Washington Retail Association

Stay informed! WR is tracking key legislation that impacts retailers, from data privacy to public safety. See our latest hot list and where we stand on these important bills. ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/grhn2e3s

A proposed $2 tax on smart devices over $250 may sound small, but it puts an unfair burden on retailers and consumers. WR and industry leaders are pushing back—digital equity should be funded through the state budget, not new taxes. https://lnkd.in/gk4NbGeK

Washington state is staring down a massive budget shortfall - anywhere from $6.7 billion to over $16 billion - after years of record spending. With state spending up 114% in the past decade, the debate is heating up: should lawmakers introduce new taxes or rein in spending? https://lnkd.in/gdMvG4_a

Amazon’s return-to-office mandate is bringing new energy to downtown Seattle! ??♂?? Foot traffic in key neighborhoods surged 22% last month, with coffee shops and lunch spots buzzing once again. https://lnkd.in/gWNxCPV2

Washington Retail Board Meets in Olympia with Governor Ferguson & AG Brown The Washington Retail Association Board gathered in Olympia on Feb. 13 for its Winter Legislative Meeting, featuring key discussions on financial health, public safety, and retail policy. Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown addressed the board, highlighting top priorities, including tackling organized retail crime and addressing Washington’s budget shortfall. The day concluded with a successful Legislative Reception, bringing together retail leaders and lawmakers to strengthen partnerships. https://lnkd.in/ggtc99JB

Fighting Organized Retail Crime (ORC) with strong partnerships! The new Best Practices for Combating ORC report from Challenge Seattle, in collaboration with WR and law enforcement, outlines actionable strategies to tackle this growing issue. From real-time info sharing to prioritizing prosecution, this report highlights key steps to protect businesses and communities. https://lnkd.in/gKcC7Wy7

Seattle City Council has voted to lift restrictions on the use of “less lethal” weapons like pepper spray and tear gas, allowing police to deploy them under specific circumstances. This move ends 12 years of federal oversight and aligns with new guidelines for crowd control. https://lnkd.in/gAWwwbM3

Washington’s Fair Chance Act could see big changes under HB 1747, impacting how employers consider criminal history in hiring decisions. With new restrictions and penalties, small businesses may face increased legal risks. WR calls for a balanced approach that supports both employers and justice-impacted individuals. https://lnkd.in/g-YNEJs9

???? Organized retail crime is on the rise, and HB 1276 aims to crack down with tougher penalties for high-dollar offenders. Retailers, law enforcement, and lawmakers agree stronger consequences are needed to combat these dangerous crime rings. https://lnkd.in/gQyvsyVa

?? Action Needed: HB 1671 Threatens Washington Retail! A bill that could cripple Washington’s retail industry is moving fast. HB 1671 would impose massive compliance costs, vague regulations, and open the floodgates to lawsuits, harming businesses, jobs, and consumer benefits like loyalty programs. ?? Executive action is scheduled for THIS FRIDAY. We must act now to stop it! ?? Tell lawmakers to vote NO on HB 1671! https://lnkd.in/gPZiXPFs