Retail recovery on hold (again) with today’s Reserve Bank decision

Retailers said today’s Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to hold the cash rate at 4.10% is a significant blow...

Retailers said today’s Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to hold the cash rate at 4.10% is a significant blow for consumer and business confidence that will delay the recovery of the retail sector. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said weak consumer spending and high business...

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Retail spending uptick continues into February with modest growth

Australians continued to spend more across retail compared to the same period last year, with the latest data from...

Australians continued to spend more across retail compared to the same period last year, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing consumer spending during February 2025 at $37.1 billion, 3.6% higher than February 2024. The ‘other retailing’ category – which includes cosmetics, sports, and recreational...

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Retail recovery key to an economic recovery

Getting the retail sector back on its feet must be a priority in the Federal Election, with retail contributing...

Getting the retail sector back on its feet must be a priority in the Federal Election, with retail contributing almost one fifth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said today. ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown says retail contributes...

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“Knives in the wrong hands fuel retail crime,” retailers say

Retailers have identified knives and blades as a weapon of choice in retail crime, triggering calls from the sector...

Retailers have identified knives and blades as a weapon of choice in retail crime, triggering calls from the sector to cut red tape around wanding and increase restrictions on knife sales. Data recently released by retail crime intelligence software company Auror revealed knives and blades made up over 50 per...

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Retail update around Queensland and Northern New South Wales store operations

As Cyclone Alfred and heavy rainfall continues to threaten Queensland and Northern New South Wales, retailers have put preparations...

As Cyclone Alfred and heavy rainfall continues to threaten Queensland and Northern New South Wales, retailers have put preparations in place to ensure the safety of their teams, customers and stores. The intensity of the weather event has meant that many stores in affected areas are now closed until conditions...

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ACCC announces 2025-26 compliance and enforcement priorities

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to focus its compliance and enforcement work...

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to focus its compliance and enforcement work to promote competition among business, promote fair trading by business and protect consumers in their dealings with business. The ACCC recently announced their 2025-26 Compliance and Enforcement priorities, with a key...

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Relief for retailers with RBA cash rate decision

Retailers have called today’s decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia a welcome confidence boost but warned tough times...

Retailers have called today’s decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia a welcome confidence boost but warned tough times are far from over for the retail sector. Peak bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA), said the impacts of subdued consumer spending coupled with high costs...

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ARA x NRA response to QLD knife incident

“The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) continue to call for strengthened safety measures to protect...

“The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) continue to call for strengthened safety measures to protect retail workers amidst a concerning wave of violence in retail settings, with around 700,000 retail crime incidents recorded nationally in the past year. “We fully support retailers who are taking initiatives...

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The National Retail Roadshow is Back for 2025 – Bigger, Better, and Bolder!

Get ready, retailers – our leading retail industry event is returning in 2025! The National Retail Roadshow is back, and...

Get ready, retailers – our leading retail industry event is returning in 2025! The National Retail Roadshow is back, and this time, it’s bigger, better, and bolder than ever. Mark your calendars and prepare to discover fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick...

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Retailers urge RBA rate cut after Black Friday boost

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in February after successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday...

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in February after successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales in November. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), retail turnover rose by 3 per cent compared with the same time last year. National Retail Association (NRA) Acting CEO Lindsay...

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Retail sector releases Federal Election Priorities

The retail sector has released its federal election priorities, calling on political leaders to adopt a growth-focused, forward-thinking approach...

The retail sector has released its federal election priorities, calling on political leaders to adopt a growth-focused, forward-thinking approach to the sector which contributes more than 18% to Gross Domestic Product and employs one in ten Australians. Peak retail bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association...

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NSW Government – Changes to Anzac Day trading hours

Under the New South Wales Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Bill 2024,some businesses will be required to remain...

Under the New South Wales Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Bill 2024,some businesses will be required to remain closed on Anzac Day. The trading hours restriction was announced on July 10, 2024, by the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Chris Minns MP. Currently, retail traders including fashion...

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Using green claims – with minimal regulatory risk

In response to growing concerns regarding the use by industry of ‘green claims’ and more specifically ‘greenwashing’, the ACCC...

In response to growing concerns regarding the use by industry of ‘green claims’ and more specifically ‘greenwashing’, the ACCC published in December 2023 a guide for business on Making Environmental Claims. The guide is comprehensive (almost 40 pages), and whilst it contains specific advice, it serves as a guide to...

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Retailers welcome RBA call to keep rates on hold

Retailers have welcomed the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep interest rates on hold. The move...

Retailers have welcomed the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep interest rates on hold. The move comes off the back off the back of a couple of days of sharemarket volatility, while consumers continue to tighten their belts due to cost-of-living pressures. NRA Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll...

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Retailers concerned by proposal for state-owned fuel stations

The National Retail Association (NRA) has today voiced concern regarding the announcement from the QLD State Government that it...

The National Retail Association (NRA) has today voiced concern regarding the announcement from the QLD State Government that it would open a dozen state-owned fuel stations. It is an unprecedented movie, with no other state or territory government in Australia having made such an extensive intervention into the market. NRA Interim...

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Reserve Bank urged to show restraint after lucky bump to June trade

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank to show restraint at their make-or-break monetary policy board meeting in August, following...

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank to show restraint at their make-or-break monetary policy board meeting in August, following a positive June retail trade result. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed today that June retail trade rose by 0.5 per cent from May and by 2.9 per cent year...

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