IRMA is proud to endorse JB Pritzker for Governor. “Gov. JB Pritzker understands the importance of retail and has worked in partnership with the industry to grow investment, jobs and opportunity, and we’re proud to endorse him for another term in office,” said IRMA President and CEO Rob Karr. Gov. Pritzker has partnered with IRMA on a first-of-its-kind program highlighting independent retailers across the state, workforce initiatives like apprenticeship and scholarship programs, and efforts to preserve SNAP benefits, eliminate grocery and pharmacy deserts and combat organized retail crime. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA @GovPritzker @rob_karr

SNAP retailers: New USDA stocking standards take effect Nov. 4. Most stores that accept SNAP will need to carry at least seven varieties in each of four staple food categories (dairy, grains, protein, and vegetables or fruits), with perishable foods in at least three categories. Stores that don't meet the new standards risk losing their ability to accept SNAP. USDA's stocking standards page has the final rule, qualifying food lists, FAQs and tools to check your inventory before the deadline. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA

Chicago's proposed Last-Mile Delivery Ordinance reaches well beyond one company. Its broad rules would apply to delivery businesses of all sizes, and Chicago retailers depend on those networks to serve their customers. IRMA joined the Chicago Delivers Coalition, alongside the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and small, locally owned delivery businesses, in urging the City Council to reject it. As IRMA President and CEO Rob Karr said, the ordinance "would disrupt that network and make operations more complicated and costly." #IllinoisRetail #irma @rob_karr

The IRMA team was proud to recognize Amanda Kezios of Mojo Spa as the 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year this week at our 69th Annual Meeting in Chicago. It was a wonderful day surrounded by retail partners, advocates, policy experts, and friends from all corners of Illinois. Thank you to everyone who joined us, to Tyler Power of Hy-Vee for his leadership as our 2026 Leadership Award recipient, and to the sponsors and hosts who made the day possible. We’re already looking forward to next year! #IllinoisRetail #IRMA

Thank you to everyone who joined us for IRMA's 69th Annual Meeting and 2026 Retailer of the Year Luncheon at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Congratulations again to our 2026 Retailer of the Year Mojo Spa and our Leadership Award recipient Tyler Power with Hy-Vee. Lastly, thank you to our sponsors for making the day possible, especially Home Depot, Walmart, and Amazon. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA

Meet IRMA’s 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year: Mojo Spa! Amanda Kezios and Mojo Spa were honored today at IRMA’s 69th Annual Meeting. For more than 25 years, Amanda Kezios has made Mojo Spa a Wicker Park favorite, creating more than 200 plant-based beauty products from scratch using fruits, vegetables and botanicals. Inspired by her grandmother in Greece, who taught her to make skin care from herbs and flowers, Amanda has built a business known for quality products, memorable in-store experiences and a deep commitment to her community. She also gives back, launching a Small Business Initiative in 2022 to help fellow business owners thrive. “Mojo Spa represents the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and community connection that make Illinois retail so special,” said IRMA President and CEO Rob Karr. Congratulations, Amanda! #IllinoisRetail #IRMA #IRMAWeAreRetail

Congratulations to Mojo Spa, owned by Amanda Kezios, IRMA's 2026 Retailer of the Year! Amanda wins this award because she said CAN DO instead of can not. Today at our 69th Annual Meeting in Chicago, we're celebrating the retailers who make Illinois work, and Mojo Spa shows exactly what that looks like. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA

It's apple season in Cherry Valley. Valley Orchard has been family-owned since 1977, with 35 acres and about 5,000 apple trees. Visitors can pick their own or shop apples picked fresh daily, along with cider, donuts and pies made right on the farm. Watch their story. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA #IRMAWeAreRetail

Retail employs one out of every four Illinoisans, and this Wednesday we're celebrating the people behind the stats. IRMA's 69th Annual Meeting and 2026 Retailer of the Year Luncheon is Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, where we'll recognize this year's Retailer of the Year and IRMA Leadership Award recipients. #IllinoisRetail #IRMA