Retail industry pioneers in the US, National Retail Federation and Retail Industry Leaders Association, have announced that they are going to merge to strengthen the voice against stiff policies.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the National Retail Federation (NRF), two of the biggest trade groups of the retail sector in the US, have announced to merge into a single trade association, which collectively accounts for the workforce of millions in the industry so as to raise voice against the issues concerning labor laws and tax policies, as reported by washingtonpost.
The two trade groups represent some of the major retail chains in the US; Lowe’s and Macy’s as well as Wal-Mart are some of their elite members. With headquarters located in the District, NRF employs over 100 workers. Presently, it has approx. 2,500 members, including national chains, restaurants, online retailers, and mom-and-pop shops. On the other hand, RILA counts over 200 members comprising of 60 large scale chains, retail suppliers, and service providers. This Arlington-based group has a workforce of nearly 30 people.
The merger has been announced at a time when retailers are struggling with stiff legislations and regulatory issues in Washington as well as the economic recession, shifts in consumers’ online and in-store spending and the immense need of investment in new and latest technology.
In a joint statement, the officials of both the organizations stated, “This is an historic time for our industry. The challenges and opportunities before our members are unprecedented. Now is the right time to bring these associations together.”
Both NRF and RILA are actively planning and advocating transportation policy, collaborating with other organizations for encouraging the interest of their members in issues related to aviation and maritime security as well as infrastructure and highway expenditure.
Moreover, according to NRF and RILA, the planned merger will result in one-stop policy shop for business organizations and retail associations in state capitals throughout the US. Additionally, the workforce of both the retailing giants will be combined.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Keeping in view the present economic scenario in the US and the rising regulatory and tax issues, it has become increasingly important for the retail industry to strongly raise its voice. Now with the announcement of the merger of NRF and RILA, the issues may be addressed more efficiently.”
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