Retail association outlines policy priorities

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) released this week its list of top policy priorities for 2018, as a means of continuing industry momentum gained last year.

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RILA officials said the 2018 Public Policy Agenda identifies key issue areas vital to helping retailers move America forward.

Officials said the priorities are to ensure robust competition throughout the retail industry, empower consumers and drive innovation, promote employee flexibility and mobility, and secure and grow the retail global value chain.

“The retail industry is the backbone of our nation’s economy, providing consumers with the goods and services they need, while also providing more than 42 million Americans with a job,” RILA President Sandy Kennedy said. “As we look towards the future, there is still much to be done. RILA will continue to work with Congress, the Administration and lawmakers nationwide to be the voice for retail in our nation’s capital and across the country.”

RILA officials said the organization would continue to work on behalf of members to support regulatory reform efforts promoting employee flexibility and enhanced consumer protection while leading the way in showcasing the benefits of investing in America’s infrastructure.

The RILA said members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically.