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Our Focus
Disruption in retail is being accelerated by a wide range of existing innovations, from smart technologies and automation to new business models, such as renting and sharing. To survive and thrive in today’s retail environment, retail leaders have had to fully embrace RTech – the confluence of retail and technology – and make thoughtful decisions about the role of innovation within their company cultures. The retail innovation ecosystem, which includes RILA’s highly engaged RTech community, works strategically together to address critical retail industry needs.
Innovation
RILA educates policymakers on the challenges and opportunities that technologies and innovations bring to the retail ecosystem.
RILA Startup Innovation Awards
The Innovation Startup Awards recognize new talent in the retail industry who are disrupting the status quo with new innovative ideas and tech.
Retail Privacy
RILA believes a federal privacy framework should be designed to protect consumers and provide clear rules for individuals, businesses, and government.
Competition
RILA believes that strong competition in industries connected to retail will benefit consumers and allow retailers to thrive.
Retail Innovation Center
To address the new retail landscape, RILA formed the Retail Innovation Center and “RTech” brand in the retail, innovation, and policymaking arenas.
Payments
RILA is working with regulators to enable retailers’ right to route online debit transactions over networks other than Visa and MasterCard networks.
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.
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.
Technology and Innovation Committees
RILA is focused on accelerating retail innovation and helping retailers navigate the industry’s transformation. Empowering executives with networks and access to research, insights, and collaboration.
View All CommitteesRetail 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.
View ReportLeading Retail Insights: The 2021 Consumer Shift
- May 6 - May 6, 2021
- Webinar
Register today to join RILA and The NPD Group’s Don Unser for a deep dive into what reopening means for the retail industry and the future of consumer spending.
Go to EventRetail Works for All: 2021 Public Policy Priorities
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.
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 MoreSupporting Free Markets and Fostering Innovation
When policies are fair and allow retailers to compete, customers, communities, and workers all benefit.
Read MoreStrategic Initiatives that support performance, compliance and transform the industry
Latest Technology and Innovation Insights
7th Circuit Considers Scope of IL Biometric Info Privacy Act
- 04/06/2021
SCOTUS Sides with Innovation in Copyright Case
- By [Deborah White]
- 04/05/2021
SCOTUS Texts STOP to End TCPA Abuse
- By [Kathleen McGuigan]
- 04/01/2021
Retail CEOs Speak: Seven Imperatives for the Retail Industry
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 03/10/2021
Four Startups Driving Workforce Innovation in Retail
- By [Katie Nicholos]
- 02/25/2021
Annual CEO Event Brings Rich Discussion Among Retail Leaders
- By [Brian Dodge, Jenny Keehan]
- 01/29/2021