The Maryland Retailers Association (MRA), consisting of over 600 members at some 1,400 locations, is the retail community’s major statewide trade association in Maryland. MRA is a diverse and broad based organization covering all segments of the retail industry. Within the MRA organization are the Maryland-Delaware-Washington, DC Jewelers Association, Maryland Home Furnishings Association, Maryland Antiques Council and the Food Dealers Council. Founded under the belief that merchants could achieve more as a group than any one merchant acting alone, MRA is dedicated solely to the interests and progress of the retail community. MRA traces its origins to 1917 with the founding of the Retail Merchants Association of Baltimore. In 1948 with the initiation of the state retail sales tax, the Maryland Retailers Association was created by local merchant groups in recognition of the need for retailers to be represented at the state level on a statewide basis. Located just minutes from the State House in Annapolis’ Historic District, this location gives MRA and the retail community a major presence in the state capital. |