Washington Retail Association

10/14/2026

🎃 Halloween spending is expected to hit a record $13.5 billion this year. Consumers are celebrating, shopping earlier, and looking for deals, while AI joins the Halloween shopping journey. See what’s driving the numbers:

U.S. consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The estimate is above the previous record of $13.1 billion set in 2025. Seventy-four percent of consumers plan ...

10/13/2026

Washington’s latest revenue forecast shows modest gains, but significant budget challenges remain heading into the 2027 legislative session. What do the latest numbers mean for the state budget?

Washington’s latest state revenue forecast shows modestly higher tax collections, but lawmakers are still facing significant budget challenges heading into the 2027 legislative session. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council’s September forecast projects tax receipts will be $22 million highe...

10/12/2026

Seattle’s proposed $9.1 billion budget is putting public safety in the spotlight. With the city facing a $175 million deficit and continued questions about the response to the Bite of Seattle shooting, the debate goes beyond dollars and cents. What will Seattle’s budget mean for public safety, accountability, and public confidence?

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Image: City of Seattle Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s first proposed budget puts public safety among the city’s priorities, including additional funding for police, while also attempting to close a projected $175 million General Fund deficit without new major taxes. The proposed $9.1 billion budge...

10/09/2026

Seattle has approved a new ordinance restricting how grocery retailers can use personal information to set prices for individual customers. The measure is raising questions about what it could mean for loyalty programs, personalized coupons, and the discounts consumers rely on to save money.

Seattle has approved a new Fair Pricing and Transparency ordinance restricting grocery retailers from using personal information to set different prices for individual customers. The Seattle City Council approved the measure 7-2. The implementation date for this law is September 1, 2027. The rationa...

10/08/2026

From energy costs and tax relief to public safety and emerging policy issues, Washington Retail Association is making sure the retail voice is part of important conversations happening across the state.

This week, Washington Retail Association’s (WR) team continued to advocate for retailers across Washington State. Keeping the lights on: WR submitted comments to Washington’s Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) opposing Puget Sound Energy’s request to increase electricity and natural...

10/01/2026

Washington Retail has added new candidates and causes to its 2026 endorsement list, including endorsements of Rep. Kristine Reeves, Rep. Osman Salahuddin, and I-645.

The Retail Action Council Political Action Committee (RAC PAC) has announced new endorsements for the November general election. Endorsements are given to candidates who stand with Washington's retailers and champion the issues that matter most to our industry. The RAC PAC also endorses causes that....

10/01/2026

Gift card tampering is an evolving form of organized retail crime, leaving shoppers with drained cards and retailers facing growing losses. Washington senators are taking a closer look.

On Tuesday, September 15, the Senate Law & Justice Committee held a work session on gift card fraud and tampering. Washington Retail Association (WR) led the work session alongside the Washington Organized Retail Crime Association (WAORCA), the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (supported by RILA)...

09/30/2026

Washington’s new battery recycling program begins in 2027. Learn what retailers need to know about covered batteries, producer responsibilities, and how to prepare.

A new battery recycling program is coming to Washington. Created through SB 5144, the law is designed to make battery recycling easier and more convenient for residents across the state. The program will provide a network of collection sites, educational resources, and outreach to help keep batterie...

09/30/2026

Puget Sound leaders are launching a new regional effort to address economic challenges, with 20 recommendations focused on jobs, business growth, permitting, workforce, and competitiveness.

Image: Former Gov. Chris Gregoire, at podium, gathers politicians, business leaders, and others for comments and a press conference announcing the launch of a new economic task force. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times) A new regional economic initiative is calling for coordinated action as the Puget....

09/28/2026

Washington Retail Association is pleased to announce the promotion of Crystal Leatherman to Vice President of Government Affairs.

Over the past year, Crystal has led WR’s government affairs efforts, advocating on policy issues affecting retailers and businesses across Washington. In her expanded role, she will continue representing the retail industry and advancing WR’s advocacy priorities at the state and local levels.

Congratulations, Crystal!

https://washingtonretail.org/washington-retail-association-announces-staffing-promotions/