Investing in People

Retail is one of America’s largest employers, supporting more than 52 million jobs across a diverse workforce. RILA advocates for workforce policies that help retailers attract, develop, and retain talent while expanding opportunity for workers and strengthening communities.

Policy Priority Area

Investing in People and Strengthening the Retail Workforce

Retail is one of America’s largest employers, supporting millions of workers in communities across the country. Through the Retail Works for All of Us framework, RILA advances policies that help retailers attract, develop, and retain talent while expanding opportunity for workers and strengthening the communities they serve.

Building an Innovative Workforce

Retail leaders are investing in workforce innovation, collaboration, and inclusive policies that strengthen the retail workforce and support thriving communities.

21st Century Retail Workforce

Retail leaders are advancing policies that support workforce innovation, flexible employment models, and new opportunities for millions of Americans working across the retail industry.

Health Benefits & Opportunity

Retail leaders are innovating employee health benefits, promoting preventive care, and advocating for policies that strengthen employer-sponsored coverage and support working families.

DACA & H-1B Workforce Access

Retailers support immigration policies that allow DACA recipients to continue contributing to the workforce while ensuring businesses can access specialized talent through programs like H-1B visas.

Incident Preparedness and Response

Retailers play a critical role in helping communities prepare for and recover from emergencies by delivering essential goods, supporting relief efforts, and coordinating with government partners.

Retail Impact on Communities

Retailers strengthen communities through job creation, local investment, disaster response, and partnerships that support economic growth and neighborhood resilience.

Policy Leadership
Connect with Issue Area Experts

The retail industry needs workplace laws that allow retailers to invest in their people while maintaining the flexibility to react to ever-changing customer demands and expectations. RILA is working with stakeholders to rethink and redesign policies related to benefits, labor and professional development that will enhance the 21st Century Retail Workforce.

Evan Armstrong

SVP, Government Affairs - RILA

News & Insights
Retail Policy Insights & News

Blog Post

Investing in People

Investing in People and Strengthening the Retail Workforce

Building an Innovative Workforce

21st Century Retail Workforce

Health Benefits & Opportunity

DACA & H-1B Workforce Access

Incident Preparedness and Response

Retail Impact on Communities

Connect with Issue Area Experts

Jason Brewer

Evan Armstrong

Erin Hiatt

Khris Hamlin

Melissa Murdock

Ginger Gibson

Caroline Niery

Austin Gold

Retail Policy Insights & News

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Harnessing AI for Precision Forecasting in Retail

Supreme Court Rules Against Tariffs – What Comes Next

Join the Leaders Shaping the Future of Retail