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VRA in the News

WATERBURY – Tasha Wallis is hoping Vermonters put a little ho-ho-ho into what threatens to be a pretty ho-hum holiday shopping season.

Times Argus, 11/17/2008

By Susan Allen Times Argus Editor

As executive director of the Vermont Retail Association, Wallis is keenly aware of the grim economic picture. Sipping coffee at K.C.'s Bagel Cafe in Waterbury last week, she ticked off some of the Vermont statistics, handing me economist Art Woolfe's report showing consumer retail spending down 8.8 percent in September (11.2 percent for restaurant and lodging, 16.4 percent for vehicle sales, and 17.3 percent for real estate).

The national statistics are worse, with retail sales hitting a record slump in October.

Despite the dark forecast, Wallis said Vermont retailers remain "cautiously optimistic" heading toward Black Friday – the Friday after Thanksgiving that is typically the kickoff of the holiday shopping season.

BENNINGTON — As the holiday shopping season nears, Vermont retailers are eyeing the nation's economic climate closely.

Bennington Banner, 11/15/2008

By Mike Gleason, Staff Writer

The year has not been kind to major retailers, as many have voiced concern about the economy. Recently, Circuit City, a major electronics company, filed for bankruptcy protection.
Tasha Wallis, the executive director of the Vermont Retail Association, said there is a great deal of uncertainty. "I think the answer is we just don't know what's going to happen," Wallis said. "No one, though, has canceled Christmas."

Tax-free shopping this weekend

Burlington Freepress, 7/9/2008

By Terri Hallenbeck, Staff Writer

Buying that $1,749 Specialized Roubix Elite long-distance endurance bike at Skirack in Burlington this weekend will save you $123 in sales tax.

On a $1,100 Samsung 42-inch plasma high-definition television at the Superstore in Williston, you’d save $77 in sales tax, another $77 from the store’s match of the sales tax savings and $224 from another in-store promotion.

Vermont is suspending its 6 percent sales tax (7 percent in eight municipalities including Burlington, Williston and South Burlington) for the weekend, followed next week by a tax holiday on energy-efficient appliances. The moves are designed to save Vermonters money and stimulate the economy.

“It’s an upbeat tone in a downbeat economy,” Tax Commissioner Tom Pelham said. “This is real money to people who are shopping on those days.”

Sales tax holiday designed to boost business coming

Burlington Freepress, 7/4/2008

By Brandon Canevari, Editor

MANCHESTER — A free sales tax weekend will be taking place on July 12 and 13, but how it will affect the local economy remains to be seen.
"This is a perfect opportunity for retailers to do promotions " said Executive Director of the Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce Jay Hathaway. "I think it will encourage buying in that period of time."
According to visitor services and membership manager of the chamber, Beth Meachem, the effort to turn the concept into a reality was driven by the Vermont Retail Association.
Tasha Wallis, executive director of the association, said the concept stemmed from discussion about how to stimulate the local economy in conjunction with the stimulus checks that were being issued nationwide.

Merchants want lawmakers to regulate credit-card fees

Bennington Banner, 2/17/2008

By Dan McLean, Staff Writer

Legislation under consideration in Montpelier stems from an effort by a national special-interest group working to draw attention to fees credit cards charge merchants.

The state legislation, titled the Vermont Credit Card Disclosure Act of 2008, is being supported by the Washington, D.C.-based Merchants Payments Coalition Inc. -- whose membership consists of dozens of members, including the National Association of Convenience Stores, the Food Marketing Institute, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, the American Petroleum Institute, the Vermont Grocers' Association and the National Retail Federation.

Oh, Canada, Vermont is open for Business

Burlington Freepress, 2/9/2008

By Joel Banner Baird, Staff Writer

Washington calls on Americans to spend their way out of a recession. Vermont business leaders are calling on Canadians to pitch in.

This time, the pitch goes beyond ski slopes, hiking trails and mulled apple cider.

Beginning today, more than 1 million color glossy newspaper inserts, in French and English, will extol to Montrealers the virtues of the Green Mountain State's retail-rich landscape.

WCAX Spot

2/7/2008

Tasha Wallis/Vt Retail Association: We want to make sure all the merchants around the state understand what the rules are -- but also are well informed on what items that might contain lead might look like.)) More testinomy is scheduled on the bill ....

For Manchester Shops, a Good Season

Bennington Banner, 12/28/2007

By John Waller, Staff Writer
…The Vermont Retail Association has been trying to help small, locally owned stores in the state get their products available online, according to R. Tasha Wallis, the association’s president.

Local holiday sales up over last year

Brattleboro Reformer, 12/2007

By Bob Audette, Reformer Staff
…Around Vermont itself, sales are picking up, said Tasha Wallis, the executive director of the Vermont Retail Association.

Black Friday brings crowds

Williston Observer, November 29, 2007

By Greg Duggan
Observer Staff
…Tasha Wallis, executive director of the Vermont Retail Association, said, “Because of uncertainty around the economy,” a lot of attention was focused on the retail sales of Black Friday and the entire weekend.

Shopping trends change with the times

Bennington Banner, 11/26/2007

By Andy McKeever, Staff Writer
…R. Tasha Wallis, the executive director of the Vermont Retail Association, said that despite the increase in prices, customers are still spending a lot. Customers are now turning to the Internet market, she said.