Tariffs and inflation slow retail outlook for 2025
Retail sales are expected to grow at a slower pace in 2025, with projections ranging from 2.7% to 3.7%, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). While a strong labor…
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House approves packaging recycling bill, rejects environmental crimes bill
Photo by Washington State Standard This week, the House Appropriations Committee approved SB 5284, which establishes extended producer responsibility for product packaging. The bill now heads to the full House…
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Expanded military definition in unemployment rule now includes Space Force
The Employment Security Department has adopted a final rule amending WAC 192-150-110, which outlines eligibility for unemployment benefits due to mandatory military transfers. The revision ensures that individuals who leave…
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WR advances Right to Appraisal proposal for collision repair members
Image credit: TVW WR successfully helped advance SB 5721, a long-awaited Right to Appraisal proposal, on behalf of its collision repair members, many of whom are small, family-operated businesses with…
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Spring savings in full bloom
Spring is here, and top retailers are rolling out deals to help customers refresh their homes, inside and out. The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Target are leading the way with…
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Apparel retailers grapple with higher-than-expected tariffs
The tariffs announced April 2 are steeper and broader than expected and affect almost every apparel and footwear retailer. Nearly all manufacturing is abroad, mostly in Asia, according to Wells Fargo analysts led…
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WR urges caution on Paid Leave rate cap increase
The Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program was established through a landmark compromise among business, labor, and policymakers. Two core principles were embedded in statute (RCW 50A.05.030(6)(b)(ii)): ensuring fund…
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