As Masks Return, Retailers Plead for Respect

By [ Brian Dodge ]
Washington, DC
07/27/2021

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement from RILA President Brian Dodge on the latest CDC guidance on masks:

“Throughout the pandemic, keeping employees, customers and communities safe has been the guiding principle for retailers as we’ve found ways to keep stores open and safely serve our customers.

“As the virus changes, variants spread, and vaccine hesitancy in some populations continues, retailers understand that CDC guidance may evolve and masks may be necessary again in some circumstances. 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.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.