Dallas Market Center, which operates gift, home and apparel wholesale markets, announced a new initiative to support independent retailers in their efforts to mitigate the impact of escalated tariffs on Chinese imports.
DMC reported the core message of the campaign — “Stand With Main Street. Turn Off Tariffs” — is to advocate 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.
Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center, said, “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. While the dynamics are different for each type of retail business, we must unite around hundreds of thousands of store owners who depend upon Q4 commerce.”
DMC launched a petition in association with the campaign in an effort to unify support across all retailers, manufacturers and their sales representatives, service providers and other retail stakeholders, according to DMC.
Dallas Market Center is also developing new initiatives to connect customers, unify voices and share information to support independent retailers with regard to tariffs. That includes the following:
- Coordination with the National Retail Federation (NRF), including hosting an in-person, morning forum on Tuesday, June 17, featuring Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president of supply chain and customs policy.
- An online retailer roundtable featuring independent retailers in the U.S. discussing how they are adapting their business for 2025.
- In-person seminar programming for the upcoming summer markets at DMC.
- Participation and advocacy via key trade organizations working to fight tariffs.
- Coordination of the Dallas Market Center Retail Development team to speak directly with hundreds of retailers over the coming weeks about questions and concerns.
- A dedicated email newsletter for tariffs and trade news, as well as retail support.
