Ahead of Hurricane Dorian, Governor Brian P. Kemp has issued an Executive Order (HERE) ordering the mandatory evacuation of individuals east of Interstate 95 in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties starting at noon on Monday, September 2nd, 2019. The Governor's order also directs the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to establish westerly contraflow on Interstate 16 starting at 8 AM on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019.

Right now, the latest projections show Hurricane Dorian headed toward Georgia’s coastline. However, it is not forecast to make landfall in Georgia and the center of the storm is projected to remain almost 100 miles offshore. However, this storm is an immensely powerful category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. On Wednesday (September 4th) and Thursday (September 5th), Coastal Georgia Counties can expect to receive 40 to 60 mph sustained winds, 3 to 6 feet of storm surge, and 4 to 6 inches of rainfall.

GEMA/HS is working on opening Red Cross Shelters in McDuffie, Laurens, Bibb, Coffee, and Ware Counties today. Information will be available on the GEMA/HS website at www.gema.ga.gov/emergencies-0/hurricane-dorian.

If you have any question please contact me anytime at 706-202-9308 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

At this point, the latest models are showing Hurricane Dorian to not make landfall in Georgia. However, in advance of the storm, this afternoon the Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency released further guidance on the re-entry permit process. We ask that you read the below message carefully. If you have any questions, or are having any issues communicating with GEMA/HS staff, please contact me any time at 706-202-9308 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hurricane Dorian is currently a category 1 hurricane located just north of Puerto Rico moving to the northwest. It is forecast to become a major hurricane tomorrow as it approaches Florida this weekend. As Hurricane Dorian approaches, we wanted to inform our private sector partners about the re-entry process for the State of Georgia.

Upon receipt of a re-entry permit application, GEMA/HS will issue electronic re‐entry permits to any pre‐identified organization, agency, or company that may deploy essential response personnel following a disaster in the State of Georgia. One permit with an assigned phase of re-entry (either Phase 2 or Phase 3) will be issued per company, unless access is requested and approved for different personnel for both Phase 2 and Phase 3. Phase permits will be accepted during subsequent phases, but not earlier phases. In other words, Phase 2 permits will be accepted for re-entry during Phase 3 and beyond. However, Phase 3 permits will not be accepted during Phase 2.

Each company will be responsible for providing their authorized personnel with electronic or paper copies of the necessary re-entry permit for use during the specific phase of the re-entry process. Private companies or contractors not identified as a critical workforce provider should follow normally established methods of seeking access to disaster areas.

If you already have a re-entry permit, please check the expiration date. The green hang tag permits are no longer valid and you will need to apply for a new one. The new Re-Entry Permits are valid for three years from the issue date. Also, check the point of contact to make sure the information is accurate and updated. Attached is the Standard Operating Guide (SOG) (HERE) and a detailed description of each phase (HERE).

At the moment, we do not have the capacity to take phone calls regarding re-entry. If you have any questions or need something to be updated, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We’re excited to share news of another successful Organized Retail Crime Blitz facilitated by the Georgia Retailers and the Georgia Retailers Organized Retail Crime Alliance (GROC). Recently, 18 retailers partnered with the Douglasville Police Department to conduct an intense two-day operation combating organized retail crime within that city. This was accomplished by concentrating law enforcement and loss prevention professionals within specific retail corridors with the aim of stopping and deterring retail crime.

In addition to the personnel involved in conducting the blitz, we were also joined by Tommy Ratchford and Javier Pico, two attorneys in Governor Brian Kemp's Office of Executive Counsel. They were there to observe and learned first hand from loss prevention professionals the struggles that our members face from the retail criminals themselves (including getting to observe a shoplifting apprehension in real time), the depth and complexity of ORC in the real world, and how we partner with law enforcement and prosecutors to fight it, as well as the difficulties our members sometimes face in prosecuting these cases in Georgia.

