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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 resilient in April
Australian household spending on retail rose 5.1 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, with Australians spending $39.07 billion across the retail sector, up from $37.18 billion at the same time
ABS confirms rising pressure on retailers as ARC calls for practical relief
The latest ABS Business Conditions and Sentiments survey, conducted from 4 to 15 May, found 74 per cent of retail businesses were negatively affected by fuel prices or availability, 58
ARC 2026 Retail Awards Finalists Revealed
Australia’s leading retailers, teams and industry leaders have been named finalists in the 2026 ARC Retail Awards, marking the return of the industry’s premier awards program for the first time
Retailers welcome Coalition’s stronger instant asset write-off and red tape reform signals
The Coalition’s proposed permanent $50,000 instant asset write-off would provide a meaningful boost for small retailers looking to invest, while commitments to simplify regulation and reduce compliance burden are encouraging
Retailers secure practical Budget measures, but outlook remains challenging
ARC has welcomed practical measures for retailers in the 2026 Federal Budget, including the permanent instant asset write-off, red tape reduction commitments and action to address unfair competition from ultra-cheap
Retailers welcome permanent instant asset write-off, call for bold productivity reform in Federal Budget
To support a return to economic growth, ARC said retailers urgently need to see promised structural reform to lift productivity and reduce the burden of red tape and regulatory fragmentation
Flowers top Mother’s Day gifts as Australians favour simple, meaningful celebrations
The latest ARC-Roy Morgan survey shows 39% of Australians planning to purchase flowers, followed by food and alcohol (24%) and experiences such as dining out or trips away (11%) among
South Australia sets the national benchmark in protecting retail workers
ARC said South Australia has now established the gold standard for tackling retail crime, combining Workplace Protection Orders with a dedicated retail crime taskforce, Operation Measure, to directly target repeat
Victoria retail crime Budget falls short on worker protections
The Victorian Budget reflects growing recognition of the state’s retail crime challenge but falls short on immediate worker protections and targeted enforcement, the Australian Retail Council (ARC) said today.
Retail conditions expected to tighten as third consecutive rate rise hits consumers
Australian retailers say trading conditions will become more challenging after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent, marking the third
Retail spending lifts March result, masking underlying pressures
Australian household spending on retail increased 5.7 per cent over the year to March, with Australians spending $39.3 billion, up from $37.2 billion in March 2025 as retailers navigate rising
Retailers call for deep regulatory reform and cost relief as supply chain crisis deepens
Australian retailers are urging the Federal Government accelerate regulatory reform and to provide further cost relief and as the supply chain impacts of the Middle East conflict intensify.
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