Created in 2005, Florida Retail Masters is a statewide application-based, intense leadership program designed exclusively for retailers. In addition to learning from industry experts and guest speakers at six sessions throughout the state, members of Florida Retail Masters Class III are working with the Retail Masters Alumni on issues that affect retailers at a statewide level such as legislative efforts and how to improve the perception of retail as a career choice among Florida’s high school and college graduates. 

The program is gaining a prestigious reputation with the support and participation of Florida's top retail organizations – ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Awards4U, Badcock Corporation, Beall’s, Belk Department Stores, Bill’s Bookstore, Chico’s, Dillard’s, Food Lion, Gate Petroleum, Macy’s, Play It Again Sports, Publix, Rally Stores, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Scaff’s Inc., Sears, Super Suds, Sweetbay, Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Walt Disney World, White House|Black Market and Winn-Dixie.

The Florida Retail Federation is currently taking nominations for the 2010 Florida Retail Masters class.  If you know of a retail leader who would make a great candidate, please let us know.

VIP Programs

We identify VIPs as those people who have an interest in learning more about the Florida Retail Masters program because they are an active member of the Florida Retail Federation, a Florida Retail Masters sponsoring organization, a candidate for a future class, Florida Retail Masters Alumni or a business/community leader in the area we are visiting. We will identify at least one program during each session that will be open to these VIPs. If you would like to learn more about being a guest to one of the 2009 sessions, please contact Melissa Laughon at melissa@floridaretailmasters.com or
(850) 894-3474.