March 3, 2014

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MnRA Legislative Affairs Chair and Thrifty White Pharmacy Executive Jeff Lindoo testified before the Conference Committee on minimum wage last week. Lindoo urged the Committee to consider border competition for customers when setting the hourly wage.
Crime Alert
Crime Alert Issued Over Fraudulent Checks With State Routing Number      

 

From the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, February 28, 2014

 

"There have been multiple attempts in the last week to cash fraudulent checks bearing the State of Minnesota routing number (096000962) but not the State of Minnesota name. The fraudulent checks show "State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company" or "Legacy Home Health Care" as the payer. Someone cashed these checks at Walmart stores in Fargo, ND, Superior, WI, Fridley, West St. Paul, and Hermantown in Minnesota.

Counterfeit checks can be quickly identified. If a check bears the State of Minnesota routing number (096000962) and is not issued by the State of Minnesota, it is fraudulent. If you believe you're handling a counterfeit refund check, please contact your local police department.
"

In 2012 check fraud (consumer and business) carried one of the highest per transaction fraud amounts at $1,221 according to a 2013 Federal Reserve payment study. In that same year check fraud occurrences were second to credit card fraud as reported by 200 corporate security, financial, and IT executives.

   


Credit Card Technology
JP Morgan Chase To Issue Chip And PIN Cards      

 

From Chain Store Age, Dan Berthiaume, February 26, 2014

 

"The National Retail Federation (NRF) is officially recognizing the financial institution JPMorgan Chase & Co. for its decision to issue Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV)-compliant payment cards that require customers to enter a personal identification number (PIN), as well as store their personal data in an encrypted microchip.

 

Previously, JPMorgan Chase has issued EMV-compliant cards that require a customer signature, rather than a PIN, for authentication. The NRF has publicly come out in support of chip and PIN, stating that signature authentication does not effectively prevent thieves from impersonating the rightful owners of cards that are stolen or lost."

   


E-Fairness
U.S. House To Hold Internet Sales Tax Hearing This Week 

From the National Retail Federation, J. Craig Shearman, February 28, 2014

"The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing next week on whether online sellers should be required to collect sales tax the same as local stores, possibly setting the stage for the House to follow through on last year's Senate passage of sales tax fairness legislation.

Wednesday's hearing will be on "exploring alternative solutions on the Internet sales tax issue" but a list of witnesses and other details have not yet been released.

Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., proposed a set of principles for online sales tax in September but has yet to introduce legislation. Goodlatte said sales tax legislation should not create a new tax or one that doesn't apply to brick-and-mortar sales, should be neutral between online and brick-and-mortar sellers, and should not create "onerous compliance requirements." It also must provide those affected with "direct recourse" for disputes, should encourage states to compete to keep rates low, should maintain states' sovereignty over sales tax laws, and should include consumer privacy rights."
 

Updates From The Capitol
Legislative Update Calls Each Monday 

   

For members seeking an insiders look at the legislative week, MnRA hosts a weekly 10:00 a.m. Monday conference call beginning February 24. This members-only activity takes place each week of legislative session through its conclusion and includes opportunities for retailers to get involved in the policy making process.

   

Thanks to our Retail at the Capitol calls sponsor, Holiday Companies, there is no cost for these calls and no advance RSVP is required. Simply dial in for the calls that interest you and work with your schedule. Calls last approximately 30 minutes.

To obtain dial-in information for these calls, contact MnRA at [email protected] or call us at (651) 227-6631.

Retail Trends
Hispanic Consumers Strong On Use Of Mobile

From the MarketingDaily, Tanya Irwin, February 27, 2014

"Hispanic consumers are outpacing non-Hispanics in their adoption of mobile, social and online sources for local shopping, according to a recent study.

Nearly a quarter (23.6%) of Hispanic consumers reported that they use tablets for local shopping, compared with 15.5% of non-Hispanics, according to BIA/Kelsey's Consumer Commerce Monitor study.

Nearly half (48.5%) of Hispanic consumers use mobile devices for local shopping, compared with 32% of non-Hispanics. Among mobile Hispanic consumers, 52.5% report using their tablets and 42.5% report using their smartphones daily for local shopping.   

How the Hispanic consumer shops will affect how a local business advertises and builds loyalty with this community, says Celine Matthiessen, VP analysis and insights at Chantilly, Va.-based BIA/Kelsey."
 

The Unsession
B2B Taxes and Minimum Wage May Be On The Fast Track At The Capitol

Minnesota's legislative session kicked off last Tuesday.  If you missed MnRA's Friday Retail At The Capitol e-newsletter talking about the start of session, click here.

If you missed the e-mail because you are not on the distribution list, contact us at [email protected] and we will add you to the list. 
Member Service
MnRA's RetailPlus+ Buying Group

The Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) has leveraged the collective clout of our members to offer increased savings on the products and services essential to retailers. These vital products and services help Minnesota retailers navigate the often complicated terrain of operating as a retailer.

Thank you for your patience as we redesign the web presence of the RetailPlus+ Buying Group in the coming weeks.

Question on the program? Contact the MnRA staff at (651) 227-6631.

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Minnesota Retailers Associaiton
400 Robert Street North, suite 1540
St. Paul, MN 55101
Tel. (651) 227-6631 - mnretail.org - [email protected]


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