The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. Executives participate in RILA for its unique educational forums, its effective public policy advocacy and its advancement of the industry. RILA's board of directors has focused its efforts on five specific areas:
Members include retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers. Together, RILA's members provide millions of jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad. RILA's membership figures are:
The Retail Industry Leaders Association’s mission is to promote consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) was established in 1969 as the Mass Retailing Institute, whose mission was to support the mass retail industry through research and education. Since then, the organization has expanded in many ways - from national, to international; from serving the mass retail industry, to serving the retail industry in the broadest sense; and from a singular focus on industry research and education to broad charter that includes an active government advocacy program, industry public relations, and numerous networking and relationship building opportunities and events. RILA has grown steadily over the years, and today supports more than 200 member companies representing more than $1.5 trillion in sales, and has an annual budget of almost $9 million.
1969 - Mass Retailing Institute incorporated1976 - Changed name to National Mass Retailing Institute (NMRI) 1986 - NMRI merged with Association of General Merchandise Chains (AGMC) 1988 - After merger, changed name to International Mass Retail Association (IMRA) 2004 - Changed name to Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
RILA believes strongly in competition. Our antitrust laws are the rules under which our competitive system operates. It is RILA's policy to comply with both the letter and the spirit of antitrust laws.
Association meetings or workshops by their very nature bring competitors together. Accordingly, it is necessary to avoid discussions of sensitive topics. Agreements to fix prices, allocate markets, engage in product boycotts and to refuse to deal with third parties are automatically illegal under the antitrust laws. It doesn’t matter what the reason for the agreement might be.
Accordingly, at any association meeting, discussions of prices (including elements of prices such as allowances and credit terms), quality ratings of suppliers, and discussions which may cause a competitor to cease purchasing from a particular supplier, or selling to a particular customer, should be avoided. Also, there should be no discussion that could be interpreted as dividing up of territories.
An antitrust violation does not require proof of a formal agreement. A discussion of a sensitive topic, such as price, followed by action by those involved or present at the discussion, is enough to show a price fixing conspiracy. As a result, those attending an association-sponsored meeting should remember the importance of avoiding not only unlawful activities, but also even the appearance of unlawful activity.
Violations of these rules can have serious consequences for a company and its employees. The Sherman Act is a criminal statute. Violations are felonies punishable by steep fines and imprisonment for individuals. Antitrust investigations and litigations are lengthy, complex, and disruptive.
If you have questions or concerns, please bring them to the attention of RILA staff, or consult your company’s general counsel.