Florida's Extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Kicks Off this Week
Written by FRF
For Immediate Release: August 3, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Millions of Floridians planning to take advantage of popular tax-free shopping holiday by saving money on key school supplies, clothing and technology
TALLAHASSEE, FL –The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, reminds Florida families that the state’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins this Friday, August 7 and lasts through August 16. This 10-day extension equals the longest back-to-school shopping holiday since it was first started in 1998 and allows shoppers two full weekends to complete their buying needs.
“We are excited about the extended sales tax holiday that families and shoppers of all ages will be able to take advantage of,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “Florida’s more than 270,000 retailers have been preparing for this popular holiday and are ready with great sales and opportunities for shoppers to save on clothing, supplies and technology items.”
List of Eligible Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Items
Written by FRFFlorida’s Department of Revenue released the official list of items eligible for this year’s back-to-school sales tax holiday including additional information for those businesses participating in this annual event. FRF was proud to do our part in working closely with the state legislature and Governor’s office in ensuring the back-to-school sales tax holiday was renewed for this year.
- Sales Tax Holiday Flyer from the Florida Department of Revenue
- Tax Information Publication from the Florida Department of Revenue
Sales Tax Holiday Information
We hope all of our members enjoy a successful and profitable summer shopping season.
Independence Day Shopping to Increase As Floridians Celebrate the Red, White & Blue
Written by FRFFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850) 701-3015
Due to lower gas prices and energy costs, Floridians have more money in their pockets and are eager to spend it on patriotic merchandise, events and food
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The good news for Florida’s retailers continues as the Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says that spending on 2015 Independence Day-themed events, food and merchandise will eclipse last year’s. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Independence Day Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, nearly two thirds of those celebrating (64.4 percent) are planning to take part in the patriotic holiday by attending a cookout, picnic or barbecue, spending an average of $71.23 per household, up from $68.16 last year. Total spending on food items for the holiday is estimated to reach $6.6 billion.
“With Florida’s economy continuing to strengthen and more Floridians with extra money in their pockets, Sunshine State retailers are looking at a very productive and successful holiday shopping weekend,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “Families are proud to celebrate the red, white and blue with patriotic supplies, gifts and plenty of food.”
When it comes to shopping for new Independence Day merchandise, though many already have all the patriotic gear they need, more than 48 million consumers – 22.8 percent – will hit the stores looking for decorations, apparel and more to celebrate in style.
The survey found 42.6 percent, or 103 million celebrants, will attend a fireworks display or community celebration, and 11.5 percent – 27 million of those celebrating, will watch a parade. The holiday weekend is also a popular time for travel and vacations as more than 33 million Americans say they will head out of town.
When asked about the impact gas prices will have on their spending, nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) say that the price of gas will not impact their spending for the holiday weekend, up from 70.1 percent who said so last year.
The NRF 2015 Independence Day Spending Survey was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to the Independence Day holiday. The survey was conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The poll of 6,431 consumers was conducted from June 2-9, 2015.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers – the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.
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.
Back-to-School Shopping Season to Have Increased Spending this Year
Written by FRF
For Immediate Release: June 24, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015
Recently expanded 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday comes at right time, with 30 percent of families expecedt to increase spending on school supplies in 2015; More parents to comparison shop for best deals
TALLAHASSEE, FL– With the recent positive news that Florida’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday was included in the state’s final budget and expanded to a record ten days, the Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says Florida families expect to increase their spending on school supplies this year, meaning good things are in store for Florida retailers.
“Thanks to the commitment of both the Florida legislature and Governor Scott on expanding the back-to-school sales tax holiday, the timing couldn’t be better as Florida families will see extended savings while retailers can expect increased sales,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “Families are already starting to prepare for the upcoming school year, and this annual back-to-school shopping season is the second busiest behind only the winter holidays in terms of sales.”
According to the National Retail Federations’ Retail Insight Center Monthly Consumer Survey of more than 6,400 adults, 29 percent of households with school-age kids plan to spend more than last year for back-to-school, compared with nearly 24 percent who said the same thing this time last year. As for college students and their families, nearly three in 10 plan to spend more this summer, up from 23 percent last year.
The positive uptick in planned spending means that retailers’ back-to-school season could bring a welcome boost in sales after a disappointing first half of the year. Regardless of their spending plans this summer, the economy is still top of mind for some families, especially when it comes to making sure their children have what they need for the school year.
Among those who say the economy will impact their back-to-school and college spending plans, 32 percent of college shoppers plan to comparison shop online to make sure they get the best bang for their buck, up from nearly 28 percent last year. More than 31 percent of school shoppers will compare prices online, compared with nearly 30 percent last year.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850) 701-3015
The rebranded association will advocate for and support the needs of Florida’s grocery industry; former Ohio Grocery Association exec Tom Jackson to lead efforts
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, recently held its 2015 Summer Meeting where President/CEO Rick McAllister announced that FRF’s Grocery Council will be rebranded to the Florida Grocers Association. This rebranded Association will continue to be a division of the Florida Retail Federation with a clear vision to serve Florida’s $45 billion grocery industry.
“Florida’s grocers are such an important and influential part of our economy, and we felt that this rebranding better reflects the impactful role they play for both businesses and consumers,” said McAllister. “We felt the Council needed to be better positioned to meet today’s needs and challenges of the state’s grocery industry, and the Florida Grocers Association provides the appropriate level of support and awareness.”
