Small businesses power retail—they make up 98% of retailers in the country. Right now, small companies are grappling with economic and political uncertainty and facing an existential threat from tariffs. We talk to NRF vice president of advocacy and engagement Meghan Cruz about the devastating impact of tariffs and what NRF is doing to advocate for small businesses. Plus, we hear directly from small business owners who share their stories.

(00:00:00 ) Introductions

(00:01:57 ) How NRF advocates for small business owners

(00:05:33 ) The devastating impact of tariffs on small businesses

(00:07:27 ) Aaron Brown’s story

(00:08:58 ) Bob Jones’ story

(00:11:04 ) Lisa-Jae Eggert’s story

(00:12:23 ) Making an impact with policymakers

(00:16:41 ) Cruz’s message to small business owners

The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.

Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.

Resources:

• Get involved with the NRF Action Center

• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC

• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association

• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org

• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy

• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com

Related:

• 5 things to know about tariffs

• Small retailers react to threat of new tariffs

• Voter perspectives: 4 ways tariffs put small businesses at risk