As we eagerly anticipate the exciting week ahead in preparation for our esteemed National Retail Awards, it is with great pleasure that we introduce Christine Holgate, one of Australia’s most esteemed and highly regarded corporate leaders, as our distinguished keynote speaker.

Christine, serving as the CEO of Team Global Express is set to deliver a keynote address centred on the future of retail, offering valuable insights into maintaining competitiveness, especially with a keen focus on sustainability and logistics. Tickets are in high demand and limited, so ensure you secure your ticket here by this Friday, 20 October, to avoid missing out.

As we prepare for the peak season, retailers must harness the power of collaboration, technology, and creativity to not only meet consumer demands but to continue driving economic recovery. In that vein, we recently conducted a webinar focused on creating magical customer experiences this Christmas. That webinar is now available on-demand and available to access here. Hosted by Amy Lynes, Senior Workplace Relations Adviser at the National Retail Association, and featuring Peta Granger, a retail industry expert with over 25 years of experience, the webinar delves into the intricate art of creating unforgettable customer experiences during the most delightful season of the year.

With the holiday season approaching fast, we’d also like to remind retailers of the importance of preparing for the bustling Christmas shopping season. Our Trading Hours Summary factsheet is a valuable tool for this preparation. It offers in-depth information regarding the projected trading hours for both Christmas and New Year’s in the upcoming year 2023-24, offering benefits to both retailers and consumers. Access the factsheet here.

Finally, on a personal note, we advise that the National Retail Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Greg Griffith, has departed the organisation for personal reasons. The Board and staff thank Greg for leading the organisation through a time of reform and transition and wish him the best for the future.

The Board’s priority is to ensure members continue to receive the high level of service and support from your association that you deserve. To this end, We are pleased to advise that Deputy CEO, Lindsay Carroll and National Retail Association Director, Rob Godwin will jointly lead the organisation as Interim Co-CEOs in the immediate future.

Lindsay has been a key member of the Association’s senior leadership team for many years and has a very deep understanding of the retail sphere, particularly in relation to the challenges of industrial relations and employment law. Rob is a highly successful business owner, with extensive experience in retail operations. We are very grateful that they have agreed to ensure the ongoing smooth operation of your association.