Previewing the 2026 legislative session: A critical year for retail
As Washington prepares for the 2026 legislative session, retailers can expect a fast-moving and consequential 60 days. Despite record revenues, state spending has […]
Proposed Immigrant Worker Protection Act: What employers should know
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown after a press conference to discuss the Immigrant Worker Protection Act in Olympia on Friday, December […]
Season’s Greetings from Washington Retail Association
As the year comes to a close, WR extends our sincere gratitude to our members, partners, and supporters across the state. Your […]
As Washington state ranks No. 1 in U.S. for retail theft, lawmaker pushes for reform
December 7, 2025 Simone Carter / The Olympian (TNS) Washington is the nation’s unfortunate leader when it comes to retail theft — […]
Port cargo slowdown expected to continue into 2026
A new Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates indicates that declining import volumes at major United States container ports […]
Seattle Council President Nelson introduces new ethics reform bill
City of Seattle Council President Sara Nelson has introduced Council Bill 121130, which would amend the City Ethics Code to limit the role of […]
Retail sales show steady holiday season momentum
New data from the CNBC and National Retail Federation Retail Monitor indicates that retail sales posted solid growth in November, signaling a steady start to […]
Redmond police disrupt multi-state retail theft operation
An image of the security video from the Guitar Center robbery. (Redmond PD) Redmond police recently arrested a 25-year-old man and a […]
Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act sell-through deadline set for Dec. 31, 2025
Washington retailers and distributors should prepare now for the sell-through deadline under the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). The law’s initial restrictions took effect Jan. 1, 2025, and […]
Walmart plans Christmas Day closure
Walmart will close all 4606 of its United States stores for a full day on December 25 as part of its annual […]
Upcoming inflation adjustment to workers’ compensation penalties
Washington state law requires periodic inflation adjustments to certain workers’ compensation penalties. A statute adopted in 2020 increased penalty amounts and established automatic updates every three years using […]
2025 election results certified by Secretary of State
On December 4, 2025, the Washington Secretary of State certified results from the 2025 special elections, including key contests for the Legislature […]