Small businesses, representing 98% of all retailers, are currently facing significant challenges from economic instability, political uncertainty, and tariffs. This episode features the NRF Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement, Meghan Cruz, who discusses the devastating impact of tariffs and the NRF's vigorous efforts to advocate for small businesses. Listen to real stories from small business owners and learn how to influence policymakers and access NRF resources to protect your business.
Key takeaways
Tariffs impose significant threats to small businesses through increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and reduced competitiveness.
The NRF actively advocates for small businesses by lobbying policymakers and providing resources to help businesses navigate economic and political uncertainties.
Small business owners can influence policy by sharing their stories and engaging with advocacy groups like the NRF.
Engage with NRF resources such as the NRF Action Center, membership, and advocacy platforms to support and protect your small business.
Understanding government policy and its impact on your operations is crucial for the resilience of your small business.
Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:57) How NRF advocates for small business owners (00:05:33) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses (00:07:27) Aaron Brown’s story (00:08:58) Bob Jones’ story (00:11:04) Lisa-Jae Eggert’s story (00:12:23) Making an impact with policymakers (00:16:41) Cruz’s message to small business owners The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get involved with the NRF Action Center • Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at <a hr
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Tariffs impose significant threats to small businesses through increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and reduced competitiveness.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
The NRF actively advocates for small businesses by lobbying policymakers and providing resources to help businesses navigate economic and political uncertainties.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Small business owners can influence policy by sharing their stories and engaging with advocacy groups like the NRF.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Engage with NRF resources such as the NRF Action Center, membership, and advocacy platforms to support and protect your small business.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Understanding government policy and its impact on your operations is crucial for the resilience of your small business.
