By Sandra J. Pennecke It’s no secret new businesses face tough odds. Fifty percent of new businesses fail within the first 12 months of operation, said Ray Mattes, president and CEO of the Retail Alliance. Nationwide, he expects more than 8,500 storefronts to close in 2017. The Norfolk-based Retail Alliance launched its Center for Retail… [Read More]
Advocacy
Retail Alliance works to continue to be a trusted resource for the success of local retailers
July 17, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles, Buy Local, Economy, News Articles, Retail Careers, Retail Companies, Technology
Legislative Update Q3 2017
July 2, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles, Economy, Public Policy
New Virginia Laws Effective July 1, 2017 Several new laws, which impact the retail industry, came out of the 2017 General Assembly Session. Most of these will go into effect July 1, 2017. Below is a list of new laws that impact our members. Sales Tax Nexus Storage of inventory in the Commonwealth of Virginia… [Read More]
Retail Alliance to Honor W.T. Patrick & Sons with 2017 “Lifetime Achievement Award” at Retailer of the Year Event
March 27, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, News Articles, Press Releases, Retail Companies
Retail Alliance, the non-profit association representing retailers throughout Hampton Roads, announced today that W.T. Patrick & Sons (dba Patrick’s Hardware) is the recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award at their Retailer of the Year event on May 25, 2017. The award will be presented to owner Cary E. Patrick. “W.T. Patrick & Sons has… [Read More]
Virginia Retail Federation Helps Expand Online Sales Tax Collection
March 23, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Public Policy
The Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) has successfully helped further level the playing field in Virginia between brick-and-mortar merchants and their online peers. During the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session, VRF advocates and their coalition business partners fully supported Governor Terry McAuliffe’s legislative proposal to require out-of-state online merchants using warehouses or fulfillment centers in Virginia… [Read More]
Legislative Update Q2 2017: The General Assembly Highlights
March 17, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles
The 2017 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly adjourned Saturday, February 25th. This was an extremely successful session for VRF members. You are represented every day at the Capitol during the General Assembly Session by the lobbying team of Kate Baker and Jodi Roth. Your VRF team worked diligently to defeat bills that would… [Read More]
Brick-and-Mortar Survival Depends on Level Playing Field
January 17, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, E-Commerce, News Articles
Holiday retail sales are increasing. Consumer confidence is climbing. Yet all is not nirvana in the rocky world of the retail economy. According to Forbes, Cyber Monday 2016 was the biggest day in the history of U.S. e-commerce. Sales surpassed initial expectations by hitting a record $3.9 billion during this online-focused day of the holiday… [Read More]
Legislative Update Q.1 2017
January 9, 2017 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles, Press Releases
Retail Alliance Holiday Open House/VRF Silent Auction Another great Open House event this year with our awesome members and other guests joining us for yummy food and beverages in our Norfolk office. Our silent auction benefiting our advocacy efforts was also a success, raising over $4,000 for the Virginia Retail Federation Political Action Committee (PAC)…. [Read More]
Legislative Update: Nov/Dec 2016
November 26, 2016 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles
2017 General Assembly Session The 2017 General Assembly Session begins on January 11, 2017. This year is a short session lasting 45 days. Each year the session switches from short to long (60 days); odd years are short and even years are long. Your Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) team will be at the Capitol representing… [Read More]
Virginia Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Sales Tax Holiday
August 5, 2016 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Press Releases, Public Policy
Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday, a landmark bill passed in 2006 by the Virginia General Assembly, will treat consumers to tax-free shopping August 5-7, 2016. The Virginia Retail Federation, the statewide advocacy arm of Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance and Richmond’s Retail Merchants Association, initiated and garnered support for the original Back-to-School Tax Holiday from the General… [Read More]
5 Reasons Why State Advocacy Rocks
May 7, 2016 by Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles from Retail Angles, News Articles, Public Policy
When people think of advocacy, they tend to think of efforts inside the Beltway. But if you want to get things done, you shouldn’t forget to include some action on the state level, say some experts. If you want proof, the 113th Congress passed 352 bills and resolutions, while the state legislatures passed more than… [Read More]