SERVING RETAILERS SINCE 1906
In 1906, nine downtown Richmond retailers founded the Retail Merchants Association of Richmond so that their combined voices would be heard on retail issues. These nine companies included the following: Berry-Burk & Co. (clothiers), Greentree’s (clothiers), Hofheimer’s Shoes, E.T. Long & Co. (lumber), Miller & Rhoads (department store), Richmond Art Co. (fine art and home furnishings), Schwartzchild’s, Sydnor & Hundley (furniture and home furnishings), and Thalhimers (department store).
RMA’s First President
W. A. Clarke, Jr., 1906-1930
1906
Retail Merchants Association was formed and successfully petitioned the Richmond City Council to approve a sum of $20,000 to sprinkle the streets with water, in order to stop dust from coming into retailers’ stores.
1907
RMA established the Credit Bureau of Richmond to gather financial histories and personal information for all customers buying on credit from member stores.
1910
One of the first public relations campaigns spearheaded by RMA was “Richmond Days,” designed to get people downtown to shop for Christmas.
1930
George C. Robinson became RMA’s second president.
1958
RMA established a collections department which grew into the largest automated collection operation in Virginia, serving the entire state.
1966
RMA established the “Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award.” The first recipient of this award was William B. Thalhimer, Jr.
1967
Jeff D. Smith, Jr. became RMA’s third president.
1971
The RMA logo, designed by Creative Services of Richmond Newspapers, won both state and national awards. The logo signifies two pairs of helping hands, working together.
1972
RMA established a $5,000 Reward Program for use by Richmond area police departments in connection with crimes against retailers.
1980
RMA was instrumental in changing Virginia law to permit not-for-profit debt counseling services. It organized the Consumer Credit Counseling Services.
1982
RMA enhanced its member educational programs to include topics like human resources, loss prevention, customer service, sales training, marketing and personal leadership.
1984
RMA started Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers, making it one of the oldest Crime Stopper organizations in the country.
1986
RMA purchased its current headquarters at 5101 Monument Avenue and moved in on May 15, 1987.
1988
The Credit Bureau, Collection Department and Commonwealth Check Systems were sold to Equifax.
1989
RMA organized The 100 Club of Metro Richmond, a citizens’ membership organization which provides a financial “safety net” for the families of area law enforcement officers and firefighters.
1993
William H. Baxter became RMA’s fourth president.
1997
The U. S. Attorney’s Office launched Project Exile, a cooperative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies to get illegal guns off the streets of Richmond. Retail Merchants Association provided the initial funds for the first major anti-gun advertising campaign, along with Ukrop’s and Fas-Mart.
1998
Retail Merchants Association continued to identify and support programs that would increase tourism, economic opportunity and public safety including the Sports Backers Stadium, Greater Richmond Convention Center and Richmond Region Tourism.
2006
On its 100th anniversary, the Association legally changed its name to “Retail Merchants Association” and expanded its membership to accommodate a greater geographic footprint.
2007
RMA partnered with Retail Alliance® of Hampton Roads to create the Virginia Retail Federation, a joint advocacy group representing retail issues at local, state and federal levels.
2009
Nancy C. Thomas became RMA’s fifth president.
2009
RMA launched the Think. Shop. Buy. Local® campaign. This campaign aims to improve the economic health of our communities by encouraging consumers to think before they shop and buy locally whenever possible.
2014
RMA celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Valor Awards Ceremony with record attendance.
2015
RMA and Richmond 2015 helped prep retailers for the 2015 UCI World Championships with workshops, merchandising tips, and traffic flow communication.
RMA also launched a new series in the Think. Shop. Buy. Local® program, Loyal to Local.
2016
Retail Merchants continues to focus on serving our members as the ultimate resource for retailers.