- Home
- Retail Works for All of Us
- Investing in People
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.
Leading retailers are building a 21st century retail workforce that is diverse, innovative, and skilled. Federal workforce laws are woefully outdated and antiquated policy ideas are unlikely the solution. RILA is ready to work with policy makers and other stakeholders to find transformative solutions that modernize federal workforce public policy and enable retailers to continue to invest in people and communities.
A Deeper Look into Investing in People
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.
Learn MoreCreating 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.
Learn MorePreserving 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 costs
Learn MoreEmploying DACA Beneficiaries and Access to H-1B Visas
RILA is an unwavering supporter of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and continues to advocate for a permanent solution.
Learn MoreRetailers Commitments to 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.
Learn MoreConnect with Issue Area Experts
The retail industry needs workplace laws that allow retailers to invest in their people while maintaining the flexibility to react to ever-changing customer demands and expectations. RILA is working with stakeholders to rethink and redesign policies related to benefits, labor and professional development that will enhance the 21st Century Retail Workforce.
Evan Armstrong Vice President, Workforce
Investing in People
Looking Ahead: Supply Chain Policy Outlook in 2025
- By [Sarah Gilmore]
- 11/21/2024
Looking Ahead: Payments Policy Outlook in 2025
- By [Austen Jensen]
- 11/21/2024
Leading Retailers Implore Senators to Lower Credit Card Fees
- By [Austen Jensen]
- 11/19/2024
Court Ruling on Overtime Rule a Win for Workers, Retailers
- By [Evan Armstrong]
- 11/15/2024
Retailers Using LINK to Prepare For Supply Chain Turbulence
- By [Jess Dankert]
- 11/14/2024
CPSC Safety Standard for Toys: Requirements re: Cell Buttons
- 11/14/2024
Supply Chain Theft and Cargo Theft Legislation
- By [Sarah Gilmore]
- 11/13/2024
Retailers Congratulate President-Elect Trump & New Congress
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 11/06/2024
What’s New at LINK2025: A Smarter Approach to Networking
- By [Jess Dankert]
- 10/23/2024
Immigration Landscape: 2024 Review & 2025 Look Ahead
- By [Austin Gold]
- 10/17/2024
Retailers Welcome Progress to Keep Ports Open for Business
- By [Jess Dankert, Sarah Gilmore]
- 10/03/2024
Retailers Frustrated by Port Strike, Call for Resolution
- By [Brian Dodge]
- 09/30/2024