Dallas Market Center launches anti-tariff initiative

The initiative includes a petition and retail action plan.

Dallas Market Center has launched an initiative to support independent retailers amid tariff concerns. The initiative, “Stand With Main Street. Turn Off Tariffs,” advocates for a 90-day pause on all tariffs between the United States and China, allowing for the free flow of goods critical to the upcoming holiday selling season for independent retailers.

Tariffs have placed burdens on independent retailers, according to Dallas Market Center. With the holiday season approaching, which the organizations says represents nearly $994 billion in retail sales, the impact is increasing and could lead to economic consequences for 55 million American jobs supported by retail.

“Now is the time for grassroots action. It has become clear to our family-owned business that there is a small window of time to support Main Street retailers preparing for their holiday selling season and the companies providing their merchandise,” says Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “While the dynamics are different fore each type of retail business, we must unite around hundreds of thousands of store owners who depend on Q4 commerce.”

Dallas Market Center has launched a petition in association with this campaign, with a goal to unify support across all retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives and other retail stakeholders. The petition is available on the front page of the Dallas Market Center website and social media channels.

In addition, Dallas Market Center says it has started several other initiatives to support independent retailers. The organization is coordinating with the National Retail Federation to host an in-person morning forum on June 17 featuring Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at NRF, to present insights and join with other leading manufacturers. Additionally, an online retailer roundtable featuring several successful independent retailers in the U.S. will discuss how they are adapting their businesses this year. The organization will also host a special in-person seminar at its upcoming summer markets addressing business uncertainty.

In the coming weeks, Dallas Market Center says its Retail Development team will continue to speak with retailers about tariff-related questions and concerns, and the organization will continue to participate and advocate for the industry through key trade organizations to help fight tariffs. Dallas Market Center will also begin releasing a dedicated email newsletter regarding tariffs and trade news as well.