Illinois Retail Merchants Association
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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 government 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.
09/26/2026
Chicago's 2027 budget forecast shows an $882 million gap, and Mayor Johnson has not ruled out new taxes or fees to help close it. IRMA continues to track City Hall's budget decisions and what they could mean for retailers and grocers doing business in Chicago.
09/24/2026
Ready to take the next step in your retail career?
The right apprenticeship can give you the opportunity to learn on the job, develop skills you can use throughout your career, and prepare you for greater responsibility in the retail industry, but you have to know what to look for.
Don’t know where to start? The Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program combines structured retail education with paid, on-the-job training to help participants prepare for management and leadership opportunities in retail.
Swipe through to learn three things you should look for in a retail apprenticeship.
Learn more about the program and take the next step in your retail career at irma.org/who-we-are/retail-apprenticeship-program
09/24/2026
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with BB Merchant Services USA.
Through this partnership, BB Merchant Services USA will help IRMA members gain a clearer understanding of their payment processing costs by using its benchmarking database to compare their current fees and rates with relevant market data.
The aim is straightforward: to give retailers better information before they decide whether to remain with their current provider, renegotiate existing terms or consider alternatives.
The partnership will also bring a series of practical discussions and content focused on retail margins, payment costs and the areas businesses can still influence.
Learn more at: https://irma.org/member-benefits/bb-merchant-services/
09/24/2026
A new National Retail Federation study finds shoplifting incidents fell 12.4% nationally last year as retailers invest in security technology and employee training. At the same time, criminals are shifting tactics, with retailers reporting a rise in phone scams, loyalty program fraud and gift card fraud. IRMA continues to support Illinois retailers and partners like ILORCA, working to keep stores, employees and customers safe.
H**p regulations are changing. Do you know what that could mean for your shelves in 2027?
For Illinois retailers selling—or considering selling—h**p products, understanding the changing regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly important. Decisions around product assortment, sourcing, supplier relationships and compliance documentation may all be affected.
Join Glenn McElfresh, co-founder & CEO of IRMA Mission Partner Plift, for a webinar on Oct. 1 where he will break down the evolving federal and Illinois h**p landscape and, most importantly, what retailers should be thinking about now.
Register for this live webinar and start preparing your business for what’s ahead at www.irma.org/news-and-events.
How do you move up in your retail career?
Sayat Nova Restaurant, an Armenian restaurant on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, has been serving the community for more than 55 years. Over the decades, owner Roupen Demirdjian has seen employees start in entry-level roles, build their skills, and find opportunities to take on more responsibility.
His experience offers a reminder that growing your career can come down to how you show up and what you do when the next opportunity opens.
Watch to hear his advice for growing your career in retail.
09/23/2026
The U.S. Mint made its last penny in November 2025, and retailers nationwide are adjusting how they handle cash. Under Treasury guidance, cash transactions now round to the nearest five cents. Card and check payments are unaffected and still process to the exact cent. IRMA is here to help Illinois retailers navigate the transition at the register. If you need assistance, please visit www.irma.org or call our office at 217-544-1003.
09/22/2026
IRMA's 69th Annual Meeting is set for October 21 in Chicago, and we wouldn't be able to hold these events without the support of our sponsors!
Today, we're thanking and highlighting our three of our Event Sponsors - Kroger, Lowe's, and Allwyn. Their continued support of IRMA helps amplify the voice of retail in Illinois.
There's still time to make plans to join IRMA in Chicago! Registration is open until October 7.
Learn more and register here: www.irma.org/annualmeeting
Maira Soto grew up in Grayslake spending time in barbershops with her four brothers. After earning her cosmetology license in high school, she found her calling in barbering and spent 15 years building her craft before opening Good American Barber Company in 2022. The name is a tribute to her Mexican American heritage and to the parents who immigrated to give her that chance. Today Maira leads a team of five barbers offering haircuts and traditional shaves, with her dog, Finn, keeping shop as the unofficial mascot. She calls herself a proud Illinois retailer. Watch her story.
09/21/2026
Retail owners, hiring is one thing. Building a retail team you can actually count on is another.
Building a strong team takes work, and the challenge isn’t always finding people to hire. It could be finding the right employees, keeping great people on your team, or having enough time and resources to properly train and develop them.
So, we want to hear from you.
What’s the biggest challenge for your business right now? Tell us in the comments.
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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 |