Clothing & textile bills unlikely to advance this session
During the 2025 session, the legislature considered two bills focused on clothing and textiles. HB 1107, known as the “Fast Fashion” supply chain […]
New battery stewardship rule: Public meeting & comment opportunity
The Washington State Department of Ecology is developing the Battery Stewardship Program Rule (Chapter 173-905 WAC) to implement Chapter 70A.555 RCW, which […]
Washington lawmakers push for tougher penalties on organized retail theft
Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28, Pierce County) testifies on HB 1276 Washington state is taking a tougher stance against organized retail theft with […]
Retail roots, community impact: The Panowicz family’s legacy of giving
The Panowicz family is one of three recipients of the Thurston Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Leader Award. Anton and Madge Panowicz, founders […]
Addressing ORC and public safety with Senate Law & Justice Chair
WR Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, Mark Johnson and Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45, Redmond), Chair of the Law & […]
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 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 […]
Washingtonians struggle with rising grocery prices
A recent Washington State Food Security Survey reveals that grocery prices are taking a toll on households across the state. Conducted between […]
Organized retail crime ring busted in Puget Sound
Image of two suspects stealing items from a store in footage shared by police on Feb. 4, 2025. Credit: Renton Police Department […]
Proposed rulemaking mandates employer address updates; Public comment open
The Employment Security Department (ESD) has proposed a new rule requiring employers to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 […]
Retailers sound the alarm as concerning data privacy bill advances
Despite widespread opposition from retailers, small businesses, and industry groups, HB 1671 has advanced out of the House Technology, Economic Development, and […]
What’s in store for 2025
Last year, consumers once again demonstrated resilience, showing a willingness to spend despite economic challenges such as inflation and rising interest rates. […]