Downtown Seattle continues to attract residents, visitors, and retailers
New data highlights the continued strength of downtown Seattle as a retail, dining, and entertainment destination. According to information compiled by the […]
Seattle growth slows sharply after years of expansion
Seattle’s long period of rapid population growth has slowed significantly, according to new estimates from the Washington Office of Financial Management. Between April 2025 […]
Washington Retail Association outreach to local Seattle chambers of commerce and businesses
On May 12, Washington Retail Association’s (WR) interim CEO Alesha Shemwell, Director of Policy & Government Affairs Crystal Leatherman, and John Engber, Director of […]
Washington Retail Association Announces Jan Himebaugh as New President and CEO
Himebaugh brings decades of experience in association leadership and legislative and public affairs in Olympia to the organization. OLYMPIA, Wash. (May 20, 2026) […]
WR remembers Senator Sam Hunt’s legacy of public service
WR is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Washington State legislator Sam Hunt. Senator Hunt dedicated decades of service to […]
ICSC Fly-In spotlights Washington’s retail impact
WA State Delegation – Chester Baldwin, Kenneth Katzaroff, Alesha Shemwell (WR Interim CEO), Christian Decker, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, Stephen Pohl, Jim Hill […]
WR Honors the Life and Service of Former Representative Eric Robertson
WR is deeply saddened by the passing of former State Representative Eric Robertson. Throughout his career in public service, as a legislator, […]
WR needs you: Lawmakers need to hear from retailers
With the legislative session behind us, WR is already focused on the interim and the work ahead. While lawmakers may have left Olympia, advocacy […]
Washington Governor vetoes $500K to combat ORC
Loss Prevention Magazine By: Courtney Wolfe April 6, 2026 Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is facing criticism after vetoing $500,000 in funding meant […]
Assistance available for December storm recovery
Washington residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations impacted by the December 2025 storms and flooding have several opportunities to apply for recovery assistance through state and federal […]
Mother’s Day spending projected to reach record $38 billion
Mother’s Day spending in the United States is expected to reach a record $38 billion this year, according to a National Retail Federation (NRF) […]
Washington CEMA litigation expands after court ruling
One year after the Washington Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Old Navy LLC, litigation under Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act has grown significantly. The […]