Empowering the Future Workforce: The NRF Foundation RISE Up Program ...

RISE Up is the credentials and training program from NRF Foundation that equips learners with real-world retail and workplace skills to help them land jobs and build careers. As the official RISE Up partner in Ohio, the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants is proud to support this initiative, offering access to RISE Up’s industry-recognized credentials to help connect Ohioans — including students, job-seekers, and career-changers — with meaningful work in retail and related industries. RISE Up is designed for learners of any background or age, and delivers flexible training online, in-classroom, or a blended mix. For more information visit NRF Foundation RISE Up or contact us at info@ohioretailmerchants.com.

This introductory credential builds foundational workplace readiness and retail awareness — ideal for first-time job seekers or individuals reentering the workforce. Learners develop essential skills such as basic customer service, retail industry knowledge (how the retail economy works, different retail channels), sales transactions, retail technology, and interviewing/job-search preparation. Upon completion, they receive a certificate and digital badge to include on their resume.

As the intermediate credential in the series, this course helps learners hone customer-facing and sales skills that are critical in retail roles. Participants learn how to engage customers, assess needs, close sales, read body language, enhance customer satisfaction, and work effectively in teams — helping them stand out for roles requiring interaction, sales, or customer support.

The phrase Business of Retail Certified Specialist is framed in a hexagonal, badge shape with an green outline.

This credential focuses on the operational and business side of retail. It covers merchandising, marketing, inventory control, understanding retail profit models, pricing strategies, workplace safety, and fundamentals of store operations. It’s especially useful for learners aiming for supervisory or management-track positions, or who want a deeper understanding of how retail businesses run and remain profitable.
The phrase Supply Chain, Inventory & Logistics Certified Specialist is framed in a hexagonal, badge shape with an green outline.

This credential reflects the warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment-side of retail operations. It teaches how goods move through the supply chain, how distribution centers operate, key performance measures, safety practices in warehouses, and general logistics. This opens doors to fulfillment, inventory management, and supply-chain roles — not just in retail stores, but in broader distribution and logistics operations.

The phrase Customer Conflict De-Escalation Specialist is framed in a hexagonal, badge shape with an orange outline.

This credential — part of RISE Up’s expanded offerings — helps learners build the interpersonal and communication strategies required to manage and de-escalate conflicts with customers or handle disruptive behaviors professionally. It emphasizes emotional awareness, effective communication, recognizing warning signs, and conflict-resolution techniques — valuable skills for any retail or service environment.