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 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...
Macy’s, Inc. Unveils Vision for Renewing its Flagship Herald Square Location and Investing in New York City
Macy's Inc, May 10, 2021 — Macy's, Inc. today announced its vision for renewing its commitment to its flagship Herald Square store, including $235 million of private investment in the surrounding neighborhood. Macy’s plan would upgrade Herald Square’s transit...
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...
How the coronavirus changed the way we shop
Times Union, March 2, 2020 — Christmas was just days away, but the Macy's department store at Colonie Center was pleasantly uncrowded. The busiest area seemed to be at the counter where customers could retrieve their online orders. So it was no surprise last week when...
How the city of Rochester is helping small businesses
WXXI News, January 4, 2021 —In the latest WXXI Business Report, find out about a new grant program from the city of Rochester designed to help small businesses. Also, the new leader of the Retail Council of New York state says the organization is trying to help its...
New York’s retailers have a new champion in Albany
Capitol Pressroom, December 14, 2020 — Retail businesses have played a major role during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. We talked with the new head of the Retail Council of New York State, Melissa O’Connor about the group’s priorities heading into the 2021...