Workforce
Retail Workforce

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, Equitable and Inclusive Workforce

RILA is devoted to ensuring retailers have access to the tools, research, and benchmarking to improve policies around DE&I.

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Retail Opportunities

RILA recently surveyed our members to learn more about the opportunities for work and career advancement that exist in retail.

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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.

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Upcoming Meetings

Labor Activity in Retail (2022)

Labor Activity in Retail (2022)

RILA and IRI Consultants 2022 report provides data around the rate and growth of labor activity in 2021 and outlines key strategies to help leading retailers address workforce challenges.

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Attract and Hire People for Who They Are (2022)

Attract and Hire People for Who They Are (2022)

Best practices and promising new models for hiring across the RILA membership and Talent Solutions’ retail clients.

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Labor Activity in Retail (2021)

Labor Activity in Retail (2021)

Latest data on union organizing and membership across the nation as well as four articles about timely labor and employee relations topics.

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Retail CEO Forum 2024

  • Jan 27 - Jan 30, 2024
  • Tucson, AZ

The Retail CEO Forum is the once-yearly, invitation-only event for CEOs from the most recognized retail brands in the industry.

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Retail Works for All: 2023 Public Policy Priorities

Leading in the Community

Retail is more than a store; we are an integral part of the fabric of our communities.

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Investing 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.

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Building Communities

Given challenges across the industry, RILA pursues coordinated legislation, to ensure retailers can continue to enhance communities.

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Strategic Initiatives that support performance, compliance and transform the industry

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