The e-Fairness Coalition advocates fairness for businesses and consumers. It supports a level playing field that ensures consumers are treated fairly regardless of where they choose to shop - in traditional or online stores. The Coalition represents brick-and-mortar and online retailers, retail corporations and associations, publicly- and privately-owned shopping centers, outlet centers and independently owned shops and a total of over 350,000 retail stores nationwide.

Since its inception in 1943, the Alabama Retail Association has cultivated a solid reputation as the "voice of retailing" in state and national affairs. Built on the commitment of working for the retail interests in Alabama, ARA provides a full range of programs and services in addition to strong governmental representation. The Association's diverse membership includes both independent merchants and national companies.

With over 455 stores, including the recently acquired Hills stores and some former Caldor sites located in 19 states and the District of Columbia, Ames is the nation's largest regional, full-line discount retailer with annual sales of almost $4 billion. Ames offers a broad range of merchandise categories including family apparel, housewares, domestics, electronics, ready-to-assemble and patio furniture, jewelry, craft and pet supplies, health and beauty care items, stationery, sporting goods, toys, seasonal products and more.

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is one of the largest United States retail organizations and represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. Founded in 1957, its members include the nation's largest chains as well as independent stores in towns across Illinois.

Lowe's is the second largest retailer of home improvement products in the world, serving nearly five million do-it-yourself retail and commercial business customers weekly through 550 stores in 37 states. Headquartered in Wilkesboro, N.C., the 53-year old company employs over 80,000 people.

Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation's largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA's more than 5,000 retail business members operate over 12,000 stores across the state.

National Association of Realtors is compromised of brokers, agents, property managers, counselors and others involved in all aspects of the real estate industry. About three-fourths of NAR's 730,000 members are involved in residential real estate.

North America Retail Dealers Association is comprised of approximately 3,200 companies that sell and service consumer electronics, home appliances, computers and furniture. The overwhelming majority of these companies are small, family-owned businesses.

Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire is a statewide trade organization representing over 800 businesses. Its members range from the small independent business owner to major corporations, all with a single goal - to promote the success of the New Hampshire retail community. The association is not-for-profit, funded by membership dues and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Formerly the National Realty Committee, the Real Estate Roundtable facilitates the active involvement of the nation's leading public and private real estate owners, advisors, builders, investors, lenders and managers on federal policy issues. It coordinates policy positions with major national real estate organizations and communicates with lawmakers, regulators and the public about real estate. The organization also educates these audiences about the pivotal real estate role plays in the U.S. economy and public policy issues that affect real estates' health as an asset.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates more than 2,485 stores and 456 SAM'S Clubs in the United States. In addition, the company operates units in Argentina (13), Brazil (14), Canada (166), Germany (95), Mexico (450), Puerto Rico (15), the United Kingdom (232), and under joint-venture agreements in China (6) and Korea (5). Wal-Mart employs more than 815,000 associates in the United States and 220,000 internationally. Wal-Mart (WMT) is listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges.

Westfield America, Inc. (NYSE: WEA - news), a real estate investment trust, is one of the nation's leading owners of regional shopping centers. The company owns interests in 38 major shopping centers, branded as Westfield Shoppingtowns. Westfield Shoppingtowns are home to approximately 4,700 specialty stores, serve 10 % of the U.S. population and comprise 35.3 million square feet of leasable space in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina and Washington.