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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
January retail spending offers a promising start
The new year opened with a modest uplift in retail spending compared to the same period last year. The latest data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows consumer spending
Retail leaders come together to shape the sector’s future
Australia’s most prominent retail leaders will gather at the Australian Retailers Association’s Leader’s Forum 2025, presented in partnership with American Express. On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February at the
Employee choice the focus of retail award proposals
Retail workers would be able to work a more flexible four-day week and finish shifts early under a proposal to update the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA). Retail managers would
RBA cash decision brings relief to retailers
Retailers have called today’s decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia a welcome confidence boost but warned tough times are far from over for the sector. Peak bodies, the Australian
Love-struck Aussies ready for romance this Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air for Australians as shoppers wear their hearts on their sleeves and prepare to spend a record $535 million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved
Retail Leaders Urge Government to Strengthen Industry Resilience in Federal Budget
Increased support for small to medium sized business (SMB), national harmonisation of retail industry regulations, federal government leadership on retail crime and strengthened supply chain infrastructure are among the priorities
December 2024 spending uptick reveals holiday boost
Australians embraced Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales along with festive spending in December, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing spending during the final
FAQs on ARA GRIA Submission
Claim ARA Fact 1 Retailers are trying to abolish penalty rates, overtime and meal breaks Incorrect. The ARA application does not include a proposal to remove penalty rates, overtime
ARA Response to General Retail Industry Award Case
“In February 2024, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to make the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (GRIA) clearer, simpler and more
ARA x NRA response to QLD knife incident
“The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) continue to call for strengthened safety measures to protect retail workers amidst a concerning wave of violence in retail settings,
Aussies to spend $2.7 billion as students head Back to School
As students gear up to return to their classrooms, Australia’s Back to School (BTS) purchases are projected to generate around $2.7 billion in sales. The projected spend is up $150
November retail sales increase 3% year on year as bargain hunters take advantage of Black Friday sales
Australian retail sales increased 3% year-on-year in November 2024, with Black Friday sales delivering a vital boost. According to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), shoppers
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