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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
Love is in the air, but fewer Australians are spending this Valentine’s Day
Fewer Australians are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but those who do are still finding room to treat their special someone, according to new research from the Australia
December retail spending cools after early sales surge
Total household spending on retail reached $38.6 billion, with growth strongest in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (up 8.2 per cent). More discretionary categories such as clothing, household goods
It’s time to back the retailers that back Australia
The newly formed Australian Retail Council (ARC) has lodged its first major submission, outlining seven targeted reforms to strengthen retail productivity, support investment and ease cost of living pressures for
New era for Australian retail as Australian Retail Council opens for business
Australia’s retail sector has entered a new era with the formal launch of the Australian Retail Council (ARC), a single, unified voice representing the interests of retailers of all sizes
Back-to-School spending lifts – but fewer families can afford to take part
Australian back-to-school spending is set to rise in 2026 — but across a smaller pool of shoppers, highlighting growing financial strain on lower-income households. New data from the Australian Retailers
Early Christmas shopping drives strong November retail growth
New figures released today from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show Australian retail turnover climbed 7.0% in November 2025, reinforcing a broader shift toward earlier peak-season shopping and confirming
Australians to turn out in force for Boxing Day
Australian Boxing Day sales are forecast to rise by 4.3 per cent this year, as budget-conscious shoppers gravitate towards a bargain. New data from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan points to a forecast national spend of around $1.6 billion for the one-day event.
Retail crime now a five-minute reality for Victorians
Retail crime has become a routine and systemic part of daily life in Victoria, with new Crime Statistics Agency data revealing almost 100,000 incidents in retail settings over the past
NSW must halt Bill granting unprecedented access to business digital systems
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have raised alarm over proposed NSW legislation that would give Health and Safety Representatives and union officials unprecedented access to
Retailers welcome tough new Victorian retail crime laws – renew calls for swift Workplace Protection Orders, permanent retail crime taskforce
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the passage of Victoria’s new worker-protection laws this week, which introduce tougher penalties for abuse, threats and assaults
Robust October retail spending a solid platform for peak season trading
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) said today’s ABS data showing a 5.7% annual rise in retail spending for the month of October demonstrates continued
Early Christmas shoppers lift retailers’ hopes for a solid finish to 2025
Australians are getting a head start on Christmas shopping this year, with nearly one-in-three shoppers (29%) saying they are buying gifts earlier than in 2024, while only 8% are leaving
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