Retailers find it imperative to keep up with D.C. trade laws. (tax rules, employee benefits legislation are concerns)

Retailers find it imperative to keep up with D.C. trade laws

WASHINGTON (FNS) -- While presiding over his 3,500-store empire in Columbus, Ohio, Leslie H. Wexner, chief executive officer of The Limited Inc., keeps one eye on Washington.

In fact, Wexner is so concerned about trade, corporate tax rules and employee benefits, he traveled here July 11 to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills, Commerce Secretary Robert Mosbacher and Senate leaders Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Robert Dole (R-Kan.).

Wexner and dozens of other retailers nationwide, including those from Liz Claiborne Inc., The May Department Stores Co., Dayton Hudson Corp., Sears, Roebuck & Co., and …