Maryland Retailers Alliance

The National Retail Federation's Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, DC is such an important opportunity for retailers, legislators, and advocates to connect and highlight both the strengths of the retail industry and the challenges faced by the business community. Thank you again to NRF for honoring MRA President Cailey Locklair at this year's Summit.

Have you participated in the Department of Labor's Introduction to FAMLI webinars yet? The Department is hosting calls to help businesses prepare for the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program taking effect next year. Register now for the next FAMLI 101 webinar coming up on August 28th.

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week 2024 is finally here! Shoppers can skip the sales tax on all clothing and shoe purchases in Maryland under $100 (per item) for the next week. Remember to #ShopLocal and visit the brick-and-mortar businesses in your community while you take advantage of this annual tax holiday.

Wishing all a joyful, safe, and relaxing holiday from the Maryland Retailers Alliance. Happy Fourth!

Retail is the largest private-sector industry in the country, and 24% of all jobs in Maryland are supported by the retail industry. Check out the National Retail Federation's report here about the value and potential to be gained from a career in retail.

Congratulations to MRA President Cailey Locklair on your spot on The Daily Record's 2024 Lobbying & Government Affairs Power List. Your hard work and dedication to the retail industry ensures that Maryland businesses can continue to thrive and support their communities.

Having a hard time finishing your errands because products are locked up in stores? Blame your local organized theft ring. Stores are reducing shelf stock and restricting access to popular items to reduce theft, and the National Retail Federation shares a list of commonly targeted items here.

Grocery cart totals have increased but grocery store profits have not. The grocery industry continues to operate with the slimmest profit margins in retail - less than 3% on average - while credit card companies pocket around 50% profit margins by charging a 2-4% swipe fee every time a retailer processes your card.

A new five-year eGrocery Sales Forecast report from Brick Meets Click predicts that online grocery sales will grow at a faster rate than in-store sales over the next five years, and that online sales will make up almost 13% of total grocery sales by 2028. https://buff.ly/3KXVy1x

Marylanders can expect change next week when almost 500 new laws go into effect on July 1. In addition to the bills summarized here by the Baltimore Sun, July will also bring a slightly lower tax on gasoline but higher taxes on tobacco products and higher fees for vehicle registrations.