Policy Agenda
Retail supports one in four American jobs and drives a large percentage of our nation’s new job growth. The retail industry's policy agenda is focused on jobs, innovation and consumer value.
As the nation’s largest private sector employers, decisions made every day in Washington have a profound impact on retailers’ ability to do business and serve their customers. But it’s bigger than just retail. These issues are vital to the overall economic competitiveness and growth of the United States, making congressional attention even more critical. NRF developed the Retail Opportunity Index to measure the support of policies that contribute to a vibrant, healthy retail industry and U.S. economy.
The index is measured in six key areas through House and Senate votes and sponsorship of legislation. By addressing these priorities, the index will help identify members of Congress who support pro-growth policies. The Retail Opportunity Index is also the criteria upon which NRF selects the winners of the retail industry's annual "Heroes of Main Street" awards.
The NRF Retail Opportunity Index encourages Congress to:
by implementing tax policy that makes U.S. companies competitive in the global economy and provides a level playing field among all sectors of the economy and all sectors of retail. Related issues include tax reform and sales tax fairness.
by tearing down trade barriers that drive up prices for American shoppers and limit export markets for American companies, ending regulations that artificially drive up prices, and making it easier for foreign visitors to come to the United States to shop. Related issues include global trade, travel visa reform and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
by improving and expanding the current transportation system in order to end bottlenecks and inefficiencies and to make it easier for American companies to grow and be competitive. Related issues include supply chain infrastructure.
by supporting jobs and economic growth rather than union organizers and expensive new regulations and mandates. Related issues include health care reform, immigration, overtime, scheduling and labor relations.
by working with retailers to improve credit and debit card security through agreed-upon standards rather than bank-issued mandates, and to protect privacy while still being able to give shoppers a customized and personalized experience online and in store. Related issues include data security, swipe fees, mobile and organized retail crime.
by passing reform legislation that would block frivolous lawsuits threatened by “patent trolls” over dubious infringement claims. Related issues include patent laws.
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