Retail spending shows uneven momentum across income levels
Retail sales exceeded expectations in 2025, remaining a bright spot in the broader economy. However, a closer look at consumer behavior shows that spending […]
Home Depot emphasizes brand authority and transparency in AI strategy
As artificial intelligence continues to shape how consumers search, shop, and interact with retailers, Home Depot is taking an active approach to […]
What we are tracking — WR Legislative Hot List
WR is closely monitoring the bills that have advanced through the legislative process. Each week, we’ll spotlight our weekly “hot list” key legislation that could […]
Washington Retail Association Board of Directors convenes in Olympia
WR held its Winter Legislative Board of Directors meeting on February 4, 2026, in Olympia, Washington. The full-day meeting brought together retail […]
Seattle Times Editorial: Fine-tune law to protect WA consumers from misleading emails
Feb. 2, 2026 By The Seattle Times editorial board For more than 25 years, Washingtonians have had consumer protection from, among other laws, […]
Senate committee advances SB 5965 to ban plastic carryout bags
The Senate Environment & Energy Committee advanced SB 5965 on Monday, adopting a substitute version that would fully ban plastic carryout bags in Washington. […]
Seattle economic growth shows signs of slowing
Recent reporting highlights signs that the Seattle region’s long period of rapid economic expansion may be easing. Economists at the Puget Sound Regional Council reported that […]
Why digital shelf labels strengthen accuracy, customer trust, and workforce skills
Digital Shelf Labels (DSLs) are a simple, modern replacement for paper shelf tags. They display prices set by the retailer and cannot […]
Amazon workforce reductions affect Washington state and Seattle tech sector
Amazon has announced another round of corporate workforce reductions that will affect nearly 2,200 employees in Washington state, according to a filing with the Washington Employment […]
Debate continues over proposed Washington millionaire tax
Image: The Olympian Washington lawmakers continue to debate a proposed tax on high earners after Gov. Bob Ferguson said he could not […]
Expansion of advertising taxes in HB 2257 / SB 6113
A major policy concern has emerged in the Department of Revenue (DOR) request bill, HB 2257 / SB 6113. DOR has described the measure as a technical […]
February 4 marked Legislature’s first cutoff for the 2026 session
Tuesday, February 4, marked the first major legislative cutoff of the 2026 session. By this date, most policy bills were required to be voted […]