Swipe fees add $300 million to Halloween spending
Families shopping for costumes, candy, and decorations this Halloween will see a hidden cost in the form of credit card “swipe” fees. […]
LCB hosts feedback sessions on alcohol product placement rulemaking
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is seeking public input on its draft rules regarding retail alcohol product placement. Two […]
Seattle Mayor proposes sales tax increase for public safety initiatives
Mayor Bruce Harrell announces a proposed sales tax increase that would fund public safety priorities at a news conference at Fire Station […]
Layoffs reshape Seattle’s economy, threaten UI trust fund solvency
Three quarters into 2025, layoff announcements from Microsoft and Amazon are no longer headline news but a regular occurrence. Their impact now […]
Crystal Leatherman promoted to Director of Policy and Government Affairs
The Washington Retail Association (WR) is pleased to announce the promotion of Crystal Leatherman to Director of Policy and Government Affairs, effective […]
Washington State to tax advertising services starting October 1, 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, Washington businesses providing advertising services must collect retail sales tax and report income under the Retailing B&O tax […]
Department stores show signs of resilience
Department stores are adapting to changing consumer habits and showing renewed momentum. Macy’s and Kohl’s have both seen notable stock gains recently, […]
Washington Supreme Court clarifies salary posting requirement
The Washington Supreme Court recently issued a decision interpreting the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA), which requires employers with 15 […]
PNWER 2025 Annual Summit summary: Strengthening tourism and border collaboration
Left to right: Renée Sunde, WR President & CEO, and Representative Cindy Ryu (D-32). Last month, the 2025 Annual Summit brought together […]
The misperception of shrink and its impact on organized retail crime
It’s time to set the record straight — claims that ORC losses are inflated due to inventory shrink are inaccurate By: David […]
Report projects economic impacts from federal tariffs
A new analysis from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) projects that recently announced federal tariffs could cost Washington’s economy […]
Interim guidance issued for retail sales tax implementation
The Department of Revenue has released new interim guidance to assist with the implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which […]