The Visionary is the most coveted award in retail. For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation has honored an individual who has served the industry with distinction throughout their career.
Long before Jay Schottenstein transformed some of retail’s most recognizable brands, he was earning a masterclass in business around the family's dinner table. It is because of this lifelong immersion in the industry, and the leadership it forged, that the National Retail Federation is recognizing him with The Visionary award.
Growing up surrounded by stores, strategy, and the daily realities of merchant life, Jay absorbed lessons passed down through a family business dating back to the late 1800s. His father, Jerome Schottenstein, became his most vital teacher and mentor. Working in the family stores from a young age, Jay gained invaluable hands-on experience that shaped his disciplined approach. By age 23, after completing his education at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, he was managing his first store, carrying those foundational lessons into every decision.
That groundwork grew into a career marked by scale, resilience and brand building—qualities at the heart of The Visionary award. Today, his leadership spans multiple retail giants, including American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO), Designer Brands Inc. and Schottenstein Stores Corporation. Throughout his journey, Jay has built and sustained retail brands by staying close to the customer, mastering operational details, and executing decisive pivots when necessary. His approach reflects a conviction that retail leaders must constantly evolve, remain optimistic and understand which technologies and innovations will stand the test of time.
His approach reflects a conviction that retail leaders must constantly evolve, remain optimistic and understand which technologies and innovations will stand the test of time.
One of the clearest demonstrations of this vision occurred when Schottenstein stepped in to lead AEO in 1992, ultimately reinventing the American Eagle brand’s merchandising strategy and defining a clear path forward. Within six months of his leadership, profitability soared for the casual and accessible lifestyle brand that has been embraced by generations of youth for decades.
That pivot ignited a multi-decade transformation and became a turning point that defined Jay’s career: identifying a brand’s potential and having the grit to bring it to life. Today, AEO is a more than $5 billion multi-brand powerhouse whose portfolio includes American Eagle, Aerie, OFFLINE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
In addition to brand building, Schottenstein has a sharp eye for identifying the talent required to propel a business forward, operating under the philosophy that to be a great leader you must attract the right people. He understands that success requires high-powered teams that support and challenge one another. The people he looks for are more than talented; they also bring genuine passion to their work and have the ability to attract other high-caliber individuals, creating a cycle of growth and excellence.
Ultimately, Jay recognizes that lasting success requires continuous evolution, especially as technology and consumer behaviors shift. As his corporate footprint expanded, so did his commitment to philanthropy, guided by a deeply held belief that you are remembered for the good you do. Jay Schottenstein’s legacy is visible not just in a single company–it is woven throughout the enduring brands, high-performing teams, and vibrant communities he continues to build.
Titles and companies are as of the award date
“Our purpose, being here for you on the journey of being and becoming who you are, has guided us every step of the way.”
“As an ambitious, big-dreaming newcomer to the fashion scene in 1985, fueled by passion and conviction, I was embraced by the North American retail community, who took a chance on my vision.”
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“Our industry can impact kids’ lives. I challenge you to find ways—through education, sports, and the arts. Giving kids their first job helps them not only survive, but thrive.”
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“The people we serve are at the heart of everything we do. I am grateful for NRF’s recognition of our team’s outstanding commitment to our customers and communities.”
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"Target’s 350,000 team members are putting our purpose and values, our unique business strengths, and our size and scale to work for all families."
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"I’ve experienced the power of having a bold vision, one that galvanizes an organization, carries you through rough patches, and propels you to extraordinary success."
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"A vision without action is nothing. When I arrived at Levi Strauss, my vision was to return the brand to the iconic stature I remembered as a kid."
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“We embrace change and try to stay ahead of where our customers’ aspirations are going. I’m proud to be part of that, and part of the retail industry and what we do.”
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"Every day, I challenge myself to listen to the consumer as the north star, to experiment relentlessly, and to foster creative thinking and partnerships that put the consumer at the center."
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