State retailers affected by bailout standoff

Small retailers across Washington state have reported a 20 percent drop in sales in recent weeks, due to the financial crisis that has hit Wall Street, according to the Washington Retail Association.

WRA President Jan Teague said, “The retail industry in Washington state includes many parts of the state’s economy.  Retail uses distributors, wholesalers, and malls for their business. 

“We use trucking companies to haul goods to stores,” she said.  “We buy from sales forces, we use professional services and spend money with the media advertising products.  We hire both union and non-union workers.”

Teague said  that the financial crisis was high stakes for the Washington state economy.   “Many employees who work on “Main Street” will soon find themselves in a food line if Congress isn’t willing to agree to a compromise of some kind very soon.”

Teague has asked her members to contact their Congressional representatives, particularly those who voted against the first agreement.  They were Jay Inslee, Doc Hastings, Cathy McMorris and Dave Reichert. 

The message she wants sent “Make a decision now and vote Yes for the state’s economy.”