Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 12, 2018

Consumers are expected to spend billions this weekend showering the mothers in their lives with gifts both sweet and sparkly according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation. The retail trade group said 86 percent of Americans plan to do some shopping for Mother’s Day, whether in-store or online, with per person spending […]

Staff ReportsApril 2, 2018

R. Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, has been selected to join the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors effective immediately, the group announced Monday. “I’m honored to join the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, and I want to thank Chair Maryann Frenec and the rest of the board members for this opportunity,” Shalley […]

Peter SchorschMarch 30, 2018

Consumers are expected to spend $18.2 billion nationwide celebrating Easter this year according to a new survey released by the National Retail Federation. More than four fifths of American consumers said they plan to do something to commemorate the holiday, and NRF estimates each will spend $150 doing so. The figure comes in slightly lower […]

Drew WilsonMarch 16, 2018

The 9-to-5 crowd aren’t the only ones grateful St. Patrick’s Day is on a weekend this year – retailers have plenty to celebrate, too. According to a new survey from the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $5.9 billion celebrating all things Irish this year, which smashes the 2017 record of $5.3 billion. […]

Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2018

The head of the Florida Retail Federation said Tuesday that one of the trade association’s “biggest successes” was helping block a criminal justice reform that would have raised the threshold for a felony theft charge. “Keeping the threshold at its current limit of $300 will help to protect retailed by deterring theft, discouraging criminals from […]

Danny McAuliffeFebruary 14, 2018

At the peak of one of the worst flu seasons in recent history, some lawmakers are trying to make it easier for sick patients to be diagnosed and treated for the virus. St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes and Orlando Republican Rep. Rene Plasencia are sponsoring legislation (SB 524 and HB 431) that would let […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A bill that would change the rules for franchise agreements was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. SB 1076, sponsored by Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube, would give franchise owners more rights when it comes to selling their business or leaving it to an heir, and would also give Florida owners home field […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A National Retail Federation survey estimates consumers will spend $19.6 billion pampering their loved ones with Valentine’s Day gifts this year, putting it just a hair behind the all-time record of $19.7 billion set in 2016. The 2018 forecast estimates 55 percent of Americans will shell out some cash on gifts this year, with the […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 7, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation announced Tuesday that it had promoted a few of its top employees to run its newly formed External Affairs division. Melissa Joiner Ramba will head up the division in her new role as vice president for both FRF and Georgia Retailers, while James Miller was promoted to Senior Director of External […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 30, 2018

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee narrowly voted in favor of a bill Tuesday that aims to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. SB 1076, known as the “Small Business Parity Act,” would shield business owners from restrictions on selling their franchises or passing them on to an heir, and would give […]

Tag: Florida Retail Federation
DOE completed the list Friday by announcing Autumn Crabtree as the fifth finalist. Image via DOE.

Retailers expect Mother’s Day spending to top $23B

Personnel note: Scott Shalley joins VISIT FLORIDA board

Easter spending expected to be near all-time record

Retailers expect record breaking St. Patrick’s Day

Retailers say blocking criminal justice proposal was among ‘biggest successes’

Flu spike shows need for easier access to treatment, lawmakers say

Franchise bill halted in second committee

Retailers expect to get plenty of love on Valentine’s Day

Florida Retail Federation announces wave of staff promotions

Franchisee bill squeaks by first Senate panel