The National Retail Roadshow 2024 has officially wrapped up after a successful series of events in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Over three weeks, retail professionals and industry leaders gathered to explore the evolving retail landscape through the lenses of People, Planet, and Performance. Each city brought fresh insights, meaningful discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities, all aimed at equipping retailers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Brisbane: Kicking Off at PwC 

The journey began in Brisbane on 22 August, where we were graciously hosted by PwC. The day kicked off with the People panel, moderated by Remy Atkinson from NRA Legal, featured Shae Semb (Lorna Jane), Brea Cornwell (City Beach), and Emma Miller (Liberated Brands). They discussed strategies for staying compliant with the latest employment law changes, including the redefinition of casual employment and the new right to disconnect. Shae Semb highlighted, “There’s a huge compliance risk to your organization if you are not prioritising your team.” 

In the Planet panel, facilitated by Alicia Clarke from PwC, sustainability experts Richie Mulder (Carbonhalo), Yas Grigaliunas (Circonomy), Casey Heiner (Team Global Express), and Anthony Chesler (Thread Together) shared their insights on integrating sustainability into retail operations. Richie Mulder emphasised, “It’s not just about collecting emissions data; it’s a change process that comes first. The data comes later.” 

The day concluded with the Performance panel, moderated by Mike Younger from PwC, included Mark Stafford (Checkpoint Systems), Aimee Madson (Price Attack), John Reed (LPC), and Brian Walker (Retail Doctor Group). They explored how advanced technologies like AI and RFID are transforming retail performance. Mark Stafford noted, “We’re working with many retailers who are stocktaking once a week where they were previously doing it once a year,” while Brian Walker stated, “We are well and truly into the 5th industrial revolution.” 

Melbourne: Taking it Further at NBN Co 

The second stop of the Roadshow on 30 August was hosted by NBN Co in Melbourne. Moderated by Amy Lynes from NRA Legal, the People panel featured Yolanda Cummings (Snooze), Maryanne Versace (Bed Bath N’ Table), and Helen Slucki (Savers). They discussed approaches to compliance and workforce management in light of evolving legislation. Helen Slucki shared, “Engagement and compliance go hand in hand. Retailers must find ways to adhere to new regulations without sacrificing employee morale.” 

The Planet panel, led by Grace George from NRA, included Michael Donath (Team Global Express), Richie Mulder, Anthony Chesler, and Yas Grigaliunas. They explored sustainable practices in retail, focusing on supply chain management and circular economy initiatives. Michael Donath emphasized, “The circular economy is gaining traction, and it’s where real business value lies for retailers committed to sustainability.” 

The final session, Anastasia Lloyd-Wallis from Retail Doctor Group moderated the Performance panel, featuring Mark Gentle (Checkpoint Systems), Tom Priestley (Accenture), and Brad Granger (Podium). They discussed the transformative potential of technologies like RFID and AI in retail operations. Mark Gentle commented, “Technology such as RFID and AI will revolutionise the way retailers manage inventory and customer relationships. The potential is limitless, and those who adapt will thrive.” 

Sydney: Wrapping Up at Google 

Our final stop on 5 September was at Google’s Sydney headquarters, where we concluded the Roadshow with another fantastic lineup of speakers and discussions. The People panel, moderated by Remy Atkinson from NRA Legal, featured Emma Sansom (Cue Clothing Co), Shambhavi Manjrekar (L’Occitane), and Sarah Chemouni (Freedom). The panelists discussed adapting to recent employment law changes, highlighting the importance of aligning cultural shifts with legal requirements to ensure compliance and employee well-being. They examined how businesses can stay updated on legal developments and manage upcoming challenges, such as wage theft criminalisation and new work health and safety regulations.

The Planet session, led by Kevin Frohbus of BDO, brought together experts like Richie Mulder, Taeressa Fawthrop (Team Global Express), Belinda Paul (RCYCL), and Yas Grigaliunas, who explored sustainability efforts across the retail sector. The panelists focused on emissions tracking, sustainable sourcing, and energy efficiency, emphasising the importance of businesses, both large and small, using practical tools to manage their sustainability goals. The panel also reflected on the growing consumer demand for transparency, with personal stories underscoring the importance of tackling environmental challenges. 

The Performance panel, facilitated by Brian Walker from Retail Doctor Group, featured Martelize Smit (Checkpoint), Christina Tigges (Oracle NetSuite), Varun Mohan (Google), and Tim Schaafsma (Coco Republic). Together, they explored how AI and data analytics are transforming retail performance. They discussed how technologies like AI are enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations, particularly in omni-channel retailing, where consistency across platforms and accurate demand forecasting are crucial for success.

A Heartfelt Thanks 

The success of the 2024 National Retail Roadshow wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our venue hosts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to PwC in Brisbane, NBN Co in Melbourne, and Google in Sydney for their incredible hospitality and partnership. Their contributions helped create an environment that fostered collaboration, learning, and meaningful discussion. 

As we conclude this year’s Roadshow, we reflect on the many insightful conversations and connections made across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The future of retail is full of both challenges and opportunities, and we hope the knowledge shared over these past weeks will empower retailers to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and innovation. 

Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events from the National Retail Association!