Congressman Adam Smith (D-9) recently joined the WR Government Affairs team, Southcenter Mall representatives, and Macy’s management for an in-depth tour of Macy’s Southcenter location. The tour, Led by key Macy’s staff, including incoming WR Board of Directors Chair Opio Dupree (VP. Government & Public Affairs), focused on the pressing issue of organized retail crime (ORC).
During the visit, Congressman Smith gained firsthand insights into the impacts of ORC on local retailers and the proactive strategies being implemented to combat it. The tour highlighted the toll ORC takes on daily operations, employee safety, and customer experience. With ORC rising nationwide, collaboration between retailers and policymakers has become essential to addressing these threats to inventory and security.
WR asked Congressman Smith to consider co-sponsoring the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA, S. 140/H.R. 895). This bipartisan legislation would establish a federal Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center to enhance collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement for more effective responses to ORC networks. CORCA also includes updates to the U.S. criminal code to better address the realities of ORC. Congressman Smith’s support for this bill would play a vital role in fostering safer shopping environments and strengthening the resilience of Washington’s retail economy.
With backing from over 150 bipartisan co-sponsors, CORCA is a significant step toward protecting businesses and reducing the economic and social impacts of ORC on communities.
