WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is urging policymakers to address four key issues it says are vital to sustaining economic momentum and supporting the retail sector, the nation’s largest private-sector employer. The recommendations are outlined in a recent blog post by Dylan Jeon, NRF’s Senior Director of Government Relations, reflecting the group’s policy agenda as the busy back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons approach.
First, NRF is calling for alternatives to broad-based tariffs, warning that more than $100 billion in tariff revenue collected since January has been paid by U.S. importers and will ultimately lead to higher consumer prices. The group stated that small retailers operating on thin margins are particularly vulnerable, and higher costs could dampen consumer spending and threaten job security.
Second, NRF continues to push for action against organized retail crime, citing increased theft, violence and safety risks for workers and shoppers. The organization supports the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would improve coordination and resources for law enforcement. The bill has drawn broad support in Congress, with 129 House and 28 Senate co-sponsors.
Third, NRF is advocating for greater competition in the payments system, arguing that credit and debit card swipe fees, which reached $187.2 billion in 2024, remain one of retailers’ most significant expenses after labor. The group supports the Credit Card Competition Act to help lower fees, encourage innovation, and prevent large financial institutions from dominating emerging payment technologies, such as stablecoins.
Finally, NRF is calling for immigration reform to address workforce needs, including the expansion and modernization of visa programs, streamlining the application processing, and providing stability for long-serving essential workers. The group says these changes would provide certainty for businesses and help sustain the retail workforce.
According to Jeon, acting on these priorities will help retailers manage costs, protect jobs, and keep prices affordable for American consumers. The NRF argues that progress in these areas will be critical to maintaining the nation’s economic momentum in the months ahead.
