As 2016 comes to a close, we all begin looking for ways to inspire our teams ahead of the new year. It’s the perfect time to come together as a business, reflect on your achievements from the past 12 months, be inspired by industry thought leaders and set collective goals to transform your business into […]
Retailers have reason to be hopeful of a very Merry Christmas in 2016, following the release of the Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Index (BSI) for September. The BSI – released late last week – was jam-packed with good news for retailers on the consumer spending front and this should act as a real shot in […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman has warned employers and those in management positions to be careful of their actions when it comes to workplace liability. Accessorial liability provisions contained in the Fair Work Act now make it possible that with body corporate employers, proceedings may be brought not only against the principal corporate offender, but also […]
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail trade figures released today show a slight increase on the July 2016 figures, but still demonstrate that the sector is experiencing a flat period. In seasonally adjusted terms, retail turnover rose by 0.4 per cent in August, which follows the stagnant figures recorded for July 2016. Seasonally adjusted, […]
by Matt Forman, Traffika One of the biggest strengths of digital marketing is the ability to speak directly to your target audience. In a world where we see literally hundreds of ads every day the ability to tailor our messaging to speak to the right audience at the right time is marketing gold. A well-crafted customer […]
Love it or loathe it – it’s no secret that 90s fashion has been seeping into fashion stores all year. I wonder how many teenage girls even realise they’re dressing exactly like their mums did back in their heyday! But the real irony for south-east Queensland retailers selling out of Rachel’s, Phoebe’s and Monica’s favourite […]
In a recent ruling, a Magistrate allowed an employee to pursue unpaid overtime and lunch break claims totalling $29,000 as the employment contract failed to properly specify provisions it purported to oust in her annualised salary. Next Residential Pty Ltd, a Perth building company, denied an employee had been directed to work through lunch breaks […]
As you know, the NRA speaks up on a range of issues that affect not only members and other retailers, but also their employees and the entire retail sector. And while we’ve had a lot of success in recent years bringing major issues to the attention of government, sometimes you do question whether anyone is […]
The thoughts of the NRA team are with all those members affected by recent severe weather that has impacted South Australia and parts of Victoria this week, and has forced many shops to shut down temporarily. Unfortunately, this type of weather is not uncommon in Australia leading up to summer. As such it is important […]
IMAGE The National Retail Association has succeeded in its application for a one-off exemption for major stores in regional Queensland to trade on the Boxing Day public holiday this year. In a judgement released today, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission ordered that stores may trade between 8am and 5pm on the official boxing day holiday. […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, is putting all retailers on notice when it comes to neglecting labour supply chains. James says that “a company that cares about its reputation and recognises the growing value of that reputation in a competitive market place must take an interest in what’s going on in its labour supply […]
The NRA is the accredited training partner and advisor to many of our members who do not have an in house registered training organisation. In this capacity, we work closely with members to enhance and complement their existing in house Learning and Development programs and induction programs, and provide ongoing advice on new government funding […]
This week the Federal Minister for Education and Training announced a new VET loan system to replace the flawed VET FEE-HELP scheme. The VET Student Loans scheme includes: Limiting courses eligible for VET Student Loans to those that align with industry needs and are selected based on analysis of employer, state and territory and Commonwealth […]
jobactive is a an Australian Government program to assist more Australians into work. It connects job seekers with employers and is delivered by a network of jobactive providers in over 1700 locations across Australia. A jobactive provider can help you access wage subsidies of up to $6,500 (GST inclusive) for employing eligible job seekers. Up […]
Earlier this month Myer announced its financial results for the 53 weeks to 30 July 2016, marking the first year of the New Myer strategy. Like many other ‘fit’ retail strategies today, the ‘New Myer’ strategy, aims to be truly ‘customer centric’, but what does this really mean? Customer centricity has become yet another buzz […]
According to the latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for retail trade in July 2016, retail trade figures have continued the flat trend that they finished the 2015-16 financial year with. Seasonally adjusted, retail turnover for July 2016 remained more or less unchanged at 0.0 per cent, which follows a rise of […]
On the 13/09/16 the NRA Training Division commenced a Ready for Retail program at Broadbeach Surf Lifesaving Club on the Gold Coast, with ocean views and daily visits from passing dolphins and whales. The NRA has once again partnered with Coles to give a group of students with disabilities, real life experience and enhanced opportunities […]
Australia Post was ordered to pay $40,000 in compensation for a colleague racially discriminating against a worker. However, claims for aggravated damages and exemplary damages were rejected. A postal delivery driver for Australia Post was subjected to racial teasing by being called “a black bastard”, a “f@#*ing black bastard” and being told to “go home” […]
New research commissioned by the company rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) has found that internet users are expected to spend an extra 22 days online this year compared with two years ago. “Most of us are getting online when we open our eyes in the morning and before we go to sleep, while […]
From lawyer to King of Doughnuts, Damian Griffiths is expanding his empire to include a premium Sydney location. Doughnut Time has rapidly expanded since opening 16 months ago, growing from one small Brisbane store to over 27 stores across Australia. According to Griffiths, the key has been creating a recognisable and trusted brand with a […]