The Retail Industry Leaders Association, in partnership with the Alliance for Main Street Fairness, has unveiled an animated web video to educate policymakers and the public about the consequences of "special treatment currently enjoyed by large online-only retailers."

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, the educational video describes the "unfair pricing advantage" afforded online retailers like Amazon that results from a loophole in federal law, RILA executives say.  This special treatment for a select group of online companies is threatening brick-and-mortar businesses and the jobs they provide all across the country.

As Amazon promotes mobile shopping with the use of iPhones and other devices, the video also exposes the risk of tax audits for customers when online retailers fail to collect sales taxes at the point of purchase.

The Marketplace Equity Act, introduced by Representatives Steve Womack (R-AR) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) earlier this month would end special treatment for online retailers by giving states the tools they need to close the loophole.  "A true free market that gets government out of the business of picking winners and losers will give all retailers the opportunity to compete, grow and create jobs on a level playing field," according to a statement from the retail industry trade association.

To watch the video, click here.

Retail Industry Leaders Association says its member companies include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5tr in annual sales.

Source: RILA