Peak retail industry body launches QLD Division and new QLD office

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has continued to expand its physical presence by officially opening a Queensland office launching the ARA Queensland Division with Queensland based retailers.

The ARA Queensland Division is run by retailers, for retailers with our local board fully comprising Queensland retailers.

Following the collapse of smaller retail organisations over recent years which left local retailers with very little voice, the ARA has now officially opened offices in Brisbane with staff and board members working across Queensland.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA Queensland Division looks forward to working with the new Queensland Government and will take a new bi-partisan approach to supporting retailers in the state.

“For some time now, Queensland retailers have reported they want certainty and security by having a stable government in place and an industry body that is accessible at all times to retailers which will advocate their issues to all sides of Queensland politics.

“In order to truly represent the retail industry and have a thorough understanding of the issues facing retailers on a day to day basis, an industry body must be run by those who know first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with running a retail business. This is why the new ARA QLD division is proudly run by retailers, for retailers with nearly all key ARA staff also having retail backgrounds,” Mr Zimmerman said.

ARA Queensland national board member and new Chair of the Queensland Division Ralph Edwards said Queensland-based retailers want to be certain their government is focussed on creating jobs and improving business conditions.

“Retailers have told me they want clear direction from the new Queensland Government on jobs and costs for business. The ARA Queensland Division and Board will be working alongside the new government to ensure the retail industry and small business remain at the forefront of government initiatives,” Mr Edwards said.

ARA Queensland Division Board:

Ralph Edwards – Bright Eyes Sunglasses (ARA national board member and Queensland Chair)
Rowan Hodge – Battery World
Manjit Sadhwani – Dollars and Sense
Stuart Beechen – Aktiv Brand
Emmanuel Drivas – Coffee Club

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

FURTHER READING

Retail Voice CEO Message: 29 March 2023

With the New South Wales state election complete, we now have a Labor government in place in every state except Tasmania and an 18 month window without any elections occurring.  
 
This provides a period where we may see significant reform and potentially for national alignment in key policy areas across Australia.  

The rich tapestry of neurodiversity

There is a slow shift towards incorporating design aspects that create more inclusive shopping experiences for customers of all neurotypes. Retailers willing to explore this hidden customer segment can deliver a more easy, engaging and inclusive experience both in-store and online.

Retail Voice CEO Message: 15 March 2023

Retail crime continues to be a concern with many businesses recording an increase in shoplifting. 
 
In the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data coming out of New South Wales, retail theft increased 23.7% year-on-year.