The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association announced Wednesday that the two trade groups have ended merger talks.RILA and NRF’s executive committees had voted unanimously to a merger in principle in late March and early April, respectively, to create a single trade association for the nation’s retail interests. To become official, the merger needed approval from NRF and RILA boards and membership.“Following a deliberative process, RILA and NRF have ended discussions aimed at merging the two organizations,— the two boards of directors said in a joint statement. “NRF and RILA will devote all resources to continuing the work they are each doing to address the serious issues that America’s consumers and retailers are facing in today’s economic environment.—While the RILA represents the largest retailers in the country, the NRF’s membership is more diverse, consisting of small and large retailers.