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 […]
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 […]
Retail theft case underscores continued need for coordinated prevention efforts
A recent case in western Washington highlights the growing importance of collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, and state partners to address organized […]
Retailers welcome agreement to reopen the federal government
Washington Retail Association applauds the bipartisan steps taken in Congress to approve a measure that reopens the federal government and restores essential […]
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 […]
Tariff update on agricultural imports
The federal government has announced new tariff exemptions for more than two hundred agricultural products. Items such as coffee, tea, tropical fruits, […]
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 […]
Boiler rules update under review
The Board of Boiler Rules and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries are reviewing potential updates to the state rules […]