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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
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
RBA cash rate hold underlines need for productivity push
Retailers today urged governments across Australia to address the deepening productivity challenge following the RBA’s decision to hold the cash rate. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association
Update: ARA Statement on Federal Court decision concerning underpayment of salaried workers under the General Retail Industry Award 2010
Last week’s Federal Court of Australia judgement regarding historical underpayment of salaried workers under the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA) is likely to increase the cost and compliance burden on
ARA Statement on Federal Court decision concerning underpayment of salaried workers under the General Retail Industry Award 2010
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) acknowledges the decision of the Federal Court of Australia today regarding historical underpayment of salaried workers under the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA). “This case demonstrates
Solid July retail spending according to new ABS monthly reporting data
Retail spending grew by 4.6% in July compared to the same period last year, with the latest monthly data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing $37.7 billion. All
Retailers bear the brunt as theft surges to 21-year high
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) says today’s ABS Recorded Crime – Victims data confirms what retailers see every day: theft is rising to crisis levels, with retail stores a top
Penalty Rates Bill slams the door on higher salaries, choice and flexibility
The passing of the Federal Government’s penalty rates bill undermines the independence of the Fair Work Commission and is a missed opportunity to create greater choice and flexibility that would
Fewer Shoppers, Bigger Splurges: Aussies Spending Up on Father’s Day Gifts
Around 4.7 million Australians are expected to spend a combined $720 million on gifts for dads, grandads, partners and father-figures this year, down $100 million from 2024, as cost-of-living pressures
Australian retailers committed to safer workplaces
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) confirmed today that retailers across Australia are making major investments in creating safer workplaces in the face of significant industry
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