bright young people."

Tracy Mullin, president and ceo of NRF, commented, "We always had as a strategy to reach out to the specialty segment of retailing. Gordon has a unique position as a leader; he will play an important role and is highly visible. He's recognized across the industry as a leader and a brilliant merchant and he has broad contacts."