The executive committees of the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) have unanimously agreed to merge the two groups.

Member benefits for the new—and yet unnamed—organization are claimed to be a unified, stronger voice on policy, communications and public affairs issues in the nation’s capital; membership attendance at both NRF’s 2010 Big Show in January and the RILA annual Logistics Conference in February; and targeted educational offerings and operational services for independent retailers, among other possibilities.

Describing their industry approach, the RILA, “promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. RILA members include the largest and most successful companies in the retail industry.” NRF is, “the world’s largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution.” Its stated mission is “to advance and protect the interests of the retail industry and to help retailers achieve excellence in all areas of their business.”