November 2012
| Business World Magazine | 141
T
he Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is a Wash-
ington, DC-based trade association representing Ameri-
ca’s largest and most successful retailers. RILA is a trusted
source dedicated to sharing the retail industry’s story and informing
lawmakers of the impact and consequences of the decisions they make.
RILA has undergone a couple of name changes in their more
than 40-year history. Their most recent moniker, the International
Mass Retailers Association (IMRA), was changed because their Board
of Directors realized their membership was more than just mass retail-
ers – they represented the leading retailers across all segments of the in-
dustry, Executive Vice President of Retail Operations Casey Chroust
says. “We represent nine of the top 10 largest retailers in the United
States,” he says.
Chroust joined RILA a little over five years ago. Prior to joining
the association, he spent 10 years doing strategy consulting for retail
companies, many of whom are members of RILA.
TOP U.S. RETAILERS
The Retail Industry Leaders Association represents approximately 200
members, with a strong focus on the top 100 retailers who generate
more than $1 billion in revenue. In addition to nine of the top 10
U.S. retailers, RILA members also hold the top spot among key retail
segments including apparel, consumer electronics, department stores,
home improvement, large format and small format, and others. No
trade association represents more top retailers than RILA.
The association best represents their members by focusing on a
wide-range of key services – from supply chain, asset protection and
finance, to human resources, compliance and enterprise Issues, among