Washington Retail Association appoints Alesha Shemwell as Interim CEO
Seasoned industry leader and former WR Board Chair to guide organization through transitional period Olympia, WA — The Washington Retail Association (WR) announced […]
Farewell to President & CEO Renée Sunde
On December 10, the Washington Retail Association marked the close of an extraordinary chapter as President & CEO Renée Sunde officially retired […]
Farewell message: Looking back with gratitude, and ahead with optimism
As I prepare to step down after eight years leading Washington Retail, I’ve found myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve shared. It has been an […]
Washington Retail Board gathers in Bellevue; sets Legislative priorities for 2026 and honors CEO Renée Sunde
Washington Retail Association board members gathered in festive Bellevue for our Annual Meeting, an energizing mix of important business, legislative planning, and […]
Challenger Katie Wilson wins mayoral race by just over 2,000 votes
After trailing by about 8% on election night, Katie Wilson narrowed the margin in successive vote tallies until she pulled ahead of […]
Seattle voters overwhelmingly approve B&O tax reform
With just shy of 71% of the vote, a measure to shift the city’s business and occupancy tax (“B&O tax”) was approved […]
Seattle City Council approves public safety sales tax
The Seattle City Council has approved a 0.1 percent public safety sales tax by a vote of 8–1, a measure expected to […]
Olympia City Council raises B&O tax to address budget deficit
Following months of analysis and community input, the Olympia City Council provided staff with direction on October 14 to move forward with Business […]
Bellevue emerges as a growing tech and retail hub
Bellevue, Washington is experiencing rapid growth, attracting attention as a leading city for technology and commerce. Once a small agricultural town, Bellevue […]
Empower your business and the industry – become a Washington Retail Association member
Washington Retail Association has released The Retail Advantage, a membership guide now available that highlights how WR protects and advances retailers statewide. […]
WA lawmakers will join WR to attend NRF’s State Legislative Leadership Experience for the first time
WR and a group of Washington State legislators will attend the 2026 NRF State Legislative Leadership Experience, held during the National Retail […]
Time to “Re:” Think Your Marketing Emails: Washington’s Expansive Subject Line Ruling and Its Nationwide Implications
By Stephanie A. Sheridan, Meegan Brooks, and Kennedy Dicksonn November 13, 2025 In the six months since the Washington Supreme Court issued […]