NEWS RELEASE

OLYMPIA, WA – June 3, 2020 – Washington Retail Association President & CEO Renée Sunde issues the following statement:

Washington Retail, with its diverse membership serving communities across the state, is shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless actions that led to the death of George Floyd just one week ago.

Just as important, we share the frustration of many protestors that African Americans and other people of color suffer from indignities and fear of violence throughout their lives. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We each have a responsibility to work to make Washington State a more just place for everyone who lives and works here.

Regrettably, many of our association members were heavily impacted by the violence and property damage by looters who have stolen public attention away from the true spirit of the thousands of Washingtonians who participated in peaceful protests this past weekend. Much of this looting was done by organized criminal groups that moved from city to city and targeted specific high-value goods, including jewelry, clothing, and prescription drugs. Sadly, this looting and property damage has impacted thousands of retail workers, delaying their return to work as pandemic restrictions are eased following months of closure.

Washington Retail is now focused on healing and rebuilding fragile confidence. We will not lose sight of the real message. We are fully committed to justice and will work for equality and a future of hope for all who live and work in our state.