​The acquisition will ensure that NRF’s members and the industry will continue to receive forward thinking, real world and actionable innovations, research and information to drive the world’s supply chain. The announcement was made during the RLA Leadership Summit in Atlanta and is part of NRF’s commitment to support sustainable practices throughout the retail industry, according to a press release.

​”NRF has a long history of convening supply chain professionals to collaborate and develop resources that improve the retail industry. Retailers understand the importance of sustainability practices and the environmental, economic, social and consumer benefits that accompany them,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As consumer demand for sustainable offerings continues to increase, RLA’s reverse logistics expertise will help our members to ‘close the loop’ and accelerate the emergence of the circular economy.” RLA is a member-driven, global trade association for the returns and reverse industry. The RLA offers information, research, solutions, and facilitates networking introductions for manufacturers, retail companies, and third-party providers. The company’s goal is to “educate and inform reverse logistics professionals globally and be the voice of the reverse industry,” according to a press release.“Joining NRF is an exciting opportunity for RLA and our members,” said RLA executive director, Tony Sciarrotta. “NRF recognizes reverse logistics as the backbone of the circular economy and understands how it plays a vital role in broader sustainability initiatives for the retail industry. Through this partnership, RLA will continue to reach industries investing in the circular economy and enhance NRF’s long-term commitment to retail’s supply chain and sustainability efforts.”According to the NRF, ​retail is the U.S.’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs.