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Your Involvement is Needed
Greetings!
This e-newsletter includes some good news, some good information and a request for your help.
While members have been focused on business during the past few weeks, Retail Alliance has been successfully representing their interests in Richmond. The Legislative Scoreboard (below) provides details, but so far your organization has two success stories: proposed increases to Virginia's larceny threshold will not be considered this year and most Virginia retailers will be exempt from the proposed repeal of the "dealer discount." Accelerated tax payments and fee reductions will likely only apply to very large retailers.
In the interest of keeping member apprised of legislative changes, Retail Alliance has added the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Admissions link to our website as a reference for members now that the Federal legislation concerning recalls is in place  and the General Assembly is in the process of passing consumer protection legislation. This web site allows merchants to find products that have been recalled and enables visitors to receive recall notifications. Visit http://www.cpsc.gov to find out more. The link is available under our Advocacy page at www.retail-alliance.com for future referencing.
Your Help is Needed
For the past several months Retail Alliance has supplied members with information regarding the proposed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), also known as Card Check. This legislation will facilitate the establishment of labor unions by eliminating the private ballot and substituting a "check" card. Many small business owners believe this will not impact them. Wrong. If your business has $500,000 in gross sales, the National Labor Relations Board standards enable your employees to organize. While the news coverage is focusing on a Federal bail-out plan, forces are gathering in Washington, D.C. to push for quick passage of EFCA in the House of Representatives. Please take a moment NOW to contact your representatives in Washington, D.C. Tell them how you feel about the issue. Senator Mark Warner (D) Senator Jim Webb (D) Representative Robert J. Wittman (R-1st) |
MediaFest 2009 is only 2 weeks away!
Thursday, February 26
5:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Waterside Marriott Norfolk
Member Ticket is on the back of the February Newsletter! If you did not receive your ticket, please contact tprofancik@retail-alliance.com or call 757.705.9309. MediaFest is a program created by Retail Alliance® to provide  tools to help retail businesses be more effective. The tradeshow features an extensive variety of advertising opportunities ranging from traditional media to unique marketing approaches, numerous advertising and networking opportunities, entertainment, an educational component, media exposure, delicious food provided by local restaurants and more! The media trade show will take place from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. on February 26 at the Waterside Marriott in downtown Norfolk.  MediaFest is free for Retail Alliance® members, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you want your advertising to resonate with potential customers, or you want to find creative ways to help your business grow, MediaFest is an event you don't want to miss! Remember, advertising is about consistency and always being in the consumer's mind. Customers may not want to buy at the moment, but if you're the first business that comes to mind, ultimately you are likely to earn the sale. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an exhibitor at Media Fest 2009 (one booth remains available)contact Jen Webber at 757.455.9323 or jwebber@retail-alliance.com. Retail Alliance® members can get their complimentary tickets from the back page of the February newsletter or simply show your Member-to-Member card at the registration desk. |
Viva Las Vegas comes to Hampton Roads in April 2009, to hon or retailers all over Virginia. Starting a business is not a simple task, the market is challenging and the obstacles retailers face are difficult. It takes more than the ordinary entrepreneur to succeed in this competitive industry. Retailers deserve to be recognized for outstanding customer service and devotion to their community.
This year Retail Alliance will bring Vegas to Hampton Roads for an exhilarating award show unlike anything you have ever been to before! Which worthy retailer will take home the prestigious award this year?
On the evening of Friday, April 24, Retail Alliance members and  guests will be entertained and dazzled during the non-stop action awards program at the Westin Town Center Hotel in Virginia Beach, for the second annual Retailer of the Year Gala Event. The clinking of chips, the sound of jazz and the array of Vegas style activities will make this night unforgettable!
All Retail Alliance members are invited to attend this event at no charge (one per member; $35 for additional tickets; $60 for non-members), but an RSVP is required. Seating is limited. A cancellation fee will be charged to those who are unable to attend after RSVP within three days of the event.
Retail Alliance is currently accepting nominations for the 2009 Retailer of the Year. (see below)
If you have any questions or you are interested in attending the Retailer of the Year Awards please contact Jen Webber at 757.455.9323 or email jwebber@retail-alliance.com.
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Retail 2 Retail
Tuesday,
February 17
6-8 p.m.
Skin
A Medical Spa
332 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments.
Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members.
To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323
For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs click here. |
Even the Wealthy are Downgrading for Valentine's Day
Over-the-top Valentine's Day spending is out this year. The wealthy are downgrading from yellow diamonds to white, and one florist noted that expensive roses are being replaced with more affordable, high-quality arrangements. High-end restaurants are seeing a 25% dip in reservations, although some restaurants, such as Daniel in New York, say they had no trouble filling reservations for the romantic holiday.
Reuters has the full story.
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Analysts: Focus on Service, and Buy the Competition
To thrive in the recession, retailers have to not simply hang on, but make themselves stronger, analysts say. Among the suggestions: Focus on the customer experience; consider acquiring competitors; and don't slash prices.
CNNMoney.com has the full story.
