Chicago recently hosted the 2025 Council of State Retail Associations’ annual conference. This year’s gathering underscored the invaluable partnership between the National Retail Federation and our colleagues at state retail associations.
The CSRA conference serves as a vital forum where state associations — on the front lines of local retail challenges and opportunities — can meet to share best practices, emerging trends and legislative priorities. It’s a powerful testament to the idea that when we work together, the retail industry succeeds.
Here are some key takeaways that are top of mind for retailers on both a state level and national scale.
Retailers are deploying AI in a variety of ways, and artificial intelligence was undoubtedly front and center at the conference, with several discussions dedicated to its transformative power in retail.
From optimizing supply chains and warehouse logistics to predictive maintenance for equipment, AI is streamlining operations and enhancing efficiencies for retailers. Chatbots and virtual assistants are handling routine customer inquiries and allowing businesses to scale their support more effectively. AI is also overhauling the customer experience by creating more engaging and tailored shopping journeys, both online and in-store.
With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence comes inevitable discussions around regulation and policy. As AI becomes more ubiquitous, states are grappling with questions of data privacy, consumer protections and ethical use.
The discussions highlighted the critical role state retail associations play to ensure new regulations foster innovation rather than stifle it. More than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced in state legislatures across the country last year, and NRF continues to work with our partners at the state level to harmonize statutory language where possible and avoid a patchwork of conflicting rules and definitions that will hinder retail innovation.
The collective voice of state retail associations, amplified by NRF and our shared retail members, will be essential in shaping policies that protect consumers while allowing retailers to harness the full potential of AI.
CSRA also delved into the ongoing challenges posed by U.S. trade policies and tariffs. By their nature, retailers are deeply intertwined with international supply chains. Trade policies can have immediate and significant impacts on pricing, product availability and, ultimately, consumer spending.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of record-high tariffs. Learn more.
Attendees shared insights into how they are adapting to these shifting global dynamics, from diversifying sourcing strategies to advocating for more predictable and stable trade relations. The discussions underscored the need for continued vigilance and advocacy at both the state and national levels to ensure trade policies support a thriving retail sector and do not unduly burden businesses or consumers.
The 2025 CSRA conference in Chicago offered a clear vision of the opportunities and challenges ahead for the retail industry. The collaboration between NRF and our state partners remains strong, ensuring that the retail industry continues to innovate, adapt and serve communities across the U.S.
