Public Policy
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Overview
As the trade association for America’s most recognized and innovative brands, we are proud to be the voice for leading retailers in Washington. Our aim is to advance the industry, our employees, and our customers through education and public policy advocacy. Through collaboration and thought leadership, we advance ideas that foster free markets, competition, economic growth, and sustainability.
Why Public Policy Matters to Retail
Retail is vital to our economy. Whether it’s providing a first job or lifelong career, answering the call in the wake of disaster or giving back to the local community, retailers are the nation’s leading job creators and the economic backbone of communities across our nation.
Retail is also constantly evolving. Technological breakthroughs and advances in distribution are transforming the shopping experience, giving consumers unprecedented access to products, and services that were unthinkable a generation ago. As retail evolves, so must the laws and regulations that govern our economy.
Our Priorities
As retailers rise to meet the challenges of a dynamic economy, RILA will advocate for trade policies that allow for efficient and reliable supply chains; privacy and data protection laws that protect consumers; payment reforms that enhance competition and transparency; and workplace policies at the state and federal level that promote both flexibility and the preferences of our employees. On these and other priorities, we look forward to working with policymakers of both parties to help shape a dynamic and growing economy that allows retailers and the communities they serve to thrive.

Public Policy Agenda
RILA works with policymakers of both parties to help shape a dynamic and growing economy that allows retailers and communities they serve to thrive. View the 2020 Retail Public Policy Agenda to learn how RILA is advancing ideas that foster free markets, competition, economic growth,and sustainability.
View AgendaPublic Policy Issues

Retail Impact on Communities
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.
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Securing and Growing the Retail Supply Chain
RILA is engaged with Congress and Administration in voicing retailers’ concerns over negative impact tariffs have on the industry and consumer.
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Promoting Competition and Innovation
RILA is committed to competition throughout the retail ecosystem, pursuing policies that curtail anti-competitive behavior and promote growth.
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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.
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Enhancing the Customer Experience
RILA works with lawmakers to help shape policies that protect our customers, enhance the consumer experience, and keep consumers and employees safe.
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Ensuring Safe and Affordable Products
RILA is working with lawmakers to help shape policies that protect our customers and meet expectations on demands to act on environmental concerns.
Learn MorePublic Policy Committees
RILA engages policymakers at the federal and state level to advocate for policies on workforce, trade, tax, privacy, competition and other top priorities to allow retailers and the communities they serve in to thrive.
View All Committees- Communications Committee
- Public Policy Steering Committee
- Tax Advisory Council
- Diversity & Inclusion Leaders Council
- Government Affairs Committee
- International Trade Committee
- Payments Committee
- Retail Benefits Council
- Retail Labor and Employment Committee
- State Affairs Committee
- Tax Committee
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Retail Law Conference 2020
- Oct 20 - Oct 22, 2020
- Virtual
The 2020 Retail Law Conference is retail's premier gathering of in-house counsel, featuring excellent educational content on retail specific topics and outstanding networking opportunities.
Go to EventLatest Policy and Advocacy Insights

Retail Resources for Coronavirus

Dreamers Deserve Dignity, Clear Pathway to Citizenship
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 01/20/2021
Retailers Support Biden’s Actions on Masks, Vaccine Funding
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 01/20/2021

Kohl’s CEO Among Five Retail Leaders Added to RILA Board
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 01/19/2021
The Need for Bipartisan Immigration Reform
- By [Joe Williamson]
- 01/15/2021

Response to Ban on All Cotton Imports From XUAR
- By [Blake Harden]
- 01/13/2021
Over 200 Leaders Urge Against Vietnam Tariffs
- By [Blake Harden]
- 01/08/2021