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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
Retail spending steady ahead of critical Christmas trading period
Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing a 4.3% rise in retail spending over the past year reflects a solid foundation for retailers as they enter the vital pre-Christmas trading season
State in crisis: Victorians demand action on retail crime
Victorians are calling for action on retail crime with new research revealing 79% are concerned about the state’s rising crime levels. With retail crime at crisis levels, the research supports
South Australia’s landmark workplace protection laws a game-changer for retail worker safety
Retailers have applauded plans to introduce a new bill into South Australian Parliament to establish Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs), giving police and courts stronger powers to keep repeat offenders out
Abolishing junior wage rates will create higher youth unemployment
Abolishing junior wage rates would significantly reduce retail employment opportunities for young Australians, and many small businesses say it would force them to select more experienced workers, according to new
NSW Retail Crime Strategy strengthens protections for retail workers and customers
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the launch today of the New South Wales Police Force Retail Crime Strategy to tackle retail crime and keep
Retailers welcome merger regime updates following industry advocacy
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the Federal Government’s refinements to Australia’s upcoming merger control regime, including an important exemption for routine retail leases
Halloween to cast a record-breaking spell over Aussie shoppers
Australians of all ages will embrace the spooky spirit this year with record spending on Halloween festivities, according to fresh research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in partnership with
Risks to salaried employment across economy to flow from Federal Court decision
A Federal Court judgment regarding historical entitlements of salaried staff under the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA) will be far-reaching and add further complexity and red tape to salaried employment
Modest August retail spending strengthens case for November rate cut
Spending in retail-related categories grew by a modest 3.7% in August compared to the same period in 2024, registering $37.8 billion in sales, according to data from the Australian Bureau
RBA’s interest rate hold concerns retailers ahead of peak retail season
Retailers say they are concerned the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision today to hold the cash rate at 3.6 per cent will supress spending during the most important retail
Victorian retail crime crisis – up 20% to highest levels on record
New Victorian crime data confirms retail crime is at crisis levels, with retail stores a top target peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said
Retailers applaud Vic Opposition’s support for retail crime measures
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have today welcomed the Victorian Opposition’s support for stronger retail crime initiatives, including the adoption of the knife protection measure
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