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The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the passage of Victoria’s new worker-protection laws this week, which introduce tougher penalties for abuse, threats and assaults against retail, fast food, hospitality and transport workers.  Under new laws, which will be in effect before Christmas, a serious...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) said today’s ABS data showing a 5.7% annual rise in retail spending for the month of October demonstrates continued momentum for the sector, despite a sensitive economic environment and ongoing uncertainty around the interest rate outlook. Seasonally adjusted retail spending for...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have raised alarm over proposed NSW legislation that would give Health and Safety Representatives and union officials unprecedented access to employers’ digital systems — raising serious concerns about privacy, confidentiality and the protection of sensitive business information.   The Work Health...

Plastic barrier bags for loose fruit, vegetables, dry foods, meat, seafood, and dairy products are being phased out in WA. The change aims to reduce plastic waste and ensure compatibility with composting systems. What’s changing: From 1 October 2025: Plastic bags that don’t meet the new design standard for loose fruit,...

PFAS controls come into effect 1 July 2025 We understand that some businesses may still be experiencing confusion or challenges while preparing for the new PFAS controls due to come into effect 1 July. To assist, National Retail are facilitating an Industry Information Session with guest speaker Sonia Goldie, Director –...

“The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) continue to call for strengthened safety measures to protect retail workers amidst a concerning wave of violence in retail settings, with around 700,000 retail crime incidents recorded nationally in the past year. “We fully support retailers who are taking initiatives...

Get ready, retailers – our leading retail industry event is returning in 2025! The National Retail Roadshow is back, and this time, it’s bigger, better, and bolder than ever. Mark your calendars and prepare to discover fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick...

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in February after successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales in November. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), retail turnover rose by 3 per cent compared with the same time last year. National Retail Association (NRA) Acting CEO Lindsay...

The retail sector has released its federal election priorities, calling on political leaders to adopt a growth-focused, forward-thinking approach to the sector which contributes more than 18% to Gross Domestic Product and employs one in ten Australians. Peak retail bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association...

Today, the Reserve Bank once again held rates, but retailers have called for an urgent rate cut at the start of 2025. National Retail Association (NRA) Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said retailers are relieved that hard and fast rate hikes have become a thing of the past but urge the...

As the holiday season approaches, the retail industry braces for its busiest and most challenging period of the year. The National Retail Association (NRA) recognises the immense pressures faced by business owners during this time, compounded by high interest rates, increasing rents, conservative consumer spending, and rising wages. Amidst these challenges,...

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates at its November meeting following sluggish retail sales for the month of September. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail turnover rose by a paltry 0.1 per cent for the first month of Spring. National Retail Association...

The National Retail Roadshow 2024 has officially wrapped up after a successful series of events in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Over three weeks, retail professionals and industry leaders gathered to explore the evolving retail landscape through the lenses of People, Planet, and Performance. Each city brought fresh insights, meaningful...

Sky-high interest rates and conservative spending have caused year-on-year spending in July to flatline, as revealed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics' latest retail trade update. National Retail Association Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said the unchanged trade figures in July 2024 are worrisome, given Australia’s exploding population growth. “The industry is...

The National Retail Association (NRA) has today voiced concern regarding the announcement from the QLD State Government that it would open a dozen state-owned fuel stations. It is an unprecedented movie, with no other state or territory government in Australia having made such an extensive intervention into the market. NRA Interim...