WR outlines 2026 legislative priorities
As the 2026 session approaches, WR has set a focused legislative agenda to support a competitive retail climate in Washington state. Priorities span […]
Washington Retail launches upgraded website and membership guide
The Washington Retail Association has launched an upgraded website designed to make it easier for retailers to access the information and resources […]
Washington retailers invited to review AI Task Force report
Association members are invited to review the Interim Report from the Washington State Attorney General’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force, where WR is […]
Record number of shoppers visit stores and websites over Black Friday weekend
The Black Friday weekend drew a record of 203 million shoppers, according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics. The five-day period from […]
Washington thermal paper rules take effect in new year
Retailers and manufacturers should be aware of upcoming changes to Washington State regulations regarding thermal paper. Beginning January 1, 2026, the use of bisphenols […]
Fighting organized retail crime with banks and investigators
Organized retail crime is no longer petty theft. Coordinated networks steal high-value goods and resell them online or in stores, generating millions in illicit […]
Retailers flag concerns over waste tire management as fee rises to $5 per tire
With the waste tire fee set to increase from $1 to $5 per tire in January 2026, tire retailers across Washington are […]
Tacoma minimum wage proposal will not appear on February special election ballot
Tacoma residents will not vote on a proposed increase of the city’s minimum wage to $20 per hour in the February 2026 […]
Department of Ecology adopts new safer products rule
The Washington State Department of Ecology has filed a rule adoption under Chapter 173-337 WAC regarding safer products restrictions and reporting, focusing on the latest cycle […]
Bellevue police ramp up efforts to prevent retail theft during holidays
As the holiday shopping season begins, Bellevue police are working closely with local retailers to combat shoplifting and organized retail theft. The […]
Retailers urge passage of anti-theft legislation before year-end
As 2025 draws to a close, major retail groups are urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. The Retail Industry […]
Quarter 1 2026 sales tax update
The Washington State Department of Revenue has released its sales tax updates for the first quarter of 2026. New rates and tools are […]