Illinois Retail Merchants Association

06/17/2026

Keeping great employees can be just as challenging as finding them.

At Root Beer Revelry in Galena, Illinois, owner Paul Pendola shares a lesson he's learned while growing his business and building his team.

If you're hiring, training, or leading employees, this is advice worth hearing.
Watch to learn more.

06/16/2026

Illinois retailers and foodservice operators: We want to hear from you!

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is gathering feedback on pork sales, merchandising, menu offerings, and customer demand across Illinois. Your insights will help guide future promotions, resources, and partnerships designed to support pork sales and profitability in your business. As a thank you, participants who complete the survey and provide their name will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

Scan the QR code or click the link to take this quick 2-minute survey today!

🔗https://forms.gle/oPVuERWxnkGHG9VQ6

06/16/2026

Retail helps communities celebrate the moments that matter most. 🎈 In Homewood, Luckeyia Murry built Luckeyia Balloons & Distribution from a home-based business into a creative retail space serving families, schools, businesses and events across Chicagoland. Through custom balloon artistry, mentorship and a commitment to customer experience, she’s showing how local retailers – our small businesses – help create connection and opportunity to communities. Learn more about her story: https://weareretail.irma.org/luckeyias-balloon-distribution/

06/15/2026

Concerned about retail policies affecting your business, but not sure how to reach policymakers?

That’s exactly what IRMA’s Business Day is all about.

Last month, retailers across Illinois, ranging from independent retailers to major brands, gathered at IRMA Business Day to meet directly with Illinois policymakers.

As IRMA President and CEO Rob Karr shared, Business Day gives members the opportunity to see IRMA’s advocacy work firsthand while helping policymakers better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Illinois retailers.

Offering a stronger voice for your business and for Illinois retail is one of the many benefits of IRMA membership.

Watch our Business Day recap to find out more!

06/12/2026

IRMA is proud to be partner in Illinois' investment in healthier communities!

Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced $24.7M in funding for 434 entities through the Illinois Pharmacy Support Program, an initiative to strengthen access to pharmacy services across Illinois. The program was designed to assist pharmacies around the state most at risk of closure or financial strain, particularly those serving in rural areas, low-income communities, or populations with limited access to health care.

“Community pharmacies are vital to the health care system, especially in rural and underserved communities across the state,” said IRMA president and CEO Rob Karr. “IRMA is proud to partner with Governor Pritzker and DCEO to support Illinois pharmacies as they continue providing medications, vaccinations, and trusted care.”

Read more (via Capitol News Illinois):

Illinois awards $25 million to independent pharmacies to expand services and improve access to care.

06/11/2026

Do you have a solid retail marketing strategy?

At Galena Spoon Co. in Galena, Illinois, owner Paul Pendola has grown his business by combining storytelling, digital engagement, and a strong online presence to connect with customers beyond the storefront.

Swipe through for three retail marketing tips that can help build visibility, strengthen relationships, and keep your brand top of mind.

06/10/2026

What’s stopping you from turning your business idea into something real?

At Kone Ranger, an upcycled streetwear clothing store in Avondale, Chicago, co-owner Kone Eiring shares how an idea that started in college eventually became the foundation for his business.

Watch to see what it takes to turn your dream into reality.

06/09/2026

Retail helps create the spaces that bring communities together.🍷

In Springfield, It's All About Wine has become a favorite gathering place where customers connect over conversation, events and shared experiences. After falling in love with the business as customers themselves, Zach and Nancy Sweet purchased the store to preserve the welcoming atmosphere that made it so special.

From live music and fundraisers to casual conversations over a glass of wine, It’s All About Wine shows how independent retailers help foster connection and community. Learn more about their story: https://weareretail.irma.org/its-all-about-wine/

06/08/2026

What can a career in retail offer?

For Laura Hawkins, owner of Little Luxuries in Taylorville, Illinois, retail careers can offer more flexibility and creativity than many people realize. One of the most rewarding parts of retail for her is the ability to build a career around creativity, family, and personal freedom.

She shares, “I hope more people choose retail as a career. I think it's kind of become a lost art and it's very rewarding. I love being able to schedule my own time, my events around my family. I love the freedom and the flexibility that retail does offer. I like the creativity.”

If you are wondering what a long-term career in retail can look like, explore the We Are Retail site at our link in bio.

06/04/2026

The future of retail is becoming more purpose-driven.

At Warp Corps in Woodstock, Illinois, their retail business is a platform to create social change.

Businesses that lead with purpose often build stronger connections and deeper customer loyalty.

Swipe through to see how retailers can turn business into positive community impact.