We would like to thank everyone involved for this successful exercise, of which we will have more in the future. The results are below and they speak for themselves:

For Immediate Release:May 6, 2019
CONTACT:James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Highest spending amount ever expected this year as families celebrate moms with gifts, jewelry, events, flowers andmore

ATLANTA, GA -The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says record spending is expected for this Mother’s Day as per person spending should come close to $200. Total spending nationally is expected to exceed $25 billion, also a record.

“Mother’s Day has traditionally been one of the highest per person spending events, and this year is no different as we expect records to be broken both locally and nationally,” said Georgia RetailersPresident & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Georgia residents are excited to celebrate mothers, and we are eager to see how our Peach State retail members respond to this record-setting demand for gifts, jewelry, flowers and more.”

Mother’s Day spending is expected to total a record $25 billion this year, up from $23.1 billion in 2018, according to GR's partners at the National Retail Federation’s recent survey. A total 84 percent of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate in honor of their mothers and other women in their lives.

While the number of people celebrating Mother’s Day is in line with last year's86 percent, those celebrating are expected to spend more at an average $196 compared with $180 in 2018. Consumers ages 35-44 are likely to spend the most at an average of $248, up from $224, and men are likely to spend more than women at $237 compared with $158.

Newer models of gift-giving including special outings and gift cards are growing, in addition to more traditional gifts including flowers, greeting cards, and jewelry. Increased spending on jewelry represents 31 percent of the expected increase over last year.

According to the survey, consumers plan to purchase the following for Mother’s Day:

(* These are national numbers)

Many of those celebrating cited finding something unique (44 percent) as the most important factor when picking out a Mother’s Day gift, followed by one that creates a special memory (39 percent). More than 8 in 10 (81 percent) indicate they will look to retailers for gifting inspiration.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAILERS
Since 1961, Georgia Retailers has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retailers is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

Last year, the Georgia Retail Association Organized Retail Crime Alliance (GRAORCA) underwent a re-branding to the Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC). It is our pleasure to share with you some of the great work this effective boots-on-the-ground part of our organization has recently accomplished. Last week GROC began a long-term and on-going partnership with the Dunwoody Police Department by holding its first ever ORC Blitz named 'Operation Spring Cleaning'.

With 15 retailers participating the area around Perimeter Mall, the northern Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody was saturated with law enforcement, both in uniform and plain clothes, as well as plenty of our valuable loss prevention professionals. To find coverage on the event from the Atlanta Journal Constitution please click HERE. We believe the intended message was heard loud and clear: do not shoplift in Dunwoody! The Georgia Retailers & GROC look forward continuing this partnership with the Dunwoody Police Department, as well as partnering with other law enforcement entities throughout the state to stem the tide of retail crime in Georgia!

Members,

We find ourselves at the conclusion of the 2019 Georgia legislative session. As has been mentioned previously this session was marked by multiple challenges. Amongst them a totally new administration in the Governors Mansion and in the Senate, a new leadership structure in the upper chamber, public challenges to the Speaker, and extremely controversial legislative measures.

While no one got everything they wanted this session, and we were held hostage in last minute posturing between the House and Senate on “marketplace facilitator”, we consider this session a success for the Georgia Retailers. Not only did we ease the regulatory environment regarding vaccines, lower the sales tax collection threshold for out of state retailers, defend against multiple anti-retail measures, begin a discussion on comprehensive organized retail crime legislation, and assist in the push toward tort reform in Georgia, but we also raised the overall profile of the Georgia Retailers to a level not seen in many years.

We would also like to thank our allies in “Team Retail” beneath the gold dome, Kathy Kuzava with the Georgia Food Industry Association and Angela Holland with the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores for their assistance and partnership.    

Below will find the summation of the measures in which we have been involved during this session, please bear in mind that any measure below which didn’t pass, and was not voted down, is still alive for the 2020 session as Georgia’s is a biennial legislative system. As we begin the interim please pay attention to our communications as we will continue to work on many of these issues as well as provide you with updates of concern to Georgia retail.  

if you have any questions I encourage you to call me at (706) 202-9308 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at any time.

