The Washington Retail Association (WRA) was established in 1987 by merchants concerned with advancing and safeguarding the well being of the retail industry.Today the Association is recognized by merchants, legislators, state officials and other trade groups as a powerful and effective spokesperson for the retail industry.
WRA is the only association in Washington formed exclusively to advocate the unique interest of the retailing industry on state legislative and regulatory issues.Our strength is in our numbers and in the diversity of our membership.WRA represents over 2,800 retail storefronts.Our roster includes all types of retailers in all parts of the state, including the largest national chains to the smallest independent businesses. Members include wholesalers, dealers, professional services, and mall owners & operators.
The Association is affiliated nationally with the National Retail Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Council of State Retail Association Executives. WRA has strong partnerships with local chambers of commerce as well as the state chamber, the Association of Washington Business.
WRA Provides Political Influence The most important service WRA offers our members is political influence.Most retailers are busy being retailers, and don’t have time to monitor the legislature and state agencies on a full-time basis.Legislative and regulatory activity is the number one priority of the Washington Retail Association.
WRA is the only organization the looks at every legislative bill and state agency regulation proposed, year round, from an exclusively retail perspective to make sure that they don’t’ negatively impact the retail industry. The WRA Government Affairs representatives are on the “hill” every day of the legislative session and frequently throughout the interim.
WRA Keeps You Informed Members are kept up-to-date through the Association’s quarterly newsletter, The Washington Retailer, a weekly legislative E-newsletter, The Win and special interest alerts.These publications are your active link to being on top of issues that affect the retailer’s bottom line.
WRA Gives Personal Attention When you have a problem with state government, WRA is your contact in Olympia.Let us help you find the answer, or direct you to someone who can.
WRA Invites You to Join Us Your membership investment helps provide the necessary budget to make the work of the Washington Retail Association more effective.Join us in keeping the retail industry healthy and prosperous!Help shape the future of retailing in Washington.
The Washington Retail Association, WRA, is a 501 C 6 trade association formed to advocate for Washington State’s retailers at the local, state and national level. Since 1987, the WRA has protected Washington's retailers from unreasonable taxes, fees, regulations and legislation. The efforts of the WRA benefit all Washington state retailers and help fuel statewide economic growth.