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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
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
Retailers welcome QLD measures to strengthen penalties for assaults in the workplace
Peak bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA), have welcomed the Queensland Government’s Respect at Work laws that will see stronger protections for people assaulted at
Retailers welcome Victoria Police’s crack-down on retail crime
Peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), has applauded Victoria Police’s announcement today that 24 serious offenders have been arrested and charged on 478 counts as part of Operation
ARA CEO Paul Zahra resigns to make way for new leadership under amalgamated entity
The CEO of Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Paul Zahra today announced his resignation, ending his near five year tenure at the end of 2024 as the association transitions to an
Soft consumer spending continues through July
Australian retail sales remained challenging in July 2024 with modest growth of 2.3% compared to the same month last year according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of
Retailers call for national consistency on phase out of single-use plastics
With the next phase of single-use-plastics bans coming into effect in Western Australia and South Australia from 1 September, Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has renewed calls for national alignment and
Retail industry leaders shortlisted for ARA Retail Awards 2024
The nation’s most exceptional retailers have been shortlisted for the inaugural ARA Australian Retail Awards, with a sustainable denim company, an Australian-made scent and candle brand, and a beloved second-hand
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