Illinois Retail Merchants Association

Illinois Retail Merchants Association The Illinois Retail Merchants Association represents more than 20,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines in Illinois. IRMA helps retailers save money.

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is one of the largest state retail organizations in the United States. IRMA is your statewide professional organization. No matter what your size or kind of store, IRMA can help protect your interests in state government, save you money and keep you informed. IRMA serves as the voice of retailing and the business community in state government. IRMA’s gover

nment relations efforts have resulted in both the passage and defeat of significant bills of major bottom line impact on retail stores. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the State, merchants can count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois. They also regularly turn to IRMA for answers to their questions and problems with state laws and regulations. If you do business in Illinois, you need to be represented by IRMA! IRMA group programs contribute to the bottom line in helping small and large companies get the best service at the lowest cost. Members rely on IRMA to help them make informed choices so they can concentrate on running the store! IRMA keeps you informed. Our monthly, weekly and technical publications help retailers stay abreast of state and local laws, regulations and critical issues directly impacting the bottom line of their businesses. IRMA Fast Facts:

*IRMA represents more than 20,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines.

*IRMA’s membership includes the nation’s largest chains as well as independent stores in towns across Illinois.

*IRMA was founded in 1957.

Retail is changing. Are you ready for what’s next? At Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours (’s Galena Ghost Tours), owner Amelia ...
05/28/2026

Retail is changing.

Are you ready for what’s next?

At Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours (’s Galena Ghost Tours), owner Amelia Wilson is building a business that blends experience, creativity, and strategy to stay ahead in a changing industry.

As retail continues to evolve, success will depend on how well businesses adapt, plan, and find new ways to stay relevant.

Swipe through for some ways to prepare for what’s next in retail.

There are just a few days left in the Illinois spring legislative session and we are down to the wire. Our state lawmake...
05/28/2026

There are just a few days left in the Illinois spring legislative session and we are down to the wire. Our state lawmakers need to hear loud and clear from their retail constituents.

Take action NOW to !

www.stopswipefeegreed.com

05/27/2026

Ever competed with retail stores that carry similar products?

At Bespoke Collective & Edges in Taylorville, Illinois, owner Linda Osborne has found her edge amongst the competition, and it has nothing to do with what's on her shelves.

Watch the clip to hear what Linda thinks about standing out in a crowded market.

05/26/2026

On May 20, IRMA announced the winners of the inaugural Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition during a special awards luncheon held at the Governor’s Mansion and attended by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The event brought together student finalists, retail industry leaders, and elected officials to recognize the next generation of retail innovators. Winning teams were awarded scholarships of up to $60,000 for developing creative solutions to business challenges facing today’s retail industry. The scholarships were made possible through funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Congratulations to our finalists! View a full list and more information here:

🔗 https://irma.org/irma-announces-winners-of-inaugural-illinois-retail-challenge-scholarship-competition/

05/26/2026

Retail is playing a key role in bringing downtowns back to life. 🛍️ In The City of Jacksonville, Illinois, Julie Rowe opened 37 South Boutique & Makery with a goal of returning small businesses to the downtown square.

What began as one shop has become part of a growing movement to restore energy, creativity and connection to the heart of the community. From unique fashion to hands-on workshops, spaces like this are helping redefine what local retail looks like — and why it matters.

Learn more about her story: https://weareretail.irma.org/37-south-boutique-makery/

This Memorial Day, we’re taking a moment to honor the people who gave everything in service to this country.We also want...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we’re taking a moment to honor the people who gave everything in service to this country.

We also want to recognize the veterans across Illinois who carry that same spirit of service into their communities by building businesses that give back and creating spaces where those who served always feel welcome.

These are some of the veteran-owned businesses and veteran-supporting retailers we've featured across Illinois through the We Are Retail campaign:

Corps: Founded by former Marine Rob Mutert, Warp Corps is a purpose-driven lifestyle retail shop and community nonprofit that invests in youth workforce development, mental health awareness, and addiction prevention across Woodstock, Illinois.

& Savor: Founder Trez Van Pugh III has supported disabled veterans and vulnerable community members for over 35 years through his community-focused coffee houses across Chicago.

Your Hair Supply Boutique: Co-owner David Drakeford proudly supports veterans at this Alton hair boutique, in honor of his mother's Army service.

To every veteran who has served, thank you!

How much foot traffic is your store getting?At OPC Kicks in Oak Park, owner Peter Mullin has built a store that continue...
05/22/2026

How much foot traffic is your store getting?

At OPC Kicks in Oak Park, owner Peter Mullin has built a store that continues to attract attention because he stays creative and gives people a reason to come back.

In today’s retail environment, driving foot traffic should be intentional.

Swipe through for tips to bring more people into your store.

We Need Relief from Out-of-Control Credit Card Swipe Fees!Our fight to protect the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition ...
05/22/2026

We Need Relief from Out-of-Control Credit Card Swipe Fees!

Our fight to protect the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) is on and your engagement is absolutely necessary. Working together we can END SWIPE FEE GREED.

⏲️ Time matters - take action NOW to protect the IFPA!

www.StopSwipeFeeGreed.com

05/21/2026
Congratulations to the winning teams in IRMA's 2026 Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition - the first progra...
05/20/2026

Congratulations to the winning teams in IRMA's 2026 Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition - the first program of its kind in Illinois!

Supported through grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the competition encourages high school seniors to develop practical solutions to issues impacting the retail sector. Illinois high school seniors worked in teams of two to four to develop proposals in collaboration with leading retail partners, Roundy's /Mariano's and Walgreens. Student teams submitted their business proposals to retail leaders, who selected the top teams to receive scholarships totaling up to $60,000.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's program – and congratulations again to our amazing winners!

📷Stay tuned for full photo album from today’s event in coming days

Address

216 Broadway
Springfield, IL
62701

Opening Hours

Monday 8:45am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 8:45am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 8:45am - 4:45pm
Thursday 8:45am - 4:45pm
Friday 8:45am - 4:45pm

Telephone

(217) 544-1003

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