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ARA reclaims place as national retail ‘voice’

Reinvigorated as Australia’s leading voice, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today announced its re-launch, claiming its rightful place as the national leader in Australia’s $292 billion retail industry.

Since his appointment in November last year, ARA's Executive Director Richard Evans has been leading the revival of the 90 year-old association heralding a truly national approach to retailing and retail representation in Australia.

"ARA is the peak industry body for retail employers and it is incumbent on us to represent and service members and the retail sector in policy development, employment relations, education and training, and career opportunities. The ARA had lost its way and failed to deliver on promises for some time. It is our duty to take back that space and own it again," Evans said

As part of the reinvigoration, the ARA has established member policy committees as forums for advice and recruited leading experts in employment relations, corporate affairs and retail services.

"The ARA will also be re-invigorating revenue streams and facilitate a greater voice for all the disparate retail associations out in the market place," Evans said.

"The addition of senior executives experienced in retail and political issues is integral to the ARA's growth and member prosperity. The new team brings strong collective experience and skills to assist the ARA in reclaiming a strong, clear voice in the media and as a lobbyist to all levels of Government on issues close to the heart retailers.

"Former Federal member of parliament Phil Barresi will lead the employment relations unit with former retail chain CEO James Roper driving retail services and member benefits. In addition experienced public relations practitioner Jennifer Cromarty will manage the ARA's corporate affairs unit spear-heading ARA's mandate to drive a strong voice for the retail sector in media and government circles," Evans said.

With a new website (www.retail.org.au ) and new look and feel, the ARA will also be strongly focused on delivering education and training through the ARA Retail Institute and launching a new, truly national awards program for 2008," Evans said.

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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