We applaud the Governor and Legislature for approving SB 5061 to reduce skyrocketing unemployment insurance taxes brought on by record unemployment assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge action on…
Continue Reading
Washington Retail urges the Legislature to approve SB 5062 to protect the privacy of personal consumer information. The legislation should clearly spell out the responsibilities of retailers and companies who…
Continue Reading
Tax reductions, not increases, are what businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic need to hold on to hope of recovery. The Washington Research Council reports that the state budget has…
Continue Reading
Washington Retail is proud to be co-promoting the We Card education and training program on its 25th anniversary. Convenience stores, grocers and other retailers follow the program to train sales…
Continue Reading
As companies are struggling to rebound in Seattle after months of closure the Seattle City Council recently passed a jobs tax on employees making $150,000 or more. The state Legislature…
Continue Reading
In recovering from record-breaking unemployment claims caused by the coronavirus and improper payments for fraudulent claims, Employment Security should not charge employers through their unemployment taxes to recover funds. State…
Continue Reading
The City Council should defeat the latest in a series of failed corporate payroll tax proposals, the latest on Seattle employees making at least $150,000 a year. It is bad…
Continue Reading
The state Legislature and Governor should act quickly to reduce state spending in response to the projected $4.2 billion revenue shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Quick action now will…
Continue Reading
Roughly half of shoppers surveyed late last month said the coronavirus pandemic had changed the way they shop. Fifty-four percent said they switched to shopping online and picking up items…
Continue Reading
A National Retail Federation survey found that 94% of customers want retailers to show safety precautions including, in order of importance, employees wearing masks; social distancing being practiced; and regular…
Continue Reading
WR is monitoring for city curfews being implemented in response to protest activities around the state. This list is current as of 4:15pm/PST today: Auburn – Curfew in effect from 9pm-5am,…
Continue Reading
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,…
Continue Reading
The 2019 state Legislature passed 16 new tax laws, many of which Washington Retail opposed on grounds that they would hurt consumers and the overall state economy. Included in the…
Continue Reading
In the 2019 Legislative session, the Legislature considered but did not take final action on bills that would have mandated scheduling regulations on retailers across the state. The bills were…
Continue Reading
Washington Labor & Industries is proposing new rules regarding overtime pay eligibility. They would phase in, over six years, an increase in the salary threshold for determining exempt employee status…
Continue Reading
WR has proactively introduced legislation to help crack down on retail theft. Over $940 million in merchandise was stolen from retailers in the State of Washington last year. This means…
Continue Reading
Retail is connected to one in four jobs in the American workforce. Our team has collaborated with WorkSource in Washington State to promote their annual Retail Month. Retailers applaud Governor…
Continue Reading
In cooperation with the National Retail Federation, Washington Retail has urged President Trump and Congress to oppose increasing trade tariffs upon nations with whom we trade. This risks alienating our…
Continue Reading
These and other issues only pass or fail with the involvement and support or opposition from citizens like you. Weighing in is easier than ever and can be done in…
Continue Reading