NRF Color Codes Definition
NRF Color Codes are a standardized set of numeric codes, published by the National Retail Federation, that map named colors to fixed values for apparel and footwear. Where one partner writes "Navy" and another "Dark Blue," each maps to the same code, giving trading partners an unambiguous way to exchange color data.
Why do NRF color codes matter?
Color naming is where fashion variant data drifts most: shades multiply, marketing names vary by brand, and free text never matches cleanly across partners. Coding the color removes that ambiguity, so matching, filtering, and reporting hold up as data moves between supplier, retailer, and marketplace.
How do they work in a PIM?
In a PIM system, the NRF color code is held as a controlled value on the color attribute and mapped to each partner's own naming. When variants are syndicated, the system outputs the correct code per channel, keeping color consistent everywhere the product is listed.