Rose Gundersen, WR VP of Operations & Retail Services and I met with several members of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce this week for the first in a series of Small Retailer Roundtable Listening Sessions.

The purpose was to hear from small retailers on what keeps them up at night. What are their big worries and concerns? What are the challenges that their businesses are faced with?

Comments from attendees varied and ran the gamut of issues. Top of mind was attracting and retaining talent or employees. In this competitive job market, it is a struggle for small retailers and other businesses to hire, train and retain staff. Comments included concerns over tariffs and the increased costs of goods brought in from other countries. How businesses adapt and embrace the everchanging, omnichannel shopping experience can mean the difference between success and failure.

We discussed the new destination-based sales tax laws and rules for internet and remote sellers pursuant to the “Wayfair” U.S. Supreme Court Ruling. The result is that states may have varying requirements on creating an economic nexus thus triggering sales tax collection and remittance.

The group also touched on consumer data privacy, employee scheduling, independent contractors, overtime salary thresholds for executives, managers and professionals, even the need of having a good bookkeeper.

The Edmonds Chamber Roundtable was a great kick-off to our Small Retailer Listening tour. Special thanks go to Greg Urban, President of the Edmonds Chamber for hosting the event.