News & Resources
The Retail Council of New York State regularly communicates relevant news to our members in real time. We also provide myriad resources for retailers and other businesses. Check this page frequently for updates.
Attorney General James announces convictions and sentencings of members of massive retail theft ring
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2025 Attorney General’s Press Office/212-416-8060 nyag.pressoffice@ag.ny.gov Attorney General James Announces Convictions and Sentencings of Members of Massive Retail Theft Ring 36 Members Convicted for Stealing Millions of Dollars in...
Retail Council of New York State opposes legislation to ban certain ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products (June 2025)
View the letter here.
Retail Council of New York State opposes “New York Fashion Environmental Accountability Act” (June 2025)
View the letter here.
Retail Council of New York State opposes legislation that would dramatically increase short-term disability benefits
View the letter here.
Retail Council of New York State opposes “New York Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act” (May 2025)
View the letter here.
Retail Council joins coalition to oppose “Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act” (March 2025)
View the letter here.
Retail Council joins coalition to support necessary and reasonable changes to discovery laws
March 3, 2025 DIVERSE, CITYWIDE COALITION LAUNCHES TO SUPPORT NECESSARY AND REASONABLE CHANGES TO DISCOVERY LAWS “New Yorkers for Fair and Just Discovery Laws” Calls on Legislature to Pass Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Amendments to Keep Us Safe, Prevent Recidivism While...
Retail Council opposes chemical disclosures in personal care products and cosmetics
View the letter here.
Retail Council President and CEO Melissa O’Connor named as 2024 Trailblazer in Economic Development
Melissa O’Connor has added crime fighter to her duties as a business leader. O’Connor has been targeting retail theft by advocating for several state laws that increase security measures, provide violence prevention trainings and offer tax credits for retail business...
Melissa O’Connor is retail’s voice at the state Capitol
Melissa O’Connor grew up in and around the halls of the state Capitol. Her father was the longtime chief of staff for State Sen. Frank Padavan, and she remembers visiting her father on late nights during legislative sessions. O’Connor’s original plan was to get an...
