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.
Retail Council Signs Letter in Support of Mayor Adams’ Efforts to Make New York a Safer City
NYC Office of the Mayor, January 31, 2022 — The Retail Council of New York State has joined more than 200 businesses, labor and civic leaders in New York City to publicly support Mayor Eric Adams’ efforts to reduce crime in the five boroughs. The letter is included in...
NRF Says 2021 Holiday Sales Grew 14.1 Percent to Record $886.7 Billion
National Retail Federation, January 14, 2022 — WASHINGTON – Retail sales during 2021’s November-December holiday season grew 14.1 percent over 2020 to $886.7 billion, easily beating the National Retail Federation’s forecast and setting a new record despite challenges...
60 New York Business and Legal Experts Issue Open Letter Opposing Antitrust Legislation
Partnership for New York City, January 12, 2022 — The Retail Council joined business leaders and legal experts in signing a letter expressing opposition to currently pending antitrust legislation. The letter, printed in its entirety below, was published by Partnership...
Retail Council President & CEO Melissa O’Connor Makes ‘Power 75’ List
City & State, December 6, 2021 — City & State, the premier media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy, has included Retail Council of New York State President & CEO Melissa O’Connor in its magazine’s Economic...
Retail Council of New York State Issues Statement on Siena College Research Institute’s Holiday Poll
Retail Council of New York State, November 23, 2021 — The Retail Council of New York State today issued the following statement from President & CEO Melissa O’Connor in response to the Siena College Research Institute annual statewide consumer poll of holiday...
Staten Island Mall hours for Thanksgiving, Black Friday 2021
Staten Island Advance, November 14, 2021 —The Staten Island Mall in New Springville will be closed for a second consecutive year on Thanksgiving Day, but the shopping center will reopen on Black Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the Mall’s website. “According...
Members of Retail Council of New York State’s Safety Group 493 to Receive 27.5% Dividend
Retail Council of New York State, November, 10, 2021 — The Retail Council of New York State reports that eligible members of its Workers’ Compensation Safety Group 493 will receive a dividend of 27.5% for the year 2020. The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) plans...
Supply chain issues won’t stop Halloween retailers from supplying a spooky Sunday
Times Union, October 29, 2021 — National supply chain issues are delaying shipments for Halloween retailers but aren’t slowing down celebrations this year. Amanda Powers, director of communications and marketing for the New York State Retail Council, agreed. She said...
Retailers adapt to evolving mask rule
Capitol Pressroom, May 21, 2021 — Retail Council of New York State President and CEO Melissa O’Connor joins the show to explain how her members are adapting to this brave new world, where vaccinated New Yorkers won’t be mandated to wear masks indoors and businesses...
Leader Board: 16 new Capital Region senior executives you should know
Albany Business Review, March 29, 2021 — Leader Board is a quarterly series that introduces readers to the newest top executives. Here’s a recap of the leadership changes at Capital Region companies and organizations in late 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. See the...