News Articles

Fashion heavyweights reveal latest news and industry trends at ARA networking luncheon

Fashion heavyweights from Fossil, the Oroton Group and ECCO shoes were amongst a panel of experts who unveiled the latest news and trends in the fashion retail industry at a networking luncheon held at the Star Room at Sydney’s Darling Harbour, proudly sponsored by Niche Fashion Technology.

Australian Retailers Association Executive Director Richard Evans facilitated a panel discussion regarding key concerns for the fashion retail industry in 2008 at the ARA Fashion Luncheon (hosted in conjunction with Fashionstate).

Among the discussions were ideas to address the skills shortage by recruiting and motivating women and Generation Y, including the effectiveness of short and long term incentives at all levels in a company from the executive’s office down to the shop floor.

The environment was also a key talking point as panellists shared their perspective on how to go “green” to protect the environment and a business’s bottom line.

The panel of speakers included fashion industry experts, executive retailers, fashion designers, buyers and overseas visitors. Featured on the panel were Fossil CEO, Annemeik Ballesty, Karen Mennie, Merchandise Director of the Oroton Group and General Manager of Ecco Shoes Pacific Region Rikke Dahl-Thorup. The floor was later opened up for a discussion, with small and large retailers alike addressing some of the challenges of running retail businesses.

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.

Download

Options:

View Archives