King County increases focus on repeat retail theft cases
King County prosecutors are filing more retail theft cases as part of a renewed effort to address repeat offenders who target the […]
Plastic bag bans: Unintended consequences on sustainability
Reducing waste is a shared goal for retailers and communities alike. Members of the American Retailers’ Plastic Bag Alliance (ARPBA) have invested hundreds of […]
Retail theft underscores challenges for specialty retailers
A recent break in at a specialty retail store in Everett underscores ongoing concerns about retail theft affecting businesses locally and across […]
Lunar New Year commerce trends and implications for retailers
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) has evolved into one of the most influential commercial periods worldwide, shaping consumer behavior well beyond its cultural […]
Valentine’s Day retail trends to watch in 2026
Valentine’s Day remains a major moment for retailers in 2026, with U.S. consumer spending projected at $27.5 billion and average spending nearing $190. While the holiday continues to […]
Holiday spending ends 2025 on strong note
New retail sales data indicates a solid finish to the 2025 holiday season, with consumer spending meeting the upper end of national forecasts. According to the CNBC […]
Spokane Valley man sentenced to nearly five years for organized retail theft
A Spokane Valley man with an extensive criminal history has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison following convictions for organized retail theft. The case […]
Organized retail theft case highlights enforcement and property crime trends
A photo of David Gama during a shoplifting incident at an Ulta Beauty store. (Courtesy King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office) King County prosecutors […]
Seahawks championship win drives surge for local retailers
Seattle’s NFC Championship victory is creating immediate economic ripple effects for local retailers, highlighting how major sports moments can translate into rapid […]
Retail federation urges action on credit card competition legislation
The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently renewed its call for Congress to advance the Credit Card Competition Act following its reintroduction in both chambers. […]
Alarm is sounding on WA’s social insurance programs. Olympia must act
At the Employment Security Department in Olympia, the paid family and medical leave program has seen astounding growth in less than six […]
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 […]