Championing Retail. Driving Results.
Advocating for Policies that Power Retail Success.
Featured Updates
Farewell message: Looking back with gratitude, and ahead with optimism
Farewell to President & CEO Renée Sunde
The Voice of Retail
Washington Retail by the Numbers
As the leading voice of retail in Washington State, the Washington Retail Association unites retailers of every size and sector — from local small businesses to national and global brands — to protect, strengthen, and advance the industry we all rely on.
We are relentless advocates at every level of government, driving policy, shaping legislation, and defending the interests of our members. Beyond advocacy, we deliver real value through trusted programs, strategic insights, and essential resources that empower retailers to thrive in a fast-moving market.
Together, we are shaping the future of retail in Washington.
Economic Contributions
$ 0 B
Total taxable retail income in Washington
Jobs Created
0 K
Retail jobs supporting Washington's economy
Sales Tax Revenue
0 %
Percentage of state sales tax generated by retail
Member Storefronts
0 +
Diverse retail businesses representing Washington's economic landscape
Our Top 2026 Legislative Priorities
Championing Retail Interests at Every Level
WR advocates on hundreds of retail-impacting bills each legislative session. Here are the three most critical issues we’re tackling to protect and strengthen your business.
Taxation & Revenue
Despite record tax collections over the past decade, the state’s unchecked spending growth has resulted in new and expanded taxes, culminating in the $9 billion tax package passed in 2025, which disproportionately impacted retailers. The issue lies not in revenue, but in spending priorities and fiscal discipline.
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Public Safety, Retail Theft, & Organized Retail Crime
Washington continues to experience one of the highest rates of retail theft and organized retail crime (ORC) in the nation. These crimes threaten public safety, jobs, and community stability. WR remains committed to a comprehensive, collaborative approach to address these challenges through prevention, enforcement, and accountability.
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AI, Data Privacy, & Technology
As artificial intelligence, data privacy, and emerging technologies continue to evolve, policymakers are increasingly focused on oversight, accountability, and appropriate use. While preventing misuse and overreach at both the state and federal levels is important, regulation must remain proportionate and practical—protecting consumers and workers without stifling innovation or the low-risk retail applications that improve efficiency, security, and customer experience.
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Consumer Protection
etailers share lawmakers’ goals of protecting consumers and promoting trust. However, overly prescriptive or duplicative regulations can drive up costs, limit product availability, and confuse consumers rather than protect them. Effective consumer protection should strike the right balance between transparency, flexibility, and operational practicality.
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Fair Enforcement & Regulation
The legislature’s continued reliance on private rights of action (PRAs) to offset fiscal note costs coupled with vague, inconsistent laws increase litigation risk for employers. These provisions often enable opportunistic lawsuits that exploit businesses rather than protect consumers or workers.
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Employment Law, Labor, & Workforce
Washington’s complex and evolving labor laws continue to increase employer costs and administrative burdens. The state’s high minimum wage, expansive regulatory activity, and growing use of private rights of action (PRAs) contribute to uncertainty and legal risk. Rising long-term disability costs within one of the nation’s most expensive workers’ compensation systems threaten its long-term sustainability.
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Environment & Sustainability
Environmental mandates should balance progress with efficacy and practicality to avoid imposing redundant or punitive costs on businesses already committed to sustainability. Retailers play an essential role in advancing environmental responsibility through supply-chain innovation, packaging reform, and consumer education.
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Licensing, Fees, & Payment Costs
The 2025 legislative session revealed a growing trend of using licenses and fees to generate revenue. Retailers also face an expanding patchwork of state and local licensing requirements that increase costs and administrative complexity, making it harder to operate across multiple jurisdictions. In addition, rising interchange and transaction processing fees continue to burden retailers and drive-up consumer costs, often with little transparency or justification.
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Retail's Impact on Washington
Retail Trends Shaping Washington's Economic Landscape
From small independent shops to regional chains, Washington’s retail industry drives economic growth and supports communities statewide.
These figures demonstrate retail’s vital role in our state’s prosperity and why strong advocacy matters for your business.
One in Four Jobs
0 %
of jobs are supported by the retail industry.
#2 Largest Private Sector Employer
# 0
private-sector employer in Washington State is Retail.
Brick-and-Mortar Strength
0 %
of retail sales occur in physical stores
Our Approach
Transforming Retail Challenges into Strategic Opportunities
News
Stay informed with up-to-date news and analysis on legislation, policy changes, and industry trends affecting retailers across Washington State. Our weekly updates keep you ahead of issues impacting your business.
Advocacy
Retailers of all sizes recognize the value of combining resources and ideas to achieve goals no single business could accomplish alone. Your membership strengthens our collective voice with lawmakers at every level of government.
Initiatives
As issues evolve, WRA goes beyond core advocacy with targeted initiatives addressing organized retail crime, workforce development, public safety, and emerging challenges facing our industry.
Retail Services
Companies enrolled in the Group Retrospective Rating Program can earn back a portion of their workers’ compensation premiums through aggressive claims management and robust safety programs. Lower your costs while protecting your workforce.
Association News
Inside Washington Retail
Retail Trends Shaping Washington's Economic Landscape
From small independent shops to regional chains, Washington’s retail industry drives economic growth and supports communities statewide. These figures demonstrate retail’s vital role in our state’s prosperity and why strong advocacy matters for your business.
Washington Minimum Wage Rises to $17.13 in 2026
2.8% increase affects hourly workers and overtime-exempt salary thresholds
WRA Local Government PAC Endorses Pro-Retail Candidates
Six leaders committed to safe communities and business-friendly policies
Guest Opinion: Unintended Consequences of Olympia's Prop 1
Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier examines economic risks