Fighting organized retail crime with banks and investigators
Organized retail crime is no longer petty theft. Coordinated networks steal high-value goods and resell them online or in stores, generating millions in illicit […]
Retailers flag concerns over waste tire management as fee rises to $5 per tire
With the waste tire fee set to increase from $1 to $5 per tire in January 2026, tire retailers across Washington are […]
Tacoma minimum wage proposal will not appear on February special election ballot
Tacoma residents will not vote on a proposed increase of the city’s minimum wage to $20 per hour in the February 2026 […]
Department of Ecology adopts new safer products rule
The Washington State Department of Ecology has filed a rule adoption under Chapter 173-337 WAC regarding safer products restrictions and reporting, focusing on the latest cycle […]
Bellevue police ramp up efforts to prevent retail theft during holidays
As the holiday shopping season begins, Bellevue police are working closely with local retailers to combat shoplifting and organized retail theft. The […]
Retailers urge passage of anti-theft legislation before year-end
As 2025 draws to a close, major retail groups are urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. The Retail Industry […]
Quarter 1 2026 sales tax update
The Washington State Department of Revenue has released its sales tax updates for the first quarter of 2026. New rates and tools are […]
Weak hiring outlook raises concerns for year ahead
A new economic report from Moody’s Analytics places Washington among more than twenty states showing signs of recession or approaching one. The analysis highlights […]
Workers’ comp rates to rise in Washington
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced that the average cost of workers compensation insurance will increase in 2026. Beginning […]
Plastic bag fee increases in Washington beginning in 2026
Washington retailers and restaurants will see an adjustment to bag fees beginning January 1, 2026. Under state law, the minimum customer charge for plastic […]
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson names her transition team
Photo via Katie Wilson for Seattle Mayor As she prepares to take office on January 1, Mayor-elect Katie Wilson named a 60-person transition team to begin […]
AI driven Black Friday spending reaches new high
US shoppers set a new online spending record this Black Friday as artificial intelligence tools played a major role in how people discovered gifts […]