McAllister said that Tom Jackson, a current FRF consultant and a retired former CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association, will serve as Interim Executive Director of the new Florida Grocers Association, and will look to continue expanding its membership while also serving the needs of the more than 2,300 grocery stores and their industry partners statewide. Jackson currently serves as the Director of FRF’s Grocery Council.
“Tom brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise about how to properly manage an organization of this size, while also growing its membership,” said McAllister. “Tom successfully ran a similar organization in Ohio for 25 years, and I look forward to the positive impact he’ll have here in Florida as we look to better serve the needs of Florida’s grocers.”
“I’m very excited about this new association, as it will provide a greater and more defined identity to serve Florida grocers,” stated Jackson. “Florida is the third largest state in the nation yet didn’t have a grocers association. Our industry is too big and too important not to be served by an association dedicated to grocer’s needs. With substantial resources already in place, like our excellent Government Relations Team and topnotch administrative support, we will hit the ground running.”
FRF will unveil a new logo, updated website and other marketing support for the Association in the coming weeks.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, Communications Director | (321)229-9266 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Continuing improvement of economy means more will be spent on fathers this year than last; clothing, tickets to events and technology are the most popular options.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says Florida fathers can expect to receive more in gifts this year than last. According to the National Retail Federations’ 2015 Father’s Day Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average person will spend $115.57 on gifts, up from last year’s $113.80.
“With the summer shopping season here, Father’s Day looks to be a great kick off for Florida retailers statewide,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “And with families expected to spend more money, fathers will have a day to remember.”
Father’s Day may not be the most lucrative consumer holiday of the year for retailers, but spending for dad is expected to reach $12.7 billion for golf lessons, home improvement tools, coffee mugs and more. When it comes to gifts for dad, four in ten (39.7%) will purchase apparel items such as a new dress shirt or necktie and will spend a total $1.7 billion overall. Another 43.3 percent will opt for experience gifts, such as tickets to a ballgame or a special meal with the family, spending a total of $2.6 billion.
The survey also found that one in five (19.7%) shoppers will pick out new gadgets for dad such as a tablet or smartphone, totaling $1.6 billion. Additionally, four in 10 (39%) gift buyers will opt to let dad pick his own gift and will purchase a gift card, spending a total of $1.8 billion. Six in ten (62.2%) consumers will thank dad with a greeting card and will spend more than $777 million overall.
Loved ones will also spend on home improvement or gardening supplies ($710 million), new tools or appliances ($668 million), personal care items ($684 million), sporting goods or leisure items ($665 million) and books or CDs ($538 million).
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
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.
SURVEY: HIRING MANAGERS SAY RETAIL WORKERS HAVE DESIRED SKILLS THEY’RE LOOKING FOR
Written by FRFFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850) 701-3015
Retail industry employees continue to be desired by hiring managers for their skills, traits and experience.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says recent research shows a vast majority of hiring managers across all industries view retail experience positively and value the foundational job skills that retail instills in its employees. According to the National Retail Federation’s Retail’s Value on a Resume: How Jobs in Retail Prepare America’s Workforce for Success, 69 percent of those surveyed said retail workers command the skills and qualities they look for when hiring.
“This research just reinforces what those of us in the industry already know: that the skills and experience that retail employees receive are a perfect foundation for success in other industries,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “I encourage those seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce to look into retail jobs and take advantage of the opportunities those positions create.”
The survey also noted that the preferred skills that hiring managers like about retail employees include a personable and respectful nature, composure, willingness to “step up,” and the ability to work with anyone, take direction and multi-task. Seventy-one percent said those skills are easily transferrable to other industries.
The study also shows that hiring managers greatly value the skills and traits that retail instills and look favorably on retail experience on a resume. Eighty percent of hiring managers state that the skills and traits that are most important to them are the same skills and traits that over eight in 10 current retail employees use regularly.
Researchers also spoke with 1,000 workers, including 500 currently working in retail and 500 who previously worked in retail. Of those who had left the industry and used a former retail manager as a reference, 94 percent said they got the position, and 80 percent believed their former managers’ recommendations helped them land their new jobs.
The survey also found that 79 percent of current retail workers are happy working in retail, with 78 percent satisfied in their current jobs. Sixty-six percent said they had taken advantage of retail’s flexible hours to balance work with priorities such as family or going to school. Retail was also praised by 74 percent of hiring managers for workers’ ability to enter at the ground level and work their way up. By the same token, 60 percent of current retail workers said they have been promoted and 85 percent have earned a raise working in the industry.
The research was conducted for NRF by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, which surveyed 400 hiring managers covering each of the industries included in the U.S. Census Bureau’s North American Industry Classification System.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2015
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850) 701-3015
Celebrating and commemorating this important milestone will mean big business for Florida retailers; Gift cards, apparel and electronics are three of the most popular options
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, says parents of high school and college graduates plan to spend more than $102 on average to celebrate upcoming graduation ceremonies around the state. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Graduation Spending Survey by Prosper Insight & Analytics, total spending nationwide is expected to reach $4.77 billion, the highest amount in the survey’s 10-year history.“Graduation is such an important milestone in an adult’s life with proud parents eager to shower their graduates with gifts and commemorative items in celebration of their big accomplishment,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “With parents feeling more secure in their jobs and the economy, Florida’s retail industry expects to see record-breaking sales this year as some of these graduates become the newest members of our talented industry workforce.”
Cash (50 percent) and gift cards (40 percent) lead the way with apparel (13 percent) and electronics (10 percent) as other popular options. The popularity of electronics is greater this year than 2014 (8 percent). Older adults (45-54 years old) will spend the most on graduates, spending an average of $126.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.
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.
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