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Our Focus
The retail industry is a window into the American workforce. As the nation’s largest private sector employer, retail supports more than 52 million American jobs throughout our diverse ecosystem. Retail workers represent all types of people, in all types of roles, experience, education, and skills, in all phases of their lives. Retail is for everyone; it is the place for a first job, a second chance, a third act, or a side hustle – the retail workforce is truly representative of the American workforce.
Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
RILA is devoted to ensuring retailers have access to the tools, research, and benchmarking to improve policies around D&I.
Retail Opportunities
RILA recently surveyed our members to learn more about the opportunities for work and career advancement that exist in retail.
Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act)
PRO Act is a return to antiquated thinking about work. Retailers are advocating for a modern policy fostering innovation & preserving employee rights.
Growing the 21st Century Retail Workforce
RILA advocates for forward-thinking workplace policies at the state and federal level that reflect the needs of a large and diverse workforce.
Employing and Supporting DACA Beneficiaries
RILA is an unwavering support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and continues to advocate for a permanent solution.
Preserving Existing Benefits and Creating New Opportunities
RILA members are at the forefront of developing new innovative approaches designed to encourage preventative health, improve outcomes, and lower cost.
Retail is for Everyone
The retail industry prides itself on providing opportunities to people from all walks of life, at any stage in their career -#retailis4Everyone.
Retail Talent Pipeline
Explore activities that allow RILA members to connect to a diverse, skilled and innovative workforce.
Workforce Committees
Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, providing opportunity for all. RILA advocates for sound policies that support diversity, flexibility, upward mobility, and the power to choose one’s own path.
View All CommitteesUpcoming Meetings
RILA Virtual Workforce Summit: Summer 2021
- Jul 21, 2021
- Virtual
Retail Speaks: 7 Imperatives for the Industry
After a year like no other, the US retail industry faces a still-uncertain future. Our latest research highlights seven imperatives that will position retailers for success regardless of what is next.
Download ReportRetail CEO Policy Summit 2021
- Jul 14 - Jul 15, 2021
- Washington, DC
The Retail CEO Forum is the once-yearly, invitation-only event for CEOs from the most recognized retail brands in the industry.
Go to EventRetail Works for All: 2021 Public Policy Priorities
Leading in the Community
Retail is more than a store; we are an integral part of the fabric of our communities.
Read MoreInvesting in People
Retail is for everyone; the place for a first job, 2nd chance, third act, or a side hustle – the retail workforce represents the American workforce.
Read MoreBuilding Communities
Given challenges across the industry, RILA pursues coordinated legislation, to ensure retailers can continue to enhance communities.
Read MoreStrategic Initiatives that support performance, compliance and transform the industry
Latest Workforce Insights
Retailers Push Senate Judiciary Committee: Protect Dreamers
- By [Joe Williamson]
- 06/15/2021
Retailers Urge SCOTUS: Affirm National Arbitration Standard
- By [Deborah White]
- 06/14/2021
Retailers to Senate: Don't Play Games with Pay Equity
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 06/08/2021
ALERT: CA Lawmakers Take Aim at Distribution Center Jobs
- By [Patrick Brady]
- 06/02/2021
Washington State Expands Paid Family & Medical Leave
- By [Patrick Brady]
- 04/30/2021
OSHA Considering Emergency Temporary Standard
- By [Austen Jensen, Evan Armstrong]
- 04/29/2021