WINS FOR RETAIL

HB5 (Cannon-D-58) | Employment Practices, Hiring – WIN FOR RETAIL 

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Industry & Labor. The bill has been heard but not acted upon. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: Prohibits an employer from using previous compensation, from another company, to set compensation or benefits for a prospective hire.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers oppose this bill.

HB116 (McClain-D-100) | Employment Practices, Minimum Wage – WIN FOR RETAIL

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Industry & Labor. Bill was heard but not acted upon. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: Increases the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, and provides for a credit toward the minimum wage for employers of tipped workers.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers oppose this bill.

HB182 (Harrell-R-106) | E-Fairness, Threshold – WIN FOR RETAIL

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means. Bill has moved through subcommittee, the full Ways & Means Committee, and rests in the House Rules Committee. Bill passed the House and has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee, where it was passed out. The bill has passed the Senate and heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

What This Bill Does: Lowers the economic nexus threshold for online retailers doing business in Georgia to collect and remit sales tax from $250,000 to $100,000.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill. The Georgia Retailers submitted testimony in support of this legislation, as well as submitted letters to each Representative in support prior to floor action.

HB214 (Stephens-R-164) | Pharmacy, Vaccine Protocol Agreements – WIN FOR RETAIL     

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Health & Human Services. Language from HB214 was attached to SB115 as a House Rules Committee Substitute, which was carried by Chairwoman Sharon Cooper successfully through the House and the bill was subsequently agreed to by the Senate. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.  

What This Bill Does: Would allow all pharmacies under one company to utilize a single vaccine protocol agreement for the entire state. Bill failed to crossover.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill. The Georgia Retailers have been working with stakeholders and will amend the bill to ensure the physician entering into such agreements are located within the State of Georgia. We were asked by leadership, on crossover when this was to be heard, to hold this bill so that HB483, the annual controlled substances update bill, could advance. We are grateful to our sister organization the Georgia Food Industry Association, Lieutenant Governor Duncan, House Majority Leader Jon Burns, Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan, Chairwomen Cooper and Unterman, and Chairman Ron Stephens.  

HB239 (Efstration-R-104) | Judiciary, Statewide Business Court Enabling Legislation – WIN FOR RETAIL      

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. Bill has been reported favorably from the Kelley Subcommittee and full committee by substitute. Bill has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bill was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee where the language was stripped and replaced with language from the competing bill SB110. After the meeting of the conference committee the language of HB239 has been augmented to establish the new constitutionally mandated statewide business court. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

What This Bill Does: This bill would establish a statewide business court pursuant to the successful passage of the companion constitutional amendment in 2018.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill, and at this time prefer it to the competing bill, SB110.  

HB634 (Shannon-D-84) | Employment Practices, Employee Pay – WIN FOR RETAIL

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Industry and Labor. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill would allow for any employee to be provided compensation information for any other employee by their employer. 

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers are monitoring this bill.

SB46 (James-D-35) | Employment Practices, Minimum Wage – WIN FOR RETAIL  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance & Labor. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: Increases the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, and provides for a credit toward the minimum wage for employers of tipped workers.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers oppose this bill.

SB49 (Orrock-D-36) | Employment Practices, Hiring – WIN FOR RETAIL  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance & Labor. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: Prohibits an employer from using previous compensation, from another company, to set compensation or benefits for a prospective hire.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers oppose this bill.

SR433 (Gooch-R-51) | Study Committee, Tort Reform – WIN FOR RETAIL 

Status: Bill has been filed, passed the Senate and adopted.

What This Bill Does: The bill would establish a study committee to review Georgia’s legal climate and its impact on business.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this resolution.

