Media throughout the state this week covered Governor Inslee’s latest round of business restrictions and shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

KIRO TV called on Washington Retail to share its reaction to the announcement.

President and CEO Renée Sunde shared her thoughts in a piece that aired on Tuesday evening. She explained the association had been discussing the need to increase in-store occupancy to prevent unintended consequences in retail open spaces and mall corridors. This would avoid forcing shoppers to risk breaking social distancing recommendations while queuing up outside stores as they wait to enter.

Instead, Inslee announced that stores would have to shift from operating at 30% capacity to 25% capacity for the next month. Retailers are concerned this, and other requirements that close indoor dining and theaters will hurt both retailers and shoppers during the holiday shopping season, the busiest time of year for most stores.