Membership
Empower Your Business and the Industry
Become a Washington Retail Association Member
WR is the leading voice of retail in Washington State, uniting retailers of every size and sector, from local small businesses to national brands, to protect, strengthen, and advance the industry we all rely on.
Founded in 1987, WR has grown into one of the most influential and respected voices for retail in Washington and across the nation. headquartered in Olympia, WR leverages deep policy expertise, trusted relationships, and decades of advocacy experience to shape legislation and drive meaningful outcomes for retailers of all sizes.
The Retail Advantage
A Membership That Works for You
Government Relations & Advocacy
Gain representation at every level of government. WR monitors hundreds of bills annually, provides legislative updates, and ensures retailers’ voices are heard before policies take effect.
Research, Insights & Education
Access data-driven reports, workshops, and briefings to stay informed on emerging issues like AI policy, workforce development, and organized retail crime.
Coalitions & Partnerships
Collaborate with peers, agencies, and national organizations to address shared priorities such as public safety, retail workforce advancement, and fair regulation.
Compliance & Risk Support
Receive guidance on evolving employment laws, participate in WR’s Retro Safety Program, and explore benefits like group 401(k) retirement plans.
Events & Networking
Join exclusive WR events like the Retail Legislative Reception and Advocacy Days to connect directly with policymakers and industry leaders.
Measurable results from collective advocacy
Advocacy in Action
WR’s results speak for themselves. From securing $100 million in public safety funding to shaping AI legislation and protecting retailers’ rights on employment and consumer choice, WR turns advocacy into action. Members benefit from real results that protect their bottom line and strengthen Washington’s retail economy.
Effective advocacy starts with knowing your legislators. Use this tool to find your state representatives and senators by district, then connect with them on issues impacting your business. WR makes it easy to engage with the lawmakers who shape Washington’s retail environment.
Organized Retail Crime Task Force Funding
WR has collaborated with the Attorney General for more than a year to establish the Washington State Organized Retail Crime Task Force. WR has played an active role in the three task force meetings—each drawing over 100 participants. Renée Sunde, President & CEO of WR, and AG Bob Ferguson have joined forces to address the top priority issue of public safety and retail crime at several Chambers of Commerce throughout Washington.
In addition, WR has been diligently advocating for the allocation of funds to the task force. With full funding, the AG will have the means to create an internal unit to provide the necessary resources to hire investigators, data analysts, and prosecutors to target major ORC crime rings. As a result of these efforts, the task force has been granted $2.265 million in funding as part of the final budget, which will greatly benefit retailers throughout the state.
SB 5286 – Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
WR worked with a strong coalition to navigate and work to pass this bill which adjusts the first program of its kind in the nation. The legislation modifies the premium calculation formula for the PFML program, ensuring employers and employees share the cost of premiums instead of the burden falling solely on employers as had been carefully negotiated.
HB 1656 – Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefit Appeals
This bill streamlines UI benefit appeals when there is no challenge to eligibility. It eliminates provisions stating that during a UI appeal, all issues related to a claimant’s eligibility for waiting period credit or UI benefits are considered, regardless of the reasons in the notice of appeal. It also eliminates the claimant’s work availability from being assessed independently from other matters. This will help small business employers, in particular, that are forced to lay off employees that need to receive UI benefits in a timely manner. It will also simplify for the employer the once complicated and time-consuming task of benefit appeals.
Real Outcomes For Washington Retailers
What Our Members Are Saying
“North 40 Outfitters has found WR to be a trusted and essential partner for navigating the challenges of doing business in Washington. WR provides timely legislative updates, quick policy support, and helps businesses build consensus and strategies for a stronger business environment. Through its retrospective rating program, we’ve emphasized workplace safety, saved on workers’ comp premiums, and even earned refunds—making our membership a win for our company, employees, customers, and communities.”
Curtis Wike
“As a small business owner, I truly value how dedicated WR is to stand up for retailers of every size across Washington. They monitor both local and state issues, engage directly with legislators, and make sure small business voices are heard. Their proactive approach, clear communication, and practical guidance help create a fair business environment where retailers like mine can thrive.”
Ruthann Goularte
“As someone who represents hundreds of retailers through Brookfield Properties at Alderwood and Westlake Center, I see every day how vital it is to have a strong, unified voice in Olympia. Washington Retail has been that voice—bringing together businesses of all sizes to tackle challenges like organized retail crime, public safety, and the policies that impact our ability to operate. What I value most is WR’s collaborative approach: they listen, engage directly with decision-makers, and ensure retailers are part of the solution. Their work helps keep Washington a place where retail can grow and thrive”
