Retail Voice CEO Message: 5 October 2022

There’s less than 12 weeks till Christmas – our busiest time of year – and not surprisingly, staff shortages are the most pressing concern as businesses ramp up recruitment to meet demand. The latest figures from the ABS show there were 46,100 job vacancies in retail trade in August – an increase of 14% on last quarter. While job vacancies overall across the economy declined 2%, retail was one of the few industries to record an increase. The Government has announced measures including an increase to Australia’s migration cap and the ability for pensioners to work more shifts without their entitlements being affected, but it will take a few months for the benefits of these initiatives to land.

National Cabinet will remove the five-day Covid isolation period from Friday, October 14 – a measure ARA has advocated for. Given our high vaccination rates, high levels of immunity and the availability of Covid treatments, we’re pleased our political leaders have made this welcome shift towards living with Covid.

It also means the pandemic leave disaster payments will come to an end for most workers, and while it’s been an important safety net for workers with no access to sick leave, it’s appropriate to wind-up this scheme in line with the removal of mandatory isolations.

The RBA has increased interest rates for the sixth straight month, but retail sales continuing to run at record levels. You can read my opinion piece on the current state of the industry and the lag we’re experiencing in terms of the impacts to household spending.

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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.