Retailers Impact to Communities

In most communities, retailers play an obvious role: selling products customers want and need, when they want and need them. But as the trade association for America’s retail leaders, we know that retailers are so much more than a store; retailers are part of the community.  

For the high school student looking to earn their first paycheck, retailers offer flexible hours to accommodate study time. For towns bracing for and recovering from natural disasters, retailers often serve as crucial suppliers and first responders. For veterans and military service members, retailers offer support and opportunity.

Pandemic Response

From the onset of COVID-19, through the various phases of masking, testing, and vaccination efforts, retailers have served as community pillars, helping customers and employees navigate the challenges of the pandemic.  

Today, retailers remain committed to helping communities continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and all other public health viruses.  Communities can count on retail to do their part to keep employees and customers safe and healthy, following all guidelines set by health professionals.

Industry of Opportunity 

Recognizing their roles as pillars of the community and employers that help drive economic growth, retailers are making significant investments in young members of the community. By participating in events like collegiate hackathons and global retail challenges, retailers are engaging directly with future talent to outline the opportunities that exist in the retail industry and to help provide a path forward. 

Relief Efforts

With stores and associates in communities large and small throughout the U.S., retailers are uniquely positioned to play an important role in both disaster preparedness and recovery. From hurricane season to unexpected events, retailers are always ready to answer the call in the wake of disaster and ensure people have the support and resources they need to weather the storm. 

• Home Depot Foundation commits up to $1M to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian – WSBTV 
• Lowe’s hosts water distribution event in West Jackson – WJTV 
• Walgreens donating $1 million in aid to hurricane-impacted communities– Healthcare Finance 

In times of need, RILA works closely with our retail member companies, federal agencies, and local partners to help ensure employees and customers are out of harm’s way and that they have access to lifesaving supplies quickly and efficiently. 

Industry of Opportunity

Recognizing their roles as pillars of the community and employers that help drive economic growth, retailers are making significant investments in young members of the community. By participating in events like collegiate hackathons and global retail challenges, retailers are engaging directly with future talent to outline the opportunities that exist in the retail industry and to help provide a path forward. 

• Best Buy opens fifth Teen Tech Center in St. Paul – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 
• Gap expands entry-level program to help make staff more diverse – LA Times 
• Dollar General wants to attract – and keep – the best – Chain Store Age