Consumer Research
The ARA’s Consumer Research Advisory Committee guides the development of academic consumer research to help Australian retailers.
The Advisory Committee consists of executives and senior strategic managers across Australia’s largest retailers.
The ARA formed this committee at the beginning of 2021, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
- Eligibility: Nominated research/consumer insights representatives from premium ARA members contributing to research projects.

Achievements
- Developed a Consumer Research & Insights Hub accessible on the ARA website by all ARA members, which translates academic research in a format relevant for retail managers and policymakers.
- Commissioned 10+ consumer reserach studies in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology.
Purpose
The Committee has an overarching aim to positively transform our sector to the most pressing issues affecting our community. This will be pursued through:
- Funding the generation and publication of new consumer research.
- Developing a Consumer Research & Insights Hub to translate academic research in a format relevant for retail managers and policymakers.
- Acting as a mechanism to connect the ARA and its members to government.
- Connecting the ARA and its members to QUT Research Centres, and promoting ‘Work Integrated Learning’ opportunities.
Participating Retailers Include:
Super Retail Group, Bunnings, McDonald’s, JB Hi-Fi, and more.
Committee Leaders

Dr Gary Mortimer
Professor of Marketing and
Consumer Behaviour, QUT
Research Advisor

Dr Frank Mathmann
Senior Lecturer at QUT
Become a Committee Member
Upcoming Events
2022 ARA Christmas Insights Breakfast (Purchase Test)
The inaugural ARA Christmas Insights Breakfast event will herald in the Christmas trading season for our retail community. Hear first-to-market seasonal data insights and predictions from leading industry experts. Enjoy

SMH Sustainability Summit
Sustainability has been front and centre of this year’s Federal Election campaign reflecting the importance the community places on the future of the planet. Organisations have, so far, been ahead

Employee Engagement and Retention
With the great resignation upon us, businesses are facing significant levels of staff turnover. This webinar will focus on: – Tips for building a higher performance culture – Staff retention

Breaking the cycle of stress, anxiety and depression by building resilience
To mark RUOK? Day on Thursday, 8th of September the ARA Small Biz webinar series will look at the impact that two years of upheaval has had on mental health

Great Careers in Retail – more than you imagine!
Think retail is just about sales? Think again! Retail is a great way to enter the workforce, and an excellent entry point for a promising career path. Hear from a

Future Warehouse 2022
Disruption from COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the supply chain network globally, forcing all business leaders to rethink in order to successfully partner and innovate starting from the epicentre of