In a month’s time Myer’s Mural Hall will play host to this year’s 2018 eftpos Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Australian Retail Awards. The theme of this year’s awards will centre around The Retail Realm: thinking outside of the shop and focus on customer experience, technology, payments, sustainability, supply chain, growth, employee development and corporate social responsibility. The ARA Retail Awards acknowledges industry achievements from small, medium and large retailers across the country.
Retailers will have the opportunity to be recognised across three leading categories including People in Retail, Excellence in Customer Experience and Retailer of the Year. The awards are proudly sponsored by Pronto Software, Hitwise, Rest, Roy Morgan, The Realise Group, FBC Group and eftpos. As the leading industry payments network, eftpos is the most widely used debit card system in Australia and has been the ARA’s prominent sponsor for the ARA Retail Awards for over five years.
With the retail realm evolving continually due to emerging technologies, the expectations of retail leaders have become increasingly demanding. Further to this, consumer demands are driving change across the industry as the retail sector is now a 24/7 marketplace. The coveted Retailer Leader of the Year Award will be presented to the retailer who has excelled in all aspects of the retail realm, and whose contributions have attributed greatly to the retail industry.
Executive Director of ARA, Russell Zimmerman expresses the unique qualities of this prestigious award.
“One of the most desired Awards across the Australian retail industry is the ARA’s Retail Leader of the Year Award. This sought-after award, in the People in Retail category, recognises a Senior Executive or CEO of a retail organisation that is paving the future of Australian retail.”
The People in Retail category has seen a lot of traction, with individuals nominating their employers and retailers putting forward their staff to win an award in this prestigious category. Two independent retailers will also be in the running to win the Independent Retailer of the Year Award, which showcases independent organisations marketing strategies, innovative staff management programs and strong leadership qualities. The National Retailer of the Year award will be presented to the Australian retailer, who is a leader within the retail realm and produces long-term contributions to the vibrant and progressive industry.
Last year’s Awards held at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Great Hall, saw Officeworks take home the title of Retailer of the Year, with The Party People winning the Independent Retailer of the Year Award.
With over 500 guests expected to attend this year’s Awards, the ARA are excited to celebrate this event with their members and acknowledge achievements produced throughout the retail sector this year. Each retailer will be judged on their submission, and finalists will be announced on the 20th of September.
The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards will be held on Thursday, 18 October from 7:30am at the Myer Mural Hall, Melbourne. Head to the Retail Realm to purchase your tickets today.
About The Australian Retailers Association
The ARA aims to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. The ARA is passionate about supporting careers in Australian retail industry and secure skilled staff to ensure the longevity of Australian Retail. By implementing these service strategies into your business, your business will thrive amongst digital and bricks and mortar competitors. Service is key to the future success of retail and therefore offering a positive experience will ensure customer satisfaction, loyalty and the longevity of your business. Visit www.retail.org.au
