The coveted NRF Gold Medal, Retail Innovator of the Year and the International Retailer of the Year awards will be presented at the Annual Retail Industry Luncheon (ARIL) on Tuesday, January 17 at 12:15 p.m. These awards recognize distinguished retailers who have inspired the retail industry through their leadership, creativity, forward thinking, and innovation.

The NRF Gold Medal Award, which honors inspirational retailers who have garnered the respect of their peers, is being given to Paul R. Charron, Chairman and CEO, Liz Claiborne Inc.

Mr. Charron joined Liz Claiborne Inc. as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, and became a Director, in 1994. The following year he became President and Chief Executive Officer and was later named Chairman of the Board.

He currently serves as a director of Campbell Soup Company and on the boards of a number of not-for-profit organizations, including the National Retail Federation, the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Vital Voices Global Partnership, and the Partnership for New York City.

The recipient of the 2005 Retail Innovator of the Year award is Chico’s FAS, Inc., with Scott A. Edmonds, CEO, President and Director of Chico’s accepting the award.

Chico’s sells exclusively designed, private-label women’s clothing and related accessories, operating 757 women’s specialty stores, including stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico operating under the Chico’s, White House|Black Market, and soma by Chico’s names. From their exclusive, private-label designs to their most amazing personal service, Chico's offers their customer a unique retail environment.

This year's NRF International Retailer of the Year is Miguel Krigsner, President, O Boticário, Brazil. O Boticário is the world’s largest perfumery and cosmetics franchising network.

Mr. Krigsner’s winning strategy has gained O Boticário an international reputation as a modern company, tuned-in with international market trends and greatly concerned with the quality of the products it manufactures and its customers’ well being. Through Mr. Krigsner’s leadership, O Boticário’s trademark is globally recognized as one that represents innovation and superior quality.

In addition, Thomas J. Bata Sr., Honorary Chairman, Bata Limited, Toronto, ON, Canada, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award during NRF’s Board of Directors meeting on January 17.

Bata Limited is a global shoe manufacturing and shoe-retailing organization employing more than 50,000 people. Serving one million customers a day around the globe, the company has more than 4,700 retail stores in 50 countries and runs 40 production facilities in 26 countries. Known as a legend throughout the retail industry, Thomas J. Bata Sr. has fostered a company that remains strong in its commitment to giving back to the community through charity, educational projects for students and other endeavors.

Also during NRF’s Board of Directors meeting, the Silver Plaque award will be presented to Peter A. Burrows, Senior Vice President and CIO, Reebok International Ltd. Each year this award is presented to a prominent retail executive who has made a major contribution to the industry or to NRF.

Mr. Burrows is a long-time member of the NRF CIO Council, where he is currently serving as Vice Chair of the Committee, and is a member of the Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) Board of Directors.

For more information, please log on: www.nrf.com.