Media Release

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent was welcomed by the retail industry today, as an encouraging boost for Australia’s retail recovery. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said although the interest rate...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) today congratulated the members of the re-elected Labor Government ministry and welcomed the opportunity to work with Federal Cabinet to strengthen Australia’s economy. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said: “The need for productivity reform is urgent. We intend to forge...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party on their return to government and stand ready to work together to improve conditions to allow Australia’s vital $430 billion retail sector to invest, grow and create jobs. ARA CEO and CEO...

Retail spending growth continued to increase modestly in March compared to the same period last year, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing consumer spending during March 2025 at $37.3 billion, 4% higher than March 2024. All categories were up year on year. The ‘other...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have voiced concern over the Federal Opposition’s proposal to cap international students and raise visa costs, which would significantly impact the retail workforce. International students are a vital part of the $430 billion retail sector said ARA Chief Industry Affairs...

Retailers said today’s Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to hold the cash rate at 4.10% is a significant blow for consumer and business confidence that will delay the recovery of the retail sector. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said weak consumer spending and high business...

Australians continued to spend more across retail compared to the same period last year, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing consumer spending during February 2025 at $37.1 billion, 3.6% higher than February 2024. The ‘other retailing’ category – which includes cosmetics, sports, and recreational...

Getting the retail sector back on its feet must be a priority in the Federal Election, with retail contributing almost one fifth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said today. ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown says retail contributes...

Retailers have identified knives and blades as a weapon of choice in retail crime, triggering calls from the sector to cut red tape around wanding and increase restrictions on knife sales. Data recently released by retail crime intelligence software company Auror revealed knives and blades made up over 50 per...

As the impacts of emergency weather conditions continue to unfold across Queensland and New South Wales, retailers have called for patience, cautioning that the recovery of some store operations will take time. Peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said with weather remaining unpredictable, safety...

As Cyclone Alfred and heavy rainfall continues to threaten Queensland and Northern New South Wales, retailers have put preparations in place to ensure the safety of their teams, customers and stores. The intensity of the weather event has meant that many stores in affected areas are now closed until conditions...

Retailers have called today’s decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia a welcome confidence boost but warned tough times are far from over for the retail sector. Peak bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA), said the impacts of subdued consumer spending coupled with high costs...

Small businesses in NSW are being urged to plan ahead, following the introduction of new ANZAC Day trading laws.   ANZAC Day is a deeply solemn occasion, and retailers and employees have always respected the sacrifice of Australian service men and women and the significance of the day to the nation.  For...

Australians embraced Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales along with festive spending in December, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing spending during the final month of the year was 4.6% higher than in 2023. Household goods saw the most significant increase (up 7%), followed...