The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have entered a strategic partnership to gather deeper insights in consumer behaviour and how it affectsAustralia’s retail industry.
Together with QUT Professor Gary Mortimer, Chair of the ARA’s new Consumer Research Advisory Committee, the ARA and industry leaders will advance new research initiatives, empowering retailers to evolve and better meet the needs of consumers.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said there’s been a massive shift in consumer behaviour over the past year, and it’s important retailers have a comprehensive overview of consumer insights.
“Covid has accelerated a number of retail trends in tech development and innovation, and it’s important retailers have a deep understanding of what that means for their businesses and customers for the years and decades ahead,” Mr Zahra said.
“Not only did the pandemic cause a powerful shift in the way people work and socialise – but also in the way we shop and interact with the businesses and products we want to purchase.
“In partnership with QUT, we look forward to unlocking deeper insights in consumer behaviours to ensure the retail industry is well placed to meet the challenges ahead.”
Professor Mortimer said, “I am incredibly honoured by this appointment and the opportunity to work with the ARA and their members.”
“When I joined QUT 10 years ago, I became acutely aware of the high-quality research we do and have made it my mission to ensure the work we do as researchers is used to inform industry.
“As the Chair of the ARA Consumer Research Advisory Committee, I look forward to connecting our key researchers and our early career academics with the ARA, their members and other industry stakeholders.”
The Committee will also develop the ARA Consumer Research and Insights Hub – an industry first, digital platform that will contain digestible versions of academic research as well as informed thought leadership articles.
QUT is the latest addition to the ARA’s growing network of strategic partners, which includes AfterPay, American Express, Hitch Advisory, Deloitte and Fabric/TBWA.
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