The voice and partner of independent retailers
Convenience stores, gas stations and liquor stores across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Stay compliant, buy smarter and grow together.
Next event
AARA Trade Show 2027
- September 2027 · date to be announced
- New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
1,500+
retail store owners and managers
100
exhibiting vendors
See the event
2005
serving retailers since
NJ · NY · PA
tri-state coverage
1,500+
retailers at our trade show
100
exhibiting vendors
Why members join
Membership that pays for itself
Three tools every member gets from day one, built for owners who run more than one store.
Compliance alerts for your stores
New laws, taxes and deadlines in NJ, NY and PA, filtered to your state and store type, the moment they matter.
License expiry tracker
Cigarette, tobacco, lottery and liquor licenses for every store in one place, with reminders before they expire.
Vendor directory and member deals
Vetted Preferred Vendors by category, with member-only prices and rebates you can claim online.
Membership
Two ways to be part of AARA
Membership runs January 1 to December 31. New members are reviewed by AARA staff before activation.
Retail member
Convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores
$25per store / year
- Compliance alerts for your state and store type
- License tracker for every store you own
- Member deals and rebates from Preferred Vendors
- Member pricing at AARA events
Vendor member
Companies that sell to independent stores
$50per company / year
- Listing in the AARA vendor directory
- Post member deals and offers
- Member pricing on booths and sponsorships
- Path to Preferred Vendor status
News & alerts
What changed for your stores
- NJ
New Jersey's new data law carries a $50,000 per record penalty, and it can reach a store loyalty program
Action neededAll stores · Jul 20, 2026
- PA
Your Pennsylvania store's annual report is due September 30; next year missing it can dissolve the business
All stores · Jul 20, 2026
- NY
New York's 75% nicotine pouch tax starts September 1, and you owe a floor tax on current stock
Action neededConvenience, Smoke shop · Jul 20, 2026
- PA
Pennsylvania's new budget skips skill games, leaving store terminals in limbo
Convenience, Gas station · Jul 16, 2026
Member deals
From our Preferred Vendors
5% rebate on cooler program for member stores
Sample beverage distributor
Free installation and first 3 months at member rate
Sample POS provider
Member group rate on store liability coverage
Sample insurance agency
Stronger together in Trenton, Albany and Harrisburg
AARA speaks for independent retailers on taxes, licensing and regulation.