Retail Conference Urges Action on Tariffs, Forecasts Sales Growth
The Retail Innovation & Impact Conference, held in Washington, D.C. on April 2-3, brought together over 70 retailers, including 45 small businesses, to discuss the industry's economic impact and pro-growth policies. The event coincided with our website's annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual event, forecasting retail sales growth of 2.7% to 3.7% in 2025.
Attendees participated in 85 meetings with congressional offices, including Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to discuss tariffs and the Credit Card Competition Act. The conference also featured a press briefing with five small business owners discussing tariff impacts on the industry and consumers.
The conference included networking opportunities, such as a congressional reception and a Google-hosted reception featuring a panel on the future of retail and AI. Notably, conference attendees met with Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to discuss extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and tariff concerns.
The Retail Innovation & Impact Conference shifted focus to addressing tariff challenges, particularly for entrepreneurs and their businesses, following the Trump administration's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on nearly all imports on April 2. Sen. Dick Durbin stated his commitment to pushing back against harmful economic policies and advocating for the Credit Card Competition Act.
