Retailers brace for rising tariffs as import volumes hold steady
Amid ongoing tariff uncertainty, U.S. ports are seeing strong import volumes, with projections indicating continued growth through spring before potential declines this […]
Downtown Seattle’s recovery gains momentum
Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Jon Scholes speaks at the organization’s annual State of Downtown event in Seattle on Tuesday. (Karen […]
From strain to crisis: Lawmakers consider crushing employment costs for retailers
Washington retailers have faced staggering payroll cost increases in recent years, and pending legislation threatens to make the financial strain unsustainable. Key […]
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addresses past arrest, cites racial profiling
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently spoke about a 1996 arrest in Iowa, which he says was the result of racial profiling. At […]
Washington State revenue forecast adjusted down by $844 million
The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) has revised its projections, estimating that Near General Fund Outlook (NGFO) revenues will be $844 […]
WR urges Senate to address root causes of rising workers disability rates
The Senate Labor Committee recently held a hearing on HB 1788, a bill that standardizes temporary total disability (TTD) payments for injured […]
Washington cracks down on organized retail crime amid rising theft cases
Alleged shoplifting suspect at Lowe’s in Lacey. Image courtesy of Lacey Police Department Law enforcement across Washington is intensifying efforts to combat […]
Senate passes unemployment benefits for striking workers
The Washington State Senate has approved SB 5041, a bill that threatens the integrity of our unemployment insurance system by granting benefits […]
Bad for business: A look at bills that missed the mark in Washington State
While every legislative session brings new proposals aimed at addressing social and economic issues, not all bills are well-crafted, properly stakeholdered, or […]
Potential Medicaid cuts could push Washington lawmakers into special session
Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could significantly impact Washington state’s budget, potentially forcing lawmakers into a special session. The Republican-led U.S. House recently […]
Economic uncertainty looms as inflation data awaits
This week, all eyes are on the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which will reveal whether inflation continues its upward trend […]
Washington Retail Association Board of Directors convenes in Olympia – February 13, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson with WR staff and board members. The Washington Retail Association (WR) held its Winter Legislative Board of Directors meeting […]