New center will bring together NRF's existing research efforts and expand on them

The National Retail Federation has created a new department to conduct research on a wide range of topics affecting the industry, and the association is looking for people to staff it.

The Retail Research and Analysis Center will bring together all existing research within NRF and expand upon that work, the organization announced Thursday. The center will focus on four areas: the economy, legislative and regulatory policy, the retail industry and consumers.

"By significantly investing in the future expansion and scope of NRF research, our members will have additional tools and insight as they operate in a very dynamic marketplace. And, our advocates will have the facts they need to advance retail's policy agenda," NRF CEO Matthew Shay said.

Ellen Davis, previously senior vice president and executive director of the NRF Foundation, will lead the department as senior vice president of research and strategic initiatives. She will remain in her current role at the foundation.

NRF has started a search for a vice president of research development and industry analysis who will report to Davis. Current staff and consultants are being deployed to fill new positions within the department, but NRF expects additional staff will be needed.

"The formation and funding of the Retail Research and Analysis Center will allow us to take this important function to the next level, with the resources necessary to deliver real results for our members and the industry," Shay said.http://bit.ly/1Nke7vc