RILA offers stimulus options to aid retailers

RILA offers stimulus options to aid retailers The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Wednesday said it is eager to work with the incoming Obama administration on a stimulus package to aid the beleaguered U.S. retail industry.
   RILA pointed to less than encouraging sales figures in December, the sixth consecutive month in which retail sales have declined.
   “The reported December sales figures signify that consumers remain uneasy about their economic future,' said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. 'The retail industry is committed to working with President-elect Obama and members of Congress to ensure passage of an economic recovery package that restores the confidence of the American consumer. Retailers understand that an effective stimulus focuses on consumers and the challenges they face. RILA's recommendations to lawmakers reflect that sentiment.”
   Specifically, RILA is promoting a package that includes energy efficiency measures, middle class tax relief, tax credits for companies hiring workers in 2008 and 2009, investment in infrastructure and revenue for states and localities.
   The association also supports a series of measures to allow retailers to cut down on tax obligations in 2008 and 2009 as a way to mitigate sales losses.
   Lastly, RILA said that brick-and-mortar retailers shouldn’t have to pay a heavier tax burden than online and catalog retailers.
   “Brick-and-mortar retailers are required to collect sales taxes while many online and catalog retailers are not,” RILA said. “This difference is not only unfair to brick-and-mortar retailers, who create jobs in the community, but it is costing states and localities billions in lost revenue that could benefit vital public services, including health care, education and public safety.”