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

UNFINISHED IR BUSINESS CANNOT BE IGNORED

Opportunities for industrial relations reform are rare in Australia. Through COVID-19, we had the chance to deliver once-in-a-generation change to accelerate Australia’s economic recovery. Regrettably, that goal was missed, with government and industry now nursing battle scars from what was largely a bruising defeat in the Parliament.

ROBUST RETAIL TRADE FOR FEBRUARY, BUT SALES EXPECTED TO SOFTEN WITH THE END OF JOBKEEPER

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed retail sales increased 9.1% through the year to February, however sales are expected to soften in the coming months as JobKeeper and the JobSeeker supplement conclude, and some retailers begin to cycle panic-buying from last year.

$100 HOTEL VOUCHERS A WELCOME BOOST FOR THE SYDNEY CBD ECONOMY

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s $51.5 million economic support package, which includes up to 200,000 accommodation vouchers worth $100 each.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the vouchers for hotel stays in the CBD will also provide a boost for retailers,

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?

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.