The Louisiana Retailers Association updates this page regularly with "hot news and announcements" to keep the savvy member and the public alert, informed, and in touch with industry issues, locally and nationally. How to Become a Louisiana Lottery Retailer Discover the direct and indirect benefits of becoming a retailer and how Louisiana Lottery can boost your bottom line. Visit the Louisiana Lottery website to learn about becoming a Louisiana Lottery retailer. www.louisianalottery.com Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 24-25 In 2007, the Louisiana Legislature passed HB 225 calling for a state sales holiday for hurricane preparedness items that will occur on May 24 & May 25. The exemption will apply to the first $1500 of the sales price of hurricane preparedness items. “Hurricane preparedness” items are defined as the following: Portable self powered light sources (including candles); portable self powered radio, two-way radio or weatherband radios; tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting; ground anchor systems and tie-down kits; gas or diesel fuel tanks; batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries; call phone batteries and cell phone chargers; nonelectric food storage coolers; portable generators; storm shutter devices; carbon monoxide detectors; and blue ice products. Please visit the Department of Revenue's website for more information. www.revenue.louisiana.gov Are You Starting a Business in Louisiana? New Business owners should use the first stop shop for businesses. The Licensing information center provides comprehensive information about the services offered for prospective small business owners. They can help you determine licenses and permits which must be obtained and maintained by individuals conducting business in Louisiana. Information includes: obtaining ID numbers for federal, state, and local sales taxes; registering a business name, hiring employees, occupational licensing, and researching small business resources. For additional information, contact the Secretary of State: First Stop Shop P.O. Box 44279 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4279 Tel: (225) 342-4479 Fax: (225) 342-0513 E-mail: fss@sos.louisiana.gov Member Email Updates If you are an LRA member, and you would like to receive retail updates via email, please forward your company name, contact name, and email address to jessica@laretail.org. Challenges of the Future: The Rebirth of Small Independent Retail in America A white paper offering strategies for survival and growth of independent retailers. Go To Website