Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)

Arlington, United States

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is a trade association that advocates for the retail industry on various policy and regulatory matters. Its mission includes representing the interests of major retailers, facilitating collaboration among industry stakeholders, and promoting best practices in retail operations.

CCI Score

12.45

April 18

Latest Event

RILA Highlights Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Retail and Low-Income Consumers

On April 3, 2025, RILA’s vice president for international trade pointed out that the new tariffs—such as the nearly doubling of the tariff on a baby shirt from Vietnam to 78%—could critically impact retail margins and disproportionately hurt lower-income households by raising prices on essential goods.

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SABOTEUR

Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is currently rated as a Saboteur.

+10 to +24 CCI Score

Companies in this bracket take more subtle actions to undermine authoritarian practices. They might implement internal policies or support reforms that quietly weaken oppressive systems, contributing to change in less overt ways.

Latest Events

APR

03

2025

RILA Highlights Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Retail and Low-Income Consumers
5.00

On April 3, 2025, RILA’s vice president for international trade pointed out that the new tariffs—such as the nearly doubling of the tariff on a baby shirt from Vietnam to 78%—could critically impact retail margins and disproportionately hurt lower-income households by raising prices on essential goods.
DEC

31

2023

RILA Lobbying Expenditure Highlighted by OpenSecrets
-43.90

OpenSecrets reported that the Retail Industry Leaders Association spent $2,030,000 on lobbying during 2023, reflecting continued corporate efforts to influence federal policy in favor of industry interests, which can undermine democratic accountability and worker rights.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 3

The significant lobbying expenditure of $2,030,000 underscores RILA's active engagement in shaping policy to favor retail industry interests. This corporate political activity tends to amplify the influence of powerful retail entities at the expense of broader democratic accountability and fair labor practices, bolstering corporate power rather than addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Retail Industry Leaders Assn Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets
MAY

24

2023

RILA Lobbies Congress for Supply Chain Legislation
33.06

On May 24, 2023, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) sent a letter to key congressional committee leaders outlining the supply chain challenges faced by retailers and urging the advancement of supportive legislation. This action was taken in the context of a broader legislative push, with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advancing 17 bills aimed at improving U.S. supply chain resilience.
+40

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 3

RILA’s proactive letter represents a clear lobbying effort under the umbrella of Public and Political Behavior. By urging Congress to advance legislation that addresses long-standing supply chain issues, RILA is engaging in policy advocacy that, in a bipartisan context, supports effective infrastructure improvements. From an anti‑fascist lens, this is viewed as a positive political action aimed at creating more resilient systems, which can indirectly benefit workers and marginalized communities.

Key Supply Chain Legislation Advances
JAN

01

2023

RILA Involvement in Forced Labor Working Group Presentations
55.63

RILA, as a member of the joint Forced Labor Working Group alongside other industry bodies, participated in discussions focused on addressing forced labor issues in retail supply chains. The initiative underscores a commitment to improving labor practices and ethical sourcing within the industry.
+70

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 3

RILA's participation in the Forced Labor Working Group demonstrates proactive engagement with forced labor challenges. By addressing these sensitive labor issues alongside other industry stakeholders, the organization takes a positive step toward reinforcing fair labor practices and protecting worker rights.

Forced Labor Working Group Presentations
+70

Supply Chain Ethics

April 3

Through its involvement in the Forced Labor Working Group, RILA actively contributes to scrutinizing and improving supply chain ethics. This move aligns with broader ethical business practices by addressing forced labor risks and promoting responsible sourcing standards.

Forced Labor Working Group Presentations