Foley's Retail Industry Team is a highly regarded interdisciplinary practice with decades of experience serving primarily national retail chains throughout the United States. We regularly handle complex, often international, matters involving labor and employment, infringement litigation, state sales tax, real estate leasing, acquisition and development, escheat claims, bankruptcy and reorganization, and corporate lawsuits.

While many of our retail clients are mall-based, our experience comprises local, regional, national and global retailers of virtually every size, type and location. For years, we have represented several iconic names in the industry, gaining a practical, first-hand understanding of what drives a client’s bottom line – the sale of retail products and services to consumers.

Clients appreciate our insight and holistic coverage of the issues and opportunities that only years of experience can bring. Our seasoned team delivers responsiveness, an efficient way of getting deals closed and a signature pragmatic, problem-solving attitude. Among other issues facing the retail industry, we have dealt with:

Product safety
Human resources
Asset protection
Enterprise
Supply chains
Finance
Licensing
Intellectual property
Social media
Sustainability

Client Stories

Back in Business in Record Time

Where we started: A large retail pharmacy chain decided to get back into the beer and wine business in 2009 after a several decade absence from the alcoholic beverage business.

Our roadmap: Over a 12-month period, our liquor lawyers and paralegals took all of the chain's Texas stores through the licensure process, all the way from the precinct level up to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

And finally: Our client and its 500+ locations were back in business in Texas.

Helping a Retail Chain Switch its Licenses to a Franchise-Based Model

Where we started: A national chain of convenience stores was embarking on a new franchise strategy.

Our roadmap: Starting in 2006, we worked out a unique joint license arrangement, going from a conglomerate of corporate stores to a franchise model.

And finally: Our food and beverage lawyers relicensed the franchisees' Texas locations, including their operations permits; that is, lottery, food, tobacco, nursery and the like.

Retail Industry Essentials

Our clients include some of the most recognized names in the industry, including online, catalog and traditional brick and mortar operations. From concept to completion, we represent owners, developers, investors, lenders, franchisors and operators. Our lawyers assist with the planning, design, development and operation of everything from specialty consumer goods to big box retailers, discount chains to automobile dealerships, and restaurants to food and beverage retailers.

We know, understand and represent retail leaders in the following areas: