Federal Fairness for Retail

Bruce Josten, executive VP for Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, agrees that the passage of these bills are to be applauded, saying, “The principles in this legislation make the regulatory process more transparent, agencies more accountable, and regulations more cost-effective.” The Regulatory Accountability Act requires all federal agencies to examine more thoroughly proposed rules before they are adopted, limiting regulatory burdens placed upon the U.S. economy and individual Americans. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act is a major priority in the effort to create a more fair and transparent regulatory environment. Below are more specific ways these bills will help in the enhancement of the regulatory process:

1) Increase public participation in shaping the most costly regulations before they are proposed.

2) Require that agencies must choose the least costly option, unless they can demonstrate a need to protect public health, safety, or welfare.

3) Give interested parties the opportunity to hold agencies accountable for their compliance with the Information Quality Act.

4) Provide for on-the-record administrative hearings for the most costly regulations, to insure that agency data is well tested and reviewed.

5) Provide for a more rigorous test of legal challenges for those regulations that would have the most impact.

Check out our Industry Headlines to read more on legislation and industry updates.

Consumer Confidence Highlight of the Holidays

Much of the data was similar for other indexes and surveys focused around consumer confidence during and after the holiday season. The Los Angeles Times reports, “Pollster Gallup said December was the most optimistic month since June.” Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan also received positive feedback, as 29 percent of customers surveyed are expecting good economic times ahead, compared with 19 percent who said the same in November.

How is this increase in consumer confidence actually affecting shopping habits? The NPD Group Inc. released statistics that indicate nearly seven in ten consumers went shopping at brick and mortars during the week before Christmas, and spent 4.7 percent more per visit than the week prior. The Los Angeles Times highlights, “Beauty stores saw 31 percent more visits from shoppers, while apparel vendors enjoyed a 26 percent bump. Bookstores, shoe stores and department stores also experienced double digit increases.”

Check out our Industry Headlines to read about other consumer reports and surveys.

• The launch of www.RetailMeansJobs.com, breaking down the retail industry’s economic impact by state and congressional district.

• Advertising in print, radio and online markets.

• Social media campaigning through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

• A viral video campaign to highlight the “Faces of Retail.”

That viral video campaign is now organized to be the result of a nationwide video contest entitled, “This is Retail.” “We’re on a hunt to find the best retail stories in America, from marketing geniuses to customer service superstars to small business owners, who are the fabric of every local community,” says NRF president and CEO, Matthew Shay.

How to Participate

Retail employees or business owners must submit a two-minute video sharing their retail story, which can highlight anything from the positive impact it has on shoppers to how an initiative within the business will help generate new jobs to boost the economy. All video submissions will be accepted during the dates of March 5 to March 16.

Viral Video Payouts

A panel of retail executives will narrow the videos down, featuring finalists on www.RetailMeansJobs.com. Winners will then be chosen based on votes. During NRF’s Washington Leadership Conference in May, a third place winner of $10,000, second place winner of $15,000, and a first place winner of $25,000 will be announced.

For more information visit www.retailmeansjobs.com/contest.

Check out our Industry Headlines for more NRF related news, studies and contests.