Join the conversation
Media releases
For media enquiries and interview opportunities, contact the ARC media team on media@retail.org.au or 0434 381 670
All ARC media releases
Subdued retail spending as consumers remain under pressure
Australian consumers remain under pressure with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirming subdued retail spending throughout September compared to the same time last year.
Retailers congratulate Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on election victory
Peak retail industry bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA), have congratulated Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on his election victory highlighting the importance of working with
New retail peak body to be named Australian Retail Council
The name of Australia’s new peak retail body has been revealed as the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) build towards a proposed amalgamation. The proposed
A spooktacular Halloween for retailers as Aussies embrace the scary season
One in five Australians are getting ghoulish this Halloween, with ever-growing popularity of the October 31 event reflected in boosted retail sales across the nation. The Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA)
Holiday Shopping Now Starts Earlier for Most Aussies
53% of Australians finalise their holiday shopping lists by October, a number that jumps to 70% for those with kids living at home. 29% of Australians will do their festive
Retailers warn excessive legislation a backward step for productivity
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have cautioned that the Federal Government’s proposed supermarket pricing legislation risks tangling business in unnecessary red tape, running counter to
Black Friday sales a winner this Christmas as cost-of-living continues to bite
Retailers are welcoming an expected $69.7 billion boost in retail sales during the six-week peak season lead up to Christmas, marking a 2.7% increase on last year’s figures. This new
Modest retail spending uptick in August
Australian retailers continued to face slow discretionary spend throughout the month of August, despite a modest uptick in consumer spending compared to the same time last year. The latest retail
Australian Retailers Association calls for transparency around CHOICE data
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called for greater transparency around the supermarket data released today by CHOICE. ARA CEO Paul Zahra said taxpayers, government, and most importantly consumers
One in five Aussies will get into the Halloween spirit
Australians are getting into the spooky season spirit this year, with retailers set to enjoy a $450 million boost from Halloween spending in 2024. New data from Roy Morgan shows
September cash-rate provides cold comfort for retailers
Australia’s peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to hold cash rates at 4.35%. ARA Chief Executive Officer Paul Zahra said
Retail’s best and brightest recognised at industry awards night of nights
Australia’s leading retailers across large and small businesses have made their mark at the inaugural 2024 ARA Retail Awards, sponsored by principal partner American Express. The event honoured retailers large
ARC submissions
Given the important role that the retail sector plays in driving economic growth, we seek government policies that:
- Support the economic impact generated by the retail sector;
- Restore business confidence, particularly for small and medium businesses;
- Increase consumer confidence and disposable income;
- Apply downward pressure on business costs; and
- Reduce complexity by driving national alignment on state matters