The single voice
for Australian retail
Introducing ARC
ARC brings together the ARA and NRA to represent Australia’s $444 billion retail sector – which employs over 1.4 million people and stands as the country’s largest private‑sector employer.
Advocating
for a stronger
retail industry
Let's talk shop
ARC champions a fair, competitive and sustainable retail sector – ensuring the voice of retail is heard where it matters most.
Providing expert
advice & guidance
Support for your business
ARC members gain direct access to expert workplace relations advice, tenancy and legal support, and a comprehensive library of retail templates and toolkits.
Bringing the
industry together
Connect with your peers
From national forums and industry breakfasts to exclusive roundtables and networking experiences, ARC events bring the retail community together to share ideas, insights and inspiration.
Single voice of Australian retail
The Australian Retail Council represents the amalgamation of the Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association. Together, we’ve combined over a century of industry leadership to form a single, stronger voice for retail in Australia. This historic moment brings together the scale, expertise and advocacy power of two respected organisations, creating one peak body to champion, support and elevate the entire retail community.
Making retail stronger together
The Australian Retail Council represents retailers large and small across the country. As a member-led organisation, we advocate on behalf of our sector, provide deep industry insights and support retail leaders with the tools, training and representation they need in a fast-changing landscape.
Why join ARC?
ARC members gain direct access to expert workplace relations advice, tenancy and legal support, and a comprehensive library of retail templates and toolkits.
Influence government decisions that affect you
We advocate for retailers at federal and state levels on the issues that matter most.
Get expert advice when you need it
Our workplace relations, leasing, tenancy & legal experts are on hand to support you.
Access exclusive research, policy briefings and insights
Stay informed with industry intelligence, data and policy briefings not available anywhere else.
Connect with leading desision-makers
Access discounted tickets to ARC events and forums to network with Australia’s retail leaders and innovators.
Upskill your team with training
Access industry-leading learning through the ARC Retail Institute, supporting retail careers with training designed for tomorrow’s retail landscape
ARC
Leaders Forum 26
Brought to you by American Express
The ARC Leaders Forum 26 will unite retail executives from all corners of Australia, offering unparalleled networking and cutting-edge insights from the most influential leaders in retail and industry experts…
Wednesday 25 – Thursday 26 February 2026
International Convention Centre Sydney
ARC
International Women's Day Luncheon
Brought to you by Afterpay
Celebrate progress, leadership and impact with the newly formed Australian Retail Council (ARC) at our International Women’s Day Luncheon to celebrate the achievements of women in retail…
The Calyx, Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney
Latest media releases
For media enquiries and interview opportunities, contact the ARC media team on 0434 381 670 or media@retail.org.au
Love is in the air, but fewer Australians are spending this Valentine’s Day
December retail spending cools after early sales surge
It’s time to back the retailers that back Australia
New era for Australian retail as Australian Retail Council opens for business
ANZAC Day Public Holiday Trading Hours In Australia (2026)
The following is a state by state breakdown of the public holiday information for ANZAC Day 2026. When is ANZAC Day in 2026? ANZAC Day
Easter Public Holiday Trading Hours In Australia (2026)
The following is a state by state breakdown of the public holidays across the Easter period in 2026, with additional information on trading hour restrictions
Grand Final Public Holiday Trading Hours In Australia (2026)
The AFL Grand Final is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, and for Victorians, it comes with a public holiday. This guide covers