“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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Industry info session: New PFAS controls explained

PFAS controls come into effect 1 July 2025 We understand that some businesses may still be experiencing confusion or challenges...

PFAS controls come into effect 1 July 2025 We understand that some businesses may still be experiencing confusion or challenges while preparing for the new PFAS controls due to come into effect 1 July. To assist, National Retail are facilitating an Industry Information Session with guest speaker Sonia Goldie, Director –...

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Retail update on Cyclone Alfred and flooding events in QLD and NSW

As the impacts of emergency weather conditions continue to unfold across Queensland and New South Wales, retailers have called...

As the impacts of emergency weather conditions continue to unfold across Queensland and New South Wales, retailers have called for patience, cautioning that the recovery of some store operations will take time. Peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said with weather remaining unpredictable, safety...

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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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ANZAC Day NSW: Read the fine print!

Small businesses in NSW are being urged to plan ahead, following the introduction of new ANZAC Day trading laws.   ANZAC...

Small businesses in NSW are being urged to plan ahead, following the introduction of new ANZAC Day trading laws.   ANZAC Day is a deeply solemn occasion, and retailers and employees have always respected the sacrifice of Australian service men and women and the significance of the day to the nation.  For...

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December 2024 spending uptick reveals holiday boost

Australians embraced Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales along with festive spending in December, with the latest data from...

Australians embraced Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales along with festive spending in December, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing spending during the final month of the year was 4.6% higher than in 2023. Household goods saw the most significant increase (up 7%), followed...

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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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Chris Rodwell appointed inaugural CEO Australian Retail Council

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) today announced Chris Rodwell will be the inaugural...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) today announced Chris Rodwell will be the inaugural CEO of the Australian Retail Council (ARC) supporting the establishment of the amalgamated entity from March 2025. As a proven leader in the Australian business community, Mr Rodwell will play a...

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Welcoming the NRA’s New Board: A Dynamic Team to Lead Retail Forward

The National Retail Association (NRA) is proud to announce the commencement of its new Board’s term, following elections earlier...

The National Retail Association (NRA) is proud to announce the commencement of its new Board’s term, following elections earlier this year. With a rich diversity of expertise and experience, the new Board represents the full breadth of Australia’s dynamic retail sector, ensuring the voices and needs of all members...

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Rate holds bring much needed relief, but retailers call for urgent cuts

Today, the Reserve Bank once again held rates, but retailers have called for an urgent rate cut at the...

Today, the Reserve Bank once again held rates, but retailers have called for an urgent rate cut at the start of 2025. National Retail Association (NRA) Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said retailers are relieved that hard and fast rate hikes have become a thing of the past but urge the...

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Cyber retailers win big in October, retail data reveals

Early discounting strategies by cyber and household goods retailers have paid off, as revealed by the Australian Bureau of...

Early discounting strategies by cyber and household goods retailers have paid off, as revealed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail data, which reported an overall 0.6 per cent boost to retail sales in October. According to the ABS, the non-food industries saw significant rises, with other retailing up by...

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