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ARC community
Access expert advice, practical guidance and dedicated support
Making retail stronger together
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is the unified voice of the Australian retail industry, formed through the amalgamation of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA). Retail contributes over $444 billion to the economy and supports 1.4m jobs. ARC represents the sector by advocating on the issues that matter to our members, while providing a range of services, support, resources and insights, to help businesses thrive.
As a member of the Australian Retail Council, you join a powerful community. From local independents to national brands, ARC represents the full breadth of the retail industry, bringing the community together and championing retail through advocacy, advice, education, innovation and insights.
Member benefits
Workplace relations advice & legal support
ARC’s workplace relations support provides members access to advice and guidance through our dedicated IR hotline, providing by a team of experts, across a wide range of non-complex workplace matters. In addition, members ca also access our online Employment Relations Management System (ERMS) to equip you with everything you need to simplify and manage your HR administration and compliance.
Advocacy & policy representation
ARC is committed to highlighting the important role of the retail industry in the broader economy and advocating for an environment where retailers can grow and thrive. Through ARC’s policy submissions, expert advisory groups, and cross-sector and industry collaborations, ARC is well positioned to provide support to members on key industry issues impacting their business, leverage our relationships with government stakeholders and decision makers.
ARC communities & events
Providing members with ways to connect and influence is central to the ARA community. Connect with like-minded retailers through our retailer forums, advisory committees, specialist member groups and exclusive networking events. Whether you’re a national retailer or a local business, ARC helps you build meaningful connections, share ideas and solve challenges with peers who understand your world.
Tenancy & business legal advice
Navigating legal obligations and issues that impact your business can be complex. That’s why ARC provides members with access to expert lawyers who can provide advice on a range of matters, such as leasing and tenancy negotiations and disputes, franchising, consumer law, commercial law, and much more.
Innovation & insights
Innovation and insights are critical to the success of every retail in today’s market. Explore new ideas, discover what’s around the corner for retail, and build a more resilient retail business through the ARC Member Portal, providing access to tailored policy updates, retail intelligence, and in-depth reports from our future focused partners and thought leaders. From economic forecasting to consumer trends and regulatory shifts, we deliver the insights that help you make better business decisions.
Select your membership type
Join a community of over 12,000 Australian businesses – from local retailers to the nation’s most iconic brands – all working together to build a stronger, more connected retail industry. Whether you run a retail business or support the sector, there’s a membership that’s right for you.
Retail Membership
Whether you’re a boutique retailer, a growing chain, or a national brand, this membership is designed for retail businesses of all sizes.
Want to join Australia’s most influential retail network? Let’s talk shop.
Affiliate Membership
For industry-affiliated businesses that supply or service retailers.
Want to connect with Australia’s most influential retail network? Let’s talk shop.
Industry Professional
Designed for individual industry professionals supporting the retail community, such as coaches, mentors, and non-executive directors.
Want to connect with Australia’s most influential retail network? Let’s talk shop.
Academic Associate
For individual educators or post-graduate retail students.
Want to connect with Australia’s most influential retail network? Let’s talk shop.
What our members say
Don’t just take our word for it…
To thrive and grow, the retail industry needs a leadership forum which reflects its national importance, recognises the increasingly complex nature of modern retail and sets about building a constructive and united agenda where all industry stakeholders play vital role.
Kieron Ritchard,
Fantastic Furniture CEO
The formation of the ARC is particularly exciting in that it truly brings together one, unified and powerful voice in Australia’s most frontline industry at a critical time and with a distinct need for strong representation and positive change. The scale and singular clarity of ARC’s one-voice will demand the attention and focus of Governments, Landlords, Security & all other key stakeholders.
Craig Barnett,
CEO & President
Australia and New Zealand at PVH Corp.
The establishment of the Australian Retail Council creates a unified voice, strengthening our sector’s ability to advocate for policies that enable innovation and competition to benefit Australian customers. I’m encouraged by the opportunities the ARC will provide for collaboration across retailers of all sizes, helping us navigate shared challenges and drive economic growth.
Matt Benham,
Country Manager, Amazon Australia
The Australian Retail Council creates a single, united voice for our sector at a time when strong, coordinated leadership is critical. It presents a real opportunity to strengthen advocacy, address shared challenges, and ensure the scale and importance of Australian retail is effectively represented.
Ian Burl,
Chief Operating Officer MECCA
The launch of the ARC is an exciting collaboration for our industry, which employs more than one million Australians in every community across the country. Together we’re stronger in supporting the growth, employment and sustainability of Australia’s retail sector, a place where many get a start with their first job.
Dan Holland,
Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Endeavour Group
The Australian Retail Council represents a powerful opportunity to bring our industry together with one clear, united voice. By aligning Australia Post and other retailers around shared priorities, the ARC strengthens our ability to advocate, collaborate and helps shape a sustainable future‑ready Australian retail industry.
Josh Bannister,
Executive General Manager Retail, Brand & Marketing Australian Post
The Australian Retail Council is a game-changer for the industry. I’m excited about the collective influence we’ll have in shaping policy, the learning opportunities from ARC events, and setting standards that work for everyone. A unified voice means real opportunities for small businesses, better negotiating power, stronger advocacy, and a sector that’s positioned to thrive. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that moves the industry forward.
Corey Downing,
Creative Director, Claude and Me Jewellery.
The amalgamation of the NRA and ARA represents a significant step forward for the retail and fast food industry. This unified voice will enhance industry representation and influence, and we are pleased to be aligned with the Australian Retail Council as we look forward to the positive impact we can achieve together.
Emily Van Wessem,
GM of People MadMex