About Us 

WHAT IS RILA?

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is best defined by the companies we represent: America’s leading retailers.

RILA proudly counts nine of the top 10 U.S. retailers as members. RILA members also hold the top spot among key retail segments including: apparel, consumer electronics, department stores, home improvement, large format and small format, demonstrating that RILA is truly the association for ‘retail leaders.’ In fact, no trade association represents more top retailers than RILA.

The highly sophisticated companies among RILA’s members are experts at reading and responding to consumer demands, and the retail executives that lead these companies join RILA to collaborate with their peers to seek excellence within their own enterprise and pursue positive changes for the industry at-large.

As the retail industry’s advocate in Washington, RILA is a trusted source dedicated to telling the retail industry’s story and informing lawmakers of the impact and consequences of the decisions they make. On the retail operations side, RILA provides a forum where members can conduct discussions aimed at understanding common operational practices, areas of concern, and pragmatic solutions to problems. And our educational events are second to none.

RILA is structured to focus on five core areas where retailers can collaborate to make a difference.

• Supply Chain
• Asset Protection
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Enterprise Issues (Sustainability, Privacy)

Unlike other trade associations, RILA has continued to grow in recent years despite a troubled economy. We attribute this success to our three core principles:

• We are Member Driven: Our board drives the organization, and senior executives on our councils and committees help set our priorities;
• Service is our Culture: Serving our members is our primary focus; and
• Educate. Innovate. Advocate. : We give equal emphasis to public policy, retail operations and education.

This focus and dedication to member service has been the keystone of our success and will continue to be our driving force.