Fall 2014
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Virginia Retail Federation, LLC
Partnering for Retail Advocacy
Honoring Our First Responders
Just in! The RMA Member Survey Results The results are in! The Retail Merchants Association (RMA) Member Survey proved to be tremendously informative. It served as a useful tool for understanding our members’ demographics, needs and priorities.
We would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who took the time to complete the survey. Below are some of the highlights from the results:
We received 324 survey responses from individuals belonging to 230 RMA member companies. In fact, over 40% of RMA member companies were represented in the survey results. Additionally the responses were proportionate to the overall composition of RMA memberships: 40% of all RMA Retailers and 43% of all RMA Retail Partners.
Networking was the number one reason people join RMA (43%), followed by RMA’s programs/ offerings and being associated with a great organization, which tied at 10% each.
In This Issue... 1
Member Survey Results
2 Letter to Members 3 RMA Members Who Made the Inc. 5000 List 4 The RMA Scene 6 RMA Endorsed Vendors 7 VRF Advocacy Update 8 Nominations are in for the 2014 Distinguished Retailer
Valor Award’s Silver Anniversary
9 New RMA Member List
Welcome New Members!
10 Think. Shop. Buy. Local® Saturday 11 RMA Event Calendar
Who’s in your Network?
We’ll go to the mat for you!
Congratulations to Rosalie Drake of CW Richmond. She was the winner of the $250 gift certificate drawing in which all survey respondents were entered.
Members appreciate the legislative advocacy efforts made on their behalf. 64% think RMA effectively represents retailers to local, State and A significant percentage of members Federal levels. is unaware of many of RMA’s membership benefits. We want to A wise investment: help our members take advantage of 66% of survey respondents agree: these offerings! An RMA membership is a valuable investment in their business. Even A case for more traffic: more (78%) would recommend RMA 69% of the members feel the membership to another business. Think. Shop. Buy. Local® campaign effectively promotes shopping locally. Back to school: However, the number one business Members are interested in RMA’s need with which members would like training and education programs. help is in increasing customer traffic Here are the most requested topics: and business visibility. 1. Human Resource issues and RMA staff and Board members will Employee Training (20%) continue to study the survey responses and find ways to meet member needs 2. Social Media (16%) and priorities. Look for new initiatives and programs in the coming months! 3. Marketing (13%) Getting the word out: RMA will work to improve its communication of member benefits.
In the meantime, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the survey results on the RMA website.