ACTIVELY WORKED BILLS

HB276 (Harrell-R-106) | Efairness, Marketplace Nexus      

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means. A committee substitute with changes from the Department of Revenue was introduced and adopted. The bill was heard in the Ways & Means Public Finance & Policy Subcommittee and reported favorably by substitute to the full committee who also reported favorably. Bill has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. This bill was heard in the Senate Finance Public Policy Subcommittee, and full Senate Finance Committee where it was reported favorably with amendments. The bill was amended in the Senate Rules committee to include an exemption from sales and use tax for rideshare services, taxis, and limousines. The bill as amended passed the Senate and now rests in the House to await an agree/disagree motion. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill places the burden of sales tax collection on sales made by third party vendors that meet a certain threshold to the internet marketplaces which host them.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill. The Georgia Retailers submitted testimony in support and proposed changes to tighten the marketplace facilitator definition which were accepted into the latest substitute. We also submitted letters to each Representative in support prior to floor action and have committed to assist the bill sponsor in keeping this language as clean as possible as the bill travels through the Senate. Many attempts at amendments are expected. We have worked diligently on this bill, and the bill sponsor has serious objections to including the Senate Rules amendment exempting transportation services in the measure. The bill sponsor Chairman Harrell has stripped and replaced SB128 with clean language which he prefers. This has passed the House and now awaits an agree/disagree motion in the Senate

Special Summary: This issue became one of the premier “hot potato” issues on Day 40, and found itself lodged between the will of both House and Senate leadership. The inclusion and taxation of rideshare services, which heretofore have been untaxed in Georgia, became a sticking point. A path a was agreed to placing a .50 per trip fee on all such services on HB 365, which if agreed to by the House would allow SB128 to proceed to the Governor once agreed to by the Senate. Neither chamber was willing to move on either measure first despite every angle taken by us and others. We have the commitment of all stakeholders to accomplish this in 2020.   

HB457 (Jones-R-25) | Civil Law, Seat Belt Usage as Evidence 

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill would allow whether or not a plaintiff was using their seat belt at the time of an injury to be admitted as evidence in certain civil trials. 

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill and have signed onto a coalition letter to express our support.

HB488 (Momtahan-R-17) | Judiciary, Organized Retail Crime 

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil, the bill has been heard but not acted upon due to lack of quorum. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill creates record keeping and reporting requirements for purchasers of gift cards, as well as adds the element of conspiracy to shoplifting and creates the crime of retail merchandise fraud.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill and have testified in support during the subcommittee hearing. We have submitted our bill to Governor Kemps office, as well as to Attorney General Carr asking for their support. We are working with multiple interests who had questions around the language of the bill, we are fixing those issues to have the bill prepared for further action. We have continued to work on this issue and have begun building a larger coalition for the 2020 legislative session.

HB539 (Kirby-R-114) | Alcohol, Licenses  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill increases the number of liquor licenses a single entity is allowed to hold from two to eleven. 

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill.

HR256 (Carpenter-R-4) | Constitutional Amendment, Limit Awards  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: This bill would allow for a ballot measure to amend the Georgia constitution that would give the General Assembly power to limit awards in certain civil cases.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill.

SB110 (Stone-R-23) | Judiciary, Statewide Business Court Enabling Legislation  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary where it was reported favorably by substitute. Bill passed the Senate by substitute and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. This bill has been referred to a conference committee. Bill failed for the 2019 session, some of its language was included in the conference committee bill, HB239 which passed and now heads to the Governor’s desk to await his signature.

What This Bill Does: This bill would establish a statewide business court pursuant to the successful passage of the companion constitutional amendment in 2018.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill, however at this time prefer the competing bill, HB239.  

SB146 (Ginn-R-47) |Alcohol, Tastings in Liquor Stores  

Status: Bill has been filed and primarily referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development & Tourism, then withdrawn and recommitted to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries & Utilities. The bill was reported from the committee favorably by substitute. Bill passed the Senate by substitute and has been referred to the House Regulated Industries Committee where it was substantially amended and passed favorably and now rests in the House Rules Committee prior to any floor action. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: Provides a framework under which retail liquor stores may allow in-store sampling of alcoholic beverages. Incorporates language from HB76, as well as allows for parity on Sunday retail sales for alcohol and removes the referendum requirement for the same.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill as amended.

