Access our COVID-19 resource hub for up-to-date state and territory restrictions

The ARA provides opportunities to engage, learn and network with industry peers through events, workshops, courses and webinars. Members also benefit from key advocacy committees, support, exclusive access to and discounts on their insurance and services.

INDUSTRY

UPDATES

August retail sales remain subdued as focus shifts to Christmas trade

Retail sales had a slight rebound in August, but remain down year-on-year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse™, which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment.

Retail sales across the country increased 1.1% in August compared to July (seasonally adjusted) and are up 1.6% compared to before the pandemic in August 2019

Hope and certainty, but a longer wait for a retail reopening in Victoria

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s reopening roadmap but said the likely seven week wait until discretionary retail can reopen is disappointing and will deliver at least another $6 billion blow to retailers.

Countdown to Christmas - Australians set to spend over $11 billion on gifts

Australians are set to spend over $11 billion on Christmas presents this year, with a significant proportion to come from online sales, as toys, jigsaw puzzles and boardgames top the list of most popular gifts according to research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in conjunction with Roy Morgan.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

ARA is a not for profit and this extends to our pro-bono Council that govern our efforts.

ARA members have access to the best retail-focused workplace relations advisory service in the country. Our team’s accessibility is unrivalled – members receive the support they need when they need it. As ARA members experienced in 2020, when a crisis arrives and you need urgent help, the ability to immediately access a large team of industry experts and supporting resources is vital to navigating the crisis.

Become a member

WHY JOIN THE ARA?

RETAIL WORKSHOPS AND
COURSES

INDUSTRY NEWS AND INSIGHTS

The ARA provides members up-to-the-minute updates and advice on important changes that affect retail, along with continuous feeds of breaking news and thought leadership on issues affecting our sector.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS ADVICE

Our industry leading retail-focused experts are on call to provide members with the latest advice on all employment matters.

RETAIL WORKSHOPS AND
COURSES

ARA’s huge variety of events, workshops, courses and webinars provide opportunities to engage, learn and network with industry peers. Through your membership, you will receive exclusive and discounted education and
training opportunities including those offered through our RTO, the ARA Retail Institute.

INDUSTRY

AND EVENTS NETWORKING

The ARA hosts and facilitates events that connect you with like-minded retailers, industry leaders and change-makers. We provide our members exclusive access to training webinars to support your staff and business, as well as virtual and face-to-face experiences – including executive lunches, briefings, conferences, gala awards, forums, webinars, roundtables, workshops, training and other special events and co-created initiatives.

HUMAN
RESOURCES PORTAL

Your membership includes access to the confidential online ARA Employment Relations Management System (ERMS) – everything you need to make retail HR administration easy and compliance simple. Members receive access to the portal 24|7.

BENEFITS

Members and their teams gain access to exclusive communications, free events and world-class training and education to help stay up-to-date with the every changing retail environment. Receive free advice on employment relations, tenancy, training and talent challenges along with a range of benefits and discounts from third-party suppliers. We support members with industry lobbying and advocacy and government policy advice.

TENANCY

Do you have the knowledge and confidence to negotiate a retail lease? When negotiating retail rents with landlords, retailers often find themselves on an uneven playing field making it seem near impossible to negotiate effectively.
ARA members have access to free initial advice from retail tenancy experts, as well as a range of online resources.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

ARA’s Legal Advisory specialise in all aspects of Business Law for the retail industry. With particular expertise in the categories of Franchising, FMCG, Apparel, and Beauty– our legal assistance team understand retail businesses, both bricks-and-mortar and online.

Is a unique insurance offering for retailers across all segments, harnessing the industry experience of ARA and risk management expertise from leading insurance broker, Marsh. Major national, department store, franchise, independent and online members can access consultations to discuss the unique and evolving needs of their business and obtain a no-obligation quote.