Initiatives
Targeted Programs Addressing Emerging Challenges
We take initiative
As issues demand and evolve, Washington Retail goes beyond its core mission with targeted initiatives to help the membership. Our involvement in Seattle politics gives retailers large and small a stronger voice with the City Council while our annual Careers in Retail promotion links job seekers with new and emerging career opportunities.
Retail Crime Jeopardizes The Safety Of Employees And Customers Alike.
Public Safety and Retail Theft
The Washington Retail Association (WR) is the largest statewide advocate for retailers
of all sectors and sizes. As Washington’s largest economic engine—collecting over 42%
of state tax revenue—retailers provide essential jobs, goods, and services that keep
communities strong.
Rising retail theft and organized retail crime (ORC) threaten that stability. These crimes
endanger employees, deter customers, and make it harder for stores to stay open.
When retailers must lock products, reduce hours, or close, communities lose access to
critical goods and services.
Retail Workforce Initiative to Advance JEDI Principles
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Principles
The Washington Retail Association embraces Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) as core principles that guide our advocacy, partnerships, and member services. These values reflect the reality of today’s retail workforce—where people of color represent 34% of employees and 75% of job seekers express a preference for diverse work environments.
Amplifying Retail's Voice At Seattle City Hall
Retail Coalition of Seattle
The Washington Retail Association has expanded its outreach with a new emphasis on Seattle politics and the debates and decisions of the City Council. The laws and regulations approved at City Hall not only affect hundreds of retailers across the city.
Recognizing Retail's Role As A Career Destination
Celebrating careers in Retail Month
Washington retailers have been working hard to bring careers to you.
Since 2017, Washington Governors have issued an annual proclamation calling attention to September as Careers in Retail Month. The month recognizes the start of the retail holiday hiring season and the industry’s significant impact on the state economy.
Retailers employ nearly 400,000 people across the state, paying $27 billion in annual wages. Nationally, retail is the 4th largest private employer of immigrants, and 34% of retail’s workforce are people of color.
