It’s hard to believe that we’re already almost one month into 2020, proof there certainly is no rest for...
It’s hard to believe that we’re already almost one month into 2020, proof there certainly is no rest for those in retail! Many headlines continue to be devoted to the tough time that retail has experienced in the last 12 months and the number of brands that have collapsed. As...
Australians are set to spend more than $50 billion throughout the 2019 Christmas trade period, according to the NRA’s...
Australians are set to spend more than $50 billion throughout the 2019 Christmas trade period, according to the NRA’s Christmas forecasts that we released last week. It has been a trying year for retail and the busy holiday season could not have come quick enough. Throughout 2019 consumers have remained...
Last week’s ABS retail figures demonstrated that retail is still yet to awaken from its slow sales slumber. Although turnover...
Last week’s ABS retail figures demonstrated that retail is still yet to awaken from its slow sales slumber. Although turnover across the sector rose by 0.2 per cent for September, it was still below what the NRA and many commentators were predicting. While it’s certainly too early to say that...
As federal election campaigns of parties large and small gather momentum, retailers will be interested in what’s in it...
As federal election campaigns of parties large and small gather momentum, retailers will be interested in what’s in it for them. Hopefully, the May 18 result brings a government with enough balance of power to get cracking on what’s good for the company – and good for retail. In the...
For many NRA members, the start of the school year provides a great sales boost coming straight off the...
For many NRA members, the start of the school year provides a great sales boost coming straight off the back of the Christmas and New Year trading period. Recent estimates, including analysis done here at the NRA, shows back-to-school trade is now worth between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion....
Welcome to 2019! As you would have all experienced yourselves, Christmas 2018 was another busy and successful one for retail. Both...
Welcome to 2019! As you would have all experienced yourselves, Christmas 2018 was another busy and successful one for retail. Both the Christmas trade period and Boxing Day saw record sales figures as shoppers flocked to stores across the country. This was most welcome considering that 2018 had been a relatively...
The Australian retail sector has now well and truly turned into the final strait before Santa rides his sleigh...
The Australian retail sector has now well and truly turned into the final strait before Santa rides his sleigh into town and the NRA is forecasting it to be a sales bonanza. As revealed last week, the NRA is predicting Australians to splurge over $17.8 billion in the 10 days...
As the second largest employer of any industry in Australia, and the largest employer of young people, the retail...
As the second largest employer of any industry in Australia, and the largest employer of young people, the retail sector has a crucial role to play in the Australian economy. A strong retail sector means more jobs for more Australians, not to mention better access to goods and services for...
The Australian retail sector is now just days away from the commencement of the official Christmas trade period, encompassing...
The Australian retail sector is now just days away from the commencement of the official Christmas trade period, encompassing the second half of November and all of December. In recent weeks I’ve used the CEO column to provide helpful hints on how to maximise sales and ensure that your business...
It’s hard to believe that we are now less than two months away from Christmas. The difference between a good...
It’s hard to believe that we are now less than two months away from Christmas. The difference between a good Christmas and a bad Christmas can be crucial to the viability of a retail business. A strong festive season can not only provide a strong injection of profit, but also...
I spotted a sign once that read, “Hire a teenager now, while they still know everything.” When you consider those...
I spotted a sign once that read, “Hire a teenager now, while they still know everything.” When you consider those aged 15 – 24 are the most likely of all groups to face unemployment, and that we’re the most likely of all industries to give them a job, you know...
You may be wondering why you’re hearing from me today instead of Dominique? The newest addition to the National Retail...
You may be wondering why you’re hearing from me today instead of Dominique? The newest addition to the National Retail Association clan – Dominique’s and husband Tony’s first baby, Wilhelmina – made her grand entrance into the world a little earlier than expected late last week, weighing in at 7lb...
Earlier this week PayPal released its mCommerce Index which surveyed over 1,000 consumers and 400 businesses. The report contained...
Earlier this week PayPal released its mCommerce Index which surveyed over 1,000 consumers and 400 businesses. The report contained some interesting findings that the retail industry should acknowledge. Rest assured, the NRA has long maintained that traditional bricks and mortar outlets will continue to be at the forefront of the...
It’s no secret we’re addicted to our phones – just think about the panic most of us feel at...
It’s no secret we’re addicted to our phones – just think about the panic most of us feel at the thought of losing ours! While it’s also no secret these little devices have revolutionised our industry, the latest research from Salesforce suggests they are going to play an even greater...
Mary Booth’s vitality certainly belies her age – something that could be down to the exceptional lifestyle where she...
Mary Booth’s vitality certainly belies her age – something that could be down to the exceptional lifestyle where she lives in the Hunter Valley! As the 76-year-old accepted her NRA Lifetime Achievement Award in Melbourne, Ms Booth shared the story of a long career devoted to retail, and how it...
Commsec has released its business sales index report for July 2018 and it is welcome news for the retail...
Commsec has released its business sales index report for July 2018 and it is welcome news for the retail sector. The data – which measures the value of credit and debit card transactions processed via Commonwealth Bank merchant facilities – has seen a July annual growth rate of 16.6...