About the VRA About the Vermont Retail Association Vermont store owners are facing more competition today than they ever have. Because of the increasing competitive pressures, retailers need an advocate to ward off unnecessarily burdensome laws and regulations that add to the cost of doing business. They also need a source to provide many of the products and services that any business needs, at prices they can afford. The Vermont Retail Association was founded in 1968 by some of Vermont's leading retailers to promote and protect the interests of retailers throughout the state and to provide money saving services to its members.
Membership is statewide and includes a broad range of retailers and other businesses.
The VRA represents the retail industry before elected officials for policy and voting decisions. Our lobbying and issue education efforts play an integral role in the democratic process and ensure sound policy decisions. We are also one of the first stops for the media for background information in news stories. Additionally, we use our membership of over 500 businesses to negotiate services for independent retailers that may not be available to businesses individually. The services we offer our members have been developed in response to member needs and requests.