SB148 (Robertson-R-29) | Civil Law, Seat Belt Usage as Evidence   

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary where it has been heard but no action was taken. Bill failed to crossover. Language was amended to HB171 while that bill was being heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee. The bill was heard on the Senate floor where it was amended to disable the bill, the bill subsequently failed. An attempt to reconsider the bill also fell short. Bill failed for the 2019 session.  

What This Bill Does: This bill would allow whether or not a plaintiff was using their seat belt at the time of an injury to be admitted as evidence in certain civil trials. 

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill and have signed onto a coalition letter to express our support.

SB155 (Cowsert-R-46) | Civil Law, Phantom Damages  

Status: Bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary where it has been heard but not acted upon. Bill failed for the 2019 session and is alive for consideration in 2020.

What This Bill Does: The bill would establish that in an action to recover damages from death or injury only actual amounts paid for health care services or treatment shall be recoverable.

Our Actions: The Georgia Retailers support this bill with a coalition of other interests and are working with the sponsor to include language that would also cover letters of protection.

For Immediate Release: January 3, 2019
CONTACT: James Miller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Beusse has been with Georgia Retailers since 2017 and has led its lobbying and grassroots initiatives, helping to re-establish the organization as THE voice of retailing in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, announces the promotion of Thomas Beusse to the position of Executive Director. Buesse will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives and lobbying efforts going forward. The promotion is effective January 1, 2019. “Thomas has been integral to the success of the Georgia Retailers, including expanding our membership, influence and impact throughout the state, and we’re excited about what the future holds for our members and our industry,” said Georgia Retailers Board Chair Heather Kennedy. “This promotion ensures that the retail industry in Georgia will continue to have a powerful voice.” Thomas has been with the Georgia Retailers since August of 2017 when he joined as Director of Government Affairs. His prior positions included State Government Affairs Manager as well as Political Mobilization Manager for the Southern Region for the American Chemistry Council (ACC). He’s also served for Congressman Tom Price and worked for a lobbying firm. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Consumers expected to spend $18.2 billion nationally, down slightly from last year, but second-highest all-time; Food, clothing, candy, flowers and decorations lead the way in popularity

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Georgians will increase their Easter spending to near record levels this year, with the per person average expected to top $150, down slightly from last year’s record total of $152. The total expected to be spent nationally is $18.2 billion, second highest in survey history and down from last year’s record of $18.4 billion.

“Even though spending will be down slightly, it’s still near a record high which is great news for Peach State retailers who focus on stocking their shelves for the Easter holiday,” said GR President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Easter is a great time for people to spend with family, which means consumers will be looking for deals on purchasing food, decorations and holding Easter egg hunts to celebrate.”

According to the survey, which was conducted by GR’s national partners at the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $5.7 billion on food (purchased by 87 percent of shoppers), $3.2 billion on clothing (48 percent), $2.9 billion on gifts (61 percent), $2.6 billion on candy (89 percent), $1.3 billion on flowers (39 percent), $1.1 billion on decorations (42 percent) and $780 million on greeting cards (46 percent).

In preparation for the Easter holiday, 59 percent of consumers will shop at discount stores, 46 percent will visit department stores, 28 percent will make purchases online, 25 percent will go to a specialty store and 25 percent will go to a small business or local store. Among smartphone users, 30 percent will research products or compare prices on their devices while 19 percent will use their phones to make a purchase.

