Overview
When tariffs began disrupting businesses across the country, the National Retail Federation (NRF) recognized a critical gap. Real stories from real people were missing from the national conversation. To change that, they turned to StoryTap.
Tariffs can seem abstract in the headlines, but for small business owners, the impact is personal and immediate. NRF wanted to highlight these human stories, the ones behind the spreadsheets and supply chains. Make them impossible to ignore, giving them a platform to be heard.
NRF didn’t have time for organizing multiple interviews and production crews. The stories needed to be collected now, and StoryTap made that possible.
With StoryTap, NRF launched a video campaign focused on gathering authentic, unfiltered perspectives from small businesses affected by rising tariffs. Their goal? To build an ever-growing library of voices that could drive change, influence policymakers, and shape public understanding.
Fast Roll out, Real Results
Already familiar with StoryTap to collect video testimonials. NRF used the platform in another way, to hear the voice of the people. Within 24 hours, NRF used StoryTap to launch custom video prompts asking small business owners to share how tariffs were impacting their operations. Just days later, the first videos were collected, reviewed, and featured in a StoryTap-powered embed on their website.
This quick turnaround helped NRF turn up the volume on an issue that was affecting thousands and gave their community a direct way to be heard.
And they’re not done.
NRF continues to use StoryTap to gather stories in real time. The platform has become a living archive of firsthand accounts: raw, emotional, and deeply relevant. As the policy landscape evolves, these videos remain a vital tool for advocacy, press outreach, and public education.
With StoryTap, NRF didn’t just collect testimonials: they gave their audience a voice. Creating a campaign that’s ongoing, scalable, and deeply impactful. The content remains timely and newsworthy, making it a valuable asset for ongoing media efforts and lobbying.
“StoryTap has become a really essential tool for NRF and our advocacy approach in the way that we’re able to quickly bring in real life stories that retailers are experiencing on the ground and be able to quickly turn that around to then educate policymakers, and again, the national media on how different policies are affecting small businesses.”
-Megan Cruz, Vice President of Advocacy & Engagement, National Retail Federation
Use StoryTap to Power Your Mission
If you’re an organization or media outlet looking to spotlight real voices and inspire meaningful change, StoryTap gives you the tools to do it…and it’s fast. From advocacy to awareness, the right stories can make all the difference.
Create newsworthy content that drives public attention and change. With StoryTap, you can quickly collect and amplify the voices shaping the real story.