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Study: Supercenters Benefit from Recession
Supercenters are capturing more dollars as shoppers seek deals in everything from dry groceries to frozen goods, reports The Nielsen Co. Supercenters posted overall sales growth of 1% last year, outpacing drug, club and grocery stores.
Convenience Store News has the full story.
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Resale Shops Can't Compete with Mall Discounts
Resale shops, which sell sometimes-unworn clothing for at  least two-thirds off the original price, are losing customers as people spend less but also are lured in by even steeper discounts at the mall. And their source of clothing is drying up, too, as people have less in their closets to get rid of.
The Washington Post/The Associated Press has the full story.
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Legislative Scoreboard
In on-going negotiations and individual meetings with legislators, the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) is gaining traction on several fronts.
"Cross Over," when House Bills go to the Senate for consideration and Senate bills make their way through the House, starts February 10. For further information on specific bills, go to http://legis.state.va.us. Or contact Margaret Ballard, 757-406-9431, mballard@retail-alliance.com.
House Caps Dealer Discount Repeal/Senate Caps Accelerated Sales Tax Proposal
VRF grassroots and lobbying pleas to legislators are succeeding. According to a House Appropriations Committee report, "the loudest complaints (against Dealer Discount Elimination) come from smaller establishments that remit manually." Many thanks to Retail Alliance members who attended the VRF rally in Richmond last month opposing Dealer Discount repeal. Your voice is heard!
Late last week, SB 987, carried by Senator Charles Colgan, was converted from a Dealer Discount Elimination bill to legislation imposing accelerated sales tax payments on retailers that generate revenues of $50 million plus annually. For the 12-month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the immediately preceding calendar year, these retailers shall be required to make an additional payment in the month of June for the estimated sales and use tax due on June taxable transactions.
Over 95% of Virginia Retail Federation and Retail Alliance members are exempt from SB 987. The bill will cross over to the House for consideration on February 10.
In further developments over the weekend, the House Appropriations Committee threw out
repeal of the Dealer Discount for merchants compensated up to $800 a month in sales tax
collection fees (Retail Alliance is seeking clarification whether this cap will continue to refer to per location or per business). HB 1600, voted out of committee, is going to the House floor for consideration. Collection of the discount fees from retailers compensated above the $800 cap is estimated to generate $26.l million to the budget shortfall. The $800 fee cap exempts 142,000 retailers from Dealer Discount repeal.
HB 1600 also left in Dealer Discount fees for businesses who collect gasoline tax, cigarette stamp taxes and telecommunications tax.
The bill includes a twice-monthly payment of sales taxes collected by merchants with annual sales of $20 million or more.
To support HB 1600 on the House floor, go to http://legis.state.va and click on Who's My Legislator on the toolbar at the top of the page.
The following House Budget Conferees who will negotiate final action with the Senate on Dealer Discount Repeal:
Delegate Lacey Putney, DelLPutney@house.state.va.us
Delegate Phil Hamilton, DelPHamilton@house.state.va.us
Delegate Johnny Joannou, (no e-mail), 804-698-1079
Delegate Kirk Cox, DelKCox@house.state.va.us
Delegate Beverly Sherwood, DelBSherwood@house.state.va.us
Delegate Clarke Hogan, DelCHogan@house.state.va.us
Senate Courts Committee Rejects Larceny Threshold Increase
On Monday, the Senate Courts Committee turned down Senator Ken Stolle's proposal to
revamp the criminal code by increasing the larceny threshold to $500 and adding aggravated misdemeanor charges for stolen retail goods. The bill went down on a tie vote of 7 to 7.
In exchange for the threshold increase, the senator wanted to create incarceration penalties
up to two years for misdemeanor retail theft between $200 and $500. He also proposed a crime of conspiracy to commit petit larceny and allowed for the amount of all goods stolen to be aggregated, under the conspiracy charge, for any six-month period. The legislation created multi-jurisdictional grand juries to investigate and indict retail crimes.
The Virginia Retail Federation applauds Senator Stolle for meeting with and listening to the concerns voiced by retail security and law enforcement professionals from the Loss Prevention Task Force.
SB 1136, offered by Senator Chap Petersen, was not heard by the committee and, therefore, is no longer under consideration. The bill proposed a larceny threshold increase from $200 to $500.
The VRF thanks the 40 plus Retail Alliance members who traveled to Richmond this fall and strongly opposed larceny threshold increase proposals at Virginia State Crime Commission hearings. Once again, your grassroots voice was heard.
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Retailer of the Year 2009 Nominations
Retail Alliance is currently accepting nominations for the 2009 Retailer of the Year. Nominees should be nominated for their creativity, business acumen, retail success, and ability to thrive in a tough economy. Judges will be making selections based on business growth, financial strength and stability, community involvement and other criteria.
Click here to download the nomination form
Simply fill out the nomination form and send it back to Retail Alliance, Attn: ROTY Nomination, 500 East Plume Street, Suite 500, Norfolk, VA 23320.
For questions please contact jwebber@retail-alliance.com.
Deadline for nomination is March 1, 2009.
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