Simple Ask, Wear A Mask

Shop Safe

The latest CDC guidance recommends all individuals wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Retailers are currently evaluating how this new standard, in tandem with state and local requirements around the country, will shape in-store mask policies for customers and employees.

We ask customers to be mindful of the guidance provided by local retailers, and that they respect employees and their fellow customers who may continue to wear masks for the safety of themselves and their family.

The best defense against the virus is getting more people vaccinated. Leading retailers are working diligently to help vaccinate Americans and are providing paid leave and other benefits to reduce any barriers for employees to be vaccinated. We salute the doctors and nurses who continue to valiantly battle this disease, and we continue to encourage all eligible individuals to get the vaccine so that we can collectively beat this virus.

Leading retailers and America's governors are encouraging customers to be safe and wear masks while out in public.

As Masks Return, Retailers Plead for Respect

Throughout the pandemic, keeping employees, customers and communities safe has been the guiding principle for retailers.

As Masks Return, Retailers Plead for Respect

Retailers Want Consistency on Mask Guidance – safety of associates remains top priority

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement from Senior Executive Vice President, Retail Operations and Innovation, Lisa LaBruno in response to the CDC's latest announcement on masks and social distancing for vaccinated Americans

Retailers Prioritize Safety

Retailers will continue to prioritize the safety of their team members first, as they’ve done throughout the pandemic.

Lisa LaBruno

Senior Executive Vice President, Retail Operations
RILA
Washington, DC

Shop Safe Resources and Latest info on COVID-19

COVID-19 Resources for Retailers

RILA’s coronavirus resources for retailers provide up-to-date information on the developments around COVID-19 for the retail industry and community.

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Open for Business - A Blueprint for Shopping Safe

Retailers are ready to assist states with the important task of safely re-opening, with an underlying commitment to helping all families Shop Safe.

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State and Local Resources for COVID-19 and Protests

View state and local response, curfews, reopening plans, DHS situation reports and more!

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Safety is Essential – A Message to Governors from Retailers

RILA letter to governors emphasizes the importance of shopping safe and encourages uniform, statewide orders to create clarity for businesses.

The new mask guidance announced Tuesday comes nearly 11 weeks after the CDC said in May that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to wear face masks. Retailers quickly changed policies for vaccinated customers following the CDC's last May update.

USA Today

With the delta variant surging, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that people vaccinated against the coronavirus start wearing masks indoors again in areas with substantial or high transmission.

The Columbus Dispatch

Retailers are considering reimposing facial coverings for customers following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), setting the stage for a return to the mask wars that defined much of the pandemic until just a couple of months ago.

The Hill

LEADING RETAIL INSIGHTS: THE 2021 CONSUMER SHIFT

Join us for a virtual presentation with Don Unser, Chief Retail Strategist, The NPD Group on May 6, 2021, from 3:00-4:00 P.M. ET for a deep dive into what reopening means for the retail industry and the future of consumer spending.