New Jersey retailers, big and small, have some powerful and inspiring success stories, and the National Retail Federation wants everyone to hear them.

A handful of businesses in the Garden State are featured in NRF's Retail Across America video series.

Film crews visited with each of the retailers over the past couple months to capture the unique tactics and characteristics that have kept them afloat for years.

Debbie Schaeffer runs the show at Mrs. G TV & Appliances in Lawrence, one of six businesses featured in the video series.

She's the third woman, as part of the third generation, to own the shop on Route 1.

According to Schaeffer, the key to staying in business for 81 years is reinvesting in the store and technology, and having a passion and love for the work.

"We have 25 employees and we treat them like family," Schaeffer said.

Also included is Second Life Bikes in Asbury Park, a repair and retail business that gives teenagers a chance to earn a bike through working at the shop, along with the Princeton Record Exchange, rated by Rolling Stone magazine among the best record stores in the country. The series also chatted with the large chains Toys "R" Us and Burlington Stores.

According to NRF, retail in New Jersey supports more than 1.1 million jobs and contributes more than $76 billion to the state economy.

"I hate to say that retail is a little bit underappreciated, but I think in that sense, it is to some degree," said John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association.

New Jersey is the second state to be featured in NRF's campaign in 2016. Eighteen states have gotten the spotlight since 2014.

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM