Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 19, 2018

On Tuesday, the Florida Retail Federation announced its endorsement of Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo for a second term in Senate District 28. “Senator Passidomo has been a true champion for retail by helping ensure Floridians are prepared in the event of a disaster, working towards tort reform, providing more than $150 million in tax relief […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation announced Tuesday that it would back Gainesville Republican Sen. Keith Perry’s re-election bid in Alachua County-based Senate District 8. The retail trade association cited Perry’s job outside of the legislature — running Perry Roofing — in its endorsement of the freshman Senator. “Keith is a long-time retail business owner, and as […]

Drew WilsonMay 30, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation is endorsing one of its own in the race to succeed term-limited Republican Rep. Elizabeth Porter in House District 10. The statewide trade association announced Wednesday that it is backing Republican Marc Vann in the race, citing his experience running a retail business. “As a small business owner whose store has […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation said parents, grandparents and friends will spend big bucks on celebrating high school and college graduates this year. The trade association said the average Floridian will spend $102.51 showering the young adults with gifts once they snag diploma or degree. That’s just a couple dollars shy of last year’s record average […]

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 […]

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 […]

Tag: R. Scott Shalley
South Ocean Boulevard is staying closed for the time being.

Florida Retail Federation backs Kathleen Passidomo for re-election

Florida Retailers back Keith Perry for re-election

Marc Vann gets retailer backing in HD 10

Graduation spending to pass $5B in 2018

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’

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