The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) are becoming one. The executive committees of both associations announced April 21 that they have agreed to a merger that will create a single trade association representing retail interests in Washington.
“This is an historic time for our industry. The challenges and opportunities before our members are unprecedented. Now is the right time to bring these associations together,” said RILA Chairman Robert A. Niblock, chairman/CEO of Lowe’s Cos. and NRF Chairman Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman/CEO of J.C. Penney Co. in a joint statement.
The new organization, which has not yet been named, will provide enhanced value to both RILA and NRF members. It will also ensure that the retail industry speaks with a unified and stronger voice on policy, communications, and public affairs issues in Washington.
Both NRF and RILA must submit to a thorough due diligence process before the merger is completed; both associations’ boards of directors must recommend the merger, and both memberships must approve it. The two groups expect the process to be completed by this summer.