In July 2024, the Retail Advocates Summit provided a platform for retailers and policymakers to highlight the sector’s economic and social impact.
The event, hosted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), brought together over 100 bipartisan members of Congress alongside major retail brands, small business owners, and technology innovators.
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The interactive event featured The Retail Experience, an exhibit that explored retail’s contribution to careers, communities, and economic growth. “I’ve learned so many things,” said Representative Don Davis of North Carolina, reflecting on the showcase.
Policymakers and retailers used the summit to address pressing issues such as tariffs, excessive credit card swipe fees, and organised retail crime. These discussions underlined the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle industry challenges and drive community development.
Combating organised retail crime
The third annual Fight Retail Crime Day on 24 October 2024 aimed to spotlight the growing impact of organised retail crime on businesses and communities.
As part of the initiative, members of Congress toured stores to witness the problem firsthand. Representative Susie Lee, a sponsor of the Combating Organised Retail Crime Act, visited a Target store and voiced her support.
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By GlobalData“On Fight Retail Crime Day, I stand by law enforcement and businesses in demanding Congress pass my bipartisan bill to fight this crime,” Lee stated.
This call to action was echoed by 150 lawmakers who were recognised as Congressional Retail Crime Fighters. Nearly 40 of these legislators publicly endorsed the bill on social media during the event.
The Act seeks to enhance law enforcement resources and encourage inter-agency collaboration to address this pressing issue. Retailers emphasised the importance of legislative action, citing the devastating effects of crime on store operations and community safety.
Addressing credit card swipe fees
Retailers have been advocating for the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act, which aims to increase competition in credit card processing. This legislation is intended to alleviate the financial burden of high swipe fees, offering retailers more control over payment networks.
Danny Reynolds, the owner of a family-run boutique in Indiana, has been vocal about the issue. “I’ve personally taken time away from my business to fly to D.C. and meet directly with my elected officials on several occasions,” Reynolds explained.
He encouraged fellow retailers to share their stories, stating that personal accounts have a profound impact on legislators. “Whenever I visit Washington, I continually hear from legislators’ staff that they really need to hear more directly from retailers on this issue,” Reynolds said.
Acknowledging advocacy successes
The NRF’s efforts in advocating for retailers have not gone unnoticed.
In an independent survey of policymakers and business leaders, the organisation was recognised as 2024’s most effective trade association in events, media relations, and grassroots engagement.
As the retail sector continues to face challenges, the NRF’s commitment to connecting retailers with policymakers underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
