With another Father’s Day done and dusted the retail industry will now set its sight towards the busy Christmas trade period.
While we don’t quite have the final figures yet, the NRA is confident that total retail sales for Father’s Day 2017 tipped the $800 million mark for the first time ever.
I hope that you all enjoyed strong sales in the weeks and days leading up to Father’s Day and that you were also able to spend quality time with the family.
In other news, a meeting of Ministers for Consumer Affairs has announced support for changes to consumer protection law. The proposed reforms result from the Australian Consumer Law Review that took place in March this year by Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Key changes that Ministers will now implement include: analysis on the introduction of a general safety provision into the Australian Consumer Law; greater penalties for companies who breach consumer law; further consultation on expanding unfair contract terms in insurance contracts; scope for an economy-wide study into the role, nature and impact of unsolicited selling in Australia.
I encourage all of you to read the Communique issued by the Ministers, which includes details of the proposals that they have decide to adopt. You can view a copy of the communique here.
On a sombre note, it was sad to hear of the passing of the former Retail Council CEO, Anna McPhee, late last week.
Anna’s passing will leave a large gap in the Australian business and political community. It was always our pleasure at the NRA to work alongside Anna and her team in advocating policies and decisions that allowed business owners to do what they do best – generate prosperity and create jobs.
On behalf of the National Retail Association and its members, I offer our deepest sympathy to Anna’s loved ones.
Have a great week.
Dominique Lamb, CEO.