Strength comes from unity.
Protection comes from VRMA.
Retailers must realize that the battle against threatening legislation and taxes will become more difficult in years to come. The retail industry must maintain its unity and strength at the grassroots level to wage those battles successfully. Our strength lies in our members being a unified front with a well heard voice.
About Us
VRMA... Your partner in retailing. Virginia Retail Merchants Association, the professional association of the Virginia retail industry was founded for the purpose of improving the business climate for the retail industry in Virginia. Our members are as diverse as the products they sell. We represent all size retailers across the commonwealth.
Benefits + Services
Membership doesn't cost... it pays! Save on shipping and credit card processing. Offer you employees group rate benefits at no cost to you. Invest in your employees with high quality, low cost training hundreds of retailers are already using. We have a program for every retailer - so start saving today!
Legislative Representation
Protecting your future - VRMA is your voice. The VRMA has been serving the retail community in the legislative arena since 1905. Our strong presence before the General Assembly and throughout the year before its various committees and the states' administrative bodies has made the VRMA the most influential association that works solely on behalf of the retail industry. We have 7 registered lobbyists and each year we influence hundreds of important issues.
Industry
The Retail Industry is the largest private employer in the state. The sales tax applied to our industry is the largest single contributor to Virginia's budget. With over 100,000 retailers in Virginia we are the life blood of the Commonwealth.
Event Calendar
Making connections and keeping you informed. Mark your calendar and register for VRMA's upcoming events or check for important dates such as sales tax holidays.
- Our Next Event:
Spring Board Meeting - April 25, 2012
Contact Us
Our Address
Virginia Retail Merchants Association
701 E. Franklin St., Suite 809
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 649-0789
Toll Free: 800-232-VRMA (8762)
Fax: (804) 644-8762
Email: vrma@virginiaretail.org
Members Only
Be a part of it! As a member of VRMA we keep you up to date. As a member you receive access to this section. Review recent legislative action, VRMA's legislative positions, important archives, and other resources, like the It’s the Law section.
Publications
Legislative Wrap-Up Report
Each year, when the General Assembly adjourns, we publish a wrap-up report that summarizes the final action taken on every piece of legislation VRMA followed on your behalf. Legislation that passed is summarized so you will know about changes in the laws that can affect your business. This publication is mailed as an insert in the May/June issue of the Retail Review or can be downloaded from our website from our Members Only Section.
Capital Facts
Each Friday during the General Assembly session members receive an easy to follow news brief that identifies action taken by the Legislators on issues of interest to retailers. It also points out how members can influence the outcome of these issues.
Federal Facts
A bi-monthly news brief that keeps members informed regarding what is going on in our nation’s Capital. It identifies important issues and provides information on how to reach the Virginia Congressional Delegation.
Legislative Policy
VRMA lobbying staff is guided by our Legislative Policy. Our policy is broad as to cover most retail and business issues. Our Legislative Policy is updated annually by our Legislative Committee. If you have suggested changes or recommendations please submit them on the following form. They will then be brought before the committee. For your convenience we have made both the Policy and the change form available here.
Retail Review
The VRMA’s bi-monthly newsletter keeps members informed of retail issues that have a direct effect on retailers. Helpful business reports, the popular and practical legal advice column, member service updates, Association news and legislative updates are designed to help manage a retail business more effectively and efficiently.
Online Newsletter
These newsletters and alerts are done as needed but usually a minimum of once a month to provide you with the latest happenings in Virginia and up-to-date on all that we are working on for you.
Workplace Signs
VRMA can supply you with all the signs that are required by Federal and State law, such as Unemployment Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, and Equal Employment Opportunities. Protect your business by posting shoplifting and employee theft signs in dressing rooms, cash wrap areas and throughout the store to alert customers and employees as to the penalties of stealing.
Crime Prevention Manual
One of VRMA’s most popular publications, the manual is a wealth of practical and useful information about crime problems common to all businesses. It is a working manual and an outstanding training guide for sales associates. One copy is provided free to members with additional copies available to VRMA members at a discounted price.
Challenges for the Future
A FREE new resource to help independent retailers breathe new life into their businesses, a 60-page white paper outlining major trends impacting retailers, and explaining how the retail industry has changed dramatically, often perilously, for independent storeowners. The paper’s ‘new solution thinking’ strategies are drawn from interviews with industry experts and 17 case studies of successful small retailers in a variety of merchandise lines around the country.