Consumers intend to celebrate Easter in several ways: 60 percent will visit family and friends, 58 percent will cook a holiday meal, 51 percent will go to church and 17 percent will go to a restaurant. The Easter Bunny is expected to have a busy holiday season: 35 percent of consumers will participate in an Easter egg hunt and 16 percent will open gifts. In addition to traditional holiday events, some consumers will pursue more leisurely activities: 45 percent will watch TV, 11 percent will shop online, 9 percent will shop in a store and 8 percent will go to a movie.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Second highest spending amount ever expected this year as families splurge on moms with jewelry, meals, flowers and clothing the most popular options

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Florida mothers will be showered with gifts from their family members this year, as spending for Mother’s Day is expected to reach $180 per person. This is down slightly from last year’s record high of $186 per person. Total spending nationwide is expected to surpass $23.1 billion, once again the second highest in survey history with more than 86 percent of Americans celebrating.

“Mothers play such a vital role in our society, and it’s wonderful to see that they’ll be receiving plenty of gifts this year as people feel more and more comfortable with their own finances,” said GR President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “A healthy economy with more residents employed should lead to increased spending and a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of this by showcasing sales and discounts on the more popular items.”

According to GR’s partners at the National Retail Federation’s recent survey, consumers plan to spend $4.6 billion on jewelry (purchased by 34 percent of shoppers), $4.4 billion on special outings such as dinner or brunch (55 percent) and $2.6 billion on flowers (69 percent). In addition, $2.5 billion will be spent on gift cards (45 percent), $2.1 billion on clothing (36 percent), $2.1 billion on consumer electronics (14 percent) and $1.8 billion on personal services such as a spa day (24 percent). Another $956 million will be spent on housewares or gardening tools (19 percent), $813 million on greeting cards (77 percent) and $494 million on books or music (19 percent).

The survey found 29 percent want to receive a “gift of experience” such as a spa day, tickets to a concert or gym membership while 26 percent plan to give such a gift. Gifts of experience are given most often — 45 percent of those surveyed — by 18 to 34-year olds.

Individuals ages 35-44 will be the biggest spenders this year at an average $224. However, those between 18-24 will most likely use smartphones to research their purchases and compare prices at 62 percent.

When searching for gifts, 35 percent of consumers will head to department stores and 31 percent will shop online, while 29 percent plan to shop at specialty stores such as florists, jewelers or electronics stores. Meanwhile, 23 percent plan to shop at a local small business, 22 percent at discount stores and 10 percent at specialty clothing stores.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Spending to be near record highs as consumers continue to feel good about their economic situation, with gift cards, cash, apparel and electronics leading the way for graduation gifts

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Retailers (GR), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 50 years, says Georgians will spend near record highs on graduates this year. The average person is expected to spend $102.51, close to last year’s total of $104.92. Total spending on graduation gifts nationally is expected to top $5.2 billion, the third highest in the survey’s 12-year history.

“Graduation is such a significant milestone in a young adult’s life, and parents, friends, grandparents and others want to recognize this achievement with near record spending this year,” said R. Scott Shalley, Georgia Retailers President & CEO. “Once again, Georgia retailers will put graduation gift ideas on center stage, focusing on the most popular items and combining the excitement of graduating with great discounts and deals for consumers.”

According to GR's national partners at the National Retail Federation’s annual survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics, cash will once again be the most popular gift, given by 55 percent of those surveyed as they seek to help students with the costly transition from high school to college or college to the “real world.” Greeting cards — many of them with cash inside — follow at 43 percent, gift cards at 32 percent, apparel at 14 percent and electronics at 10 percent.

The survey found 45 percent of those ages 18-24 plan to give a gift to other graduates, spending an average of $73.87, with cash being their gift of choice. However, the biggest spending, at $119.86, comes from those ages 45-54 who may have a child at home. Those in the grandparent bracket of 65 and above give an average of $107.15.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA RETAIL ASSOCATION
Since 1961, the Georgia Retail Association has been working on behalf of the retail community to unite and pursue the common goal of creating the best environment for retailing in Georgia. Retail supports 1 out of 4 jobs in the state and is directly and indirectly responsible for 78% of Georgia's gross domestic product. The Georgia Retail Association is a division of the Florida Retail Federation.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2010 sales of $2.4 trillion. www.nrf.com.