Welcome to the Vermont Retail Association

For more than 40 years, VRA has helped thousands of Vermont businesses do business better. Any Vermont business is welcome to join. Our only goal is serving your business needs.

One—and only one—organization in Vermont is solely dedicated to the retail community: the Vermont Retail Association (VRA).  For retail advocacy, networking and key information, VRA is your go-to source.

VRA has been a hugely successful advocate for Vermont Retailers.  In classic David and Goliath fashion, VRA took on the big credit card companies—and won! This produced the nation’s first state credit card law and led the national charge for reform. VRA helped shift the power balance between retailers and credit card companies. 

VRA also championed several sales tax holidays. It influences legislation on employment law, consumer protection, product safety, unemployment insurance, workers compensation and other issues critical to retail businesses. VRA is not an organization of “left” or “right”.  Run by Vermonters for Vermonters, its unique goal is helping Vermont business do business better.

VRA is your best information source, bar none. All members receive weekly updates on legislative happenings. VRA sponsors events bringing members and key decision makers together. VRA members receive free membership in the National Retail Federation (NRF), an incredible value.  In fact, VRA members pay far less for their VRA membership, with all its benefits, than they would pay to join the NRF directly. The NRF provides daily reports on national retail news, in-depth studies of best practices, trends and outstanding economic analyses.

VRA partners with leading experts and service providers to offer you exclusive benefits. Efficiency Vermont helps members save energy and money. Members are entitled to free marketing consultations with Jim Tabor of Gillen Tabor Communications, Inc.—a service normally costing $1000.  VRA also offers special shipping deals and teams with retail organizations from other states to provide affordable, stable credit card processing without the extra fees that other companies might include.

Executive Director Tasha Wallis has over 15 years’ experience working with and in the highest levels of state government. She welcomes the opportunity to explain why so many retail leaders consider membership in VRA-- influential, mutually supportive, and cutting edge--essential for success. 

Call her today at (802) 839-1931.

The Vermont Health Care Exchange for Employers

Understanding your choices, making your decisions, This document is designed for Vermont employers as a guide for deciding the best course of action to provide helath care benefits to their employees after January 1, 2014.  Click here to read the document.

"Highlights of the presentation by Susan Thompson of Efficiency Vermont of money and energy saving tips for retailers."

Vermont Retail Association Announces

New Partnership with Efficiency Vermont

The Vermont Retail Association (VRA) and Efficiency Vermont announced the launch of a new partnership to target and meet the needs of Vermont's retail community.

"We're very excited to work with Efficiency Vermont in support of our members," stated Tasha Wallis, VRA's Executive Director. "This is a golden opportunity for retailers statewide to save energy and money, and strengthen their bottom lines."

As part of this new partnership, Efficiency Vermont will be sponsoring regional meetings with VRA this year. Susan Thompson, Efficiency Vermont Planning and Development Manager dedicated to the retail market is equally pleased with the new partnership. "In today's marketplace, energy efficiency is an important part of creating a winning retail setting. We are committed to delivering programs and solutions that are especially suited to the needs of retailers statewide."

"Retailers want to show products in the best light and provide a comfortable environment for their customers. Good, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC equipment will help do this," noted VRA's Wallis.

Working with Efficiency Vermont can produce significant immediate benefits for retailers as well as long-term dividends. Bonnie Hawley, a Rutland florist who is also president of VRA's Board of Trustees, recently worked with Efficiency Vermont to make her store more energy-efficient. "Efficiency Vermont helped me determine that the store's lighting was using far too much energy," said Hawley. "They provided the information I needed to make my lighting upgrade a reality and were very easy to work with. The financial incentives were helpful to get the project done. I'd highly recommend them to every retail business owner."

Vermont retailers can take advantage of Efficiency Vermont services, including recommendations for energy efficiency improvements in their businesses, as well as financial assistance in the form of standard rebates, by calling toll-free at 888-921-5990 or visiting the newly redesigned, easy-to-usewww.efficiencyvermont.com.

Business People-Vermont Vermont Retail Association, Tasha Wallis

2012 Retailer of the Year!

On Thursday June 28, 2012 VRA will honor three Vermont retailers who are being honored in the following categories:  Retailer of the Year; Greentailer of the Year; Community Gem.  Governor Shumlin will present these well-deserving business owners with their awards at a special ceremony to be held at the VRA's conference room, 148 State St, Montpelier.

Retailer of the Year: To Be Announced

Greentailer of the Year: To Be Announced

Community Gem: To Be Announced

Many Vermont businesses throughout the state were nominated by their fellow businesspeople. The winners were selected after lengthy review by a panel made up of judges with long and successful retail experience of their own in Vermont. The three winners are exemplary businesses, incorporating superior practices, sustainability, innovation, environmental sensitivity, and community involvement.