Teaming up to strengthen retail - Guest Column - International Mass Retail Association and the National Retail Federation team up for the Annual Conference of State and National Retail Executives - Column

DSN Retailing Today, June 9, 2003 by Sandra Kennedy

Why do economists, financial analysts and policymakers keep a close eye on information such as the Commerce Department's retail sales reports and the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index? Because they know that retailing-in the form of consumer spending--is the most important indicator of the nation's economic health. This is no secret; it has long been acknowledged that retail activity is the main driving force in the U.S. economy.

It stands to reason, then, that anything that benefits the retail industry as a whole will help sustain the economy and hasten its recovery.

That's why it makes perfect sense that IMRA and the National Retail Federation (NRF) are teaming up to host this year's Annual Conference of State and National Retail Executives. (NRF has held this event for several years) With re tail constantly evolving and state and federal policies having a greater impact on our industry, IMRA and NRF decided to join forces to foster a stronger retail presence in Washington, D.C., and in the states.

The decision to work together was made in recognition of a simple fact: that all retail, whether defined by IMRA's membership or by NRF's, boils down to selling goods to consumers. Once that sinks in, it's only a small step to realize that the members of both organizations are in the same business and--while there are marked differences between how they operate and the sectors they serve--that many of the issues affecting one group also affect the other.

IMRA is well known for its strong presence in the nation's capital, but we also recognize that not every important policy decision or legislative act originates on Capitol Hill. Many laws and regulations that directly impact retailers and their product suppliers are the works of state legislatures or local officials. (Former House Speaker Tip O'Neill famously remarked, "All politics is local.") Consequently, the focus of the IMRA-NRF conference will be on state issues, an area where IMRA has long been a leader.

IMRA's members--the most innovative, fastest-growing, and most profitable companies in retail--have facilities in nearly every state in the nation. That's why we've taken the lead on matters such as preserving consumer choice (a.k.a. "smart growth"), item pricing, privacy, civil justice reform and a host of other state legislative and regulatory issues. We've been especially active and effective in California, a bellwether state for business regulation, and New Jersey, where a headlong rush toward radical anti-growth regulation has been slowed by IMRA's involvement with that state's retail merchants association and direct talks with state officials.

Given our leadership on these and other issues, the upcoming conference on Cape Cod (August 1 to 4) is the perfect occasion to introduce IMRA industry issues to a broader audience and, at the same time, a terrific opportunity for state and national retail executives to benefit from IMRA's expertise.

As NRF notes, the conference is also "an important networking event where retail executives can meet, establish relationships and discuss emerging state issues important to the industry" I would add, "and share solutions to common problems." From the many events that we've staged over the years, we've learned that this type of networking and interaction are the most valuable aspects of any conference.

This is the first cooperative venture between IMRA and NRF. For those who wonder why the two largest and most influential (and frequently competitive) retail trade associations are joining forces in this manner, the answer is pretty simple: A sound national economy needs a thriving retail industry, and IMRA and NRF are committed to achieving both. Don't be surprised if you see us working together in the future.

For more information on the IMRA-NRF State and National Retail Executives Conference, visit IMRA's Web site, www.imra.org.