Nominations are now open for National Retail Association’s Rewards for Excellence, which are recognised nationally as the highest accolade in retail, and acknowledge excellence in ambition, leadership and innovation. This year will see the Young Retailer of the Year award included in the line-up, bringing together the most anticipated retail awards event in Australia. Medina […]
In today’s digital world, it is not uncommon for retailers to trade through multiple channels. It’s almost become a mandatory accessory to have an online store associated to your physical store but at what point can you consider your retail business to be operating through multi-channels or an omnichannel business. The answer is simple. If […]
As part of the Advance Queensland agenda, the Ignite Ideas Fund allows Queensland businesses and startups to apply for funding up to $250,000 to help turn their ideas into market-ready products, create jobs and grow the Queensland economy. The Ignite Ideas Fund will help small to medium size business demonstrate the feasibility of their new […]
The Working Holiday visa program in Australia is a great way for young people aged between 18 and 30 to visit Australia and earn some money while they’re here. It’s quick, easy and cheap to apply for if you’re from one of the countries party to an agreement with Australia. So why does the 417 […]
In a recent case regarding a human resource manager, manager and a long-serving employee, the Fair Work Commission has found that a better briefing to a manager should have occurred before he dismissed an employee during a meeting. The employee had been working for K&S Freighters Pty Ltd for over 30 years without blemish. The […]
Consumer Affairs Australian and New Zealand is conducting a review of the Australian Consumer Law. An Issues Paper relating to this review has been released, which can be viewed here. Feedback is being sought on the following topics: 1. Consumer policy in Australia;2. The legal framework;3. Administration and enforcement; and4. Emerging consumer policy issues. The […]
State and territory governments recently reached agreement to reform Australia’s current country of origin food labelling system. Whilst not imposing an overly onerous burden on businesses, the new food labelling system will provide Australian consumers with more clarity on whether the product/s they are purchasing are made, produced or grown in Australia. The new system […]
The National Retail Association (NRA) has been actively involved in the Fair Work Commission’s four yearly review of Modern Awards. Of key importance to our members is our push to reduce Sunday penalty rates and our opposition to claims by the unions, primarily relating to casual conversion and to increase minimum shift entitlements. Recent developments in […]
You may have seen some media reporting this week about the upcoming Annual Wage Review of minimum wages, and the National Retail Association’s position leading the discussion on behalf of retailers. I’d like to share with you some of the thinking that informs our submission on this issue each year. As a knee-jerk reaction, it […]
Commissioner Julius Roe ordered PQ Australia to compensate a bullied employee $43,900 for forcing him to resign. The FWC found the employee, was unfairly dismissed before being forced to resign for failing to attend an unnecessary medical appointment to be assessed by the company’s nominated doctor. The employee had previously raised concerns about multiple bullying […]
“Sustainable Procurement aims to reduce the adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of purchased products and services throughout their life” Increasingly, government and private enterprises are incorporating sustainable procurement policies into their corporate governance. Consumers, shareholders and all stakeholders are more aware of the conditions under which goods and services are produced and the long […]
We asked this question when we recently visited fashion retailer, Mimco’s, flagship boutique on Pitt Street, Sydney. Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a 360 degree projection ring with seamless inspirational content running above the merchandise throughout. The focal point of the digital activities instore is the interactive touch table. The table (similar […]
How many times have you heard the term ‘integrated marketing’? I know I would need more than my fingers and toes to keep count! However, how many of us are actually doing it, and doing it well? In this epic guide to integrated marketing we give you a step-by-step guide to developing and implementing an […]
Over 100 executive positions have been listed on Inside Retail’s recently launched jobs board. Since launching in late January, the jobs board already features a host of senior positions, and is expected to be the hub for the executive retail community. Inside Retail now also has a dedicated section on both its Newsletter and Website […]
Australian Consumer Law (ACL) dictates that businesses operating in Australia must ensure the consumer products that they sell meet mandatory safety standards, are fit for their intended purpose and safe. One way of determining this is for products to be tested to show they meet the necessary standards. If a product fails any of these […]
The National Retail Association congratulates Kate Carnell on her appointment to the position of Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). The ASBFEO will work closely with industry associations, small business and family enterprise and will be a: concierge for dispute resolution and mediation services for businesses, including franchises; contributor to the development of […]
As a result of the Harper Review into competition policy, the Federal Government announced that it will legislate to amend Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act – the misuse of market power provision. The Harper Review found that Australia’s current misuse of market power provision is not reliably enforceable and permits anti-competitive conduct. […]
Much has been made of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ figures showing the nation’s unemployment rate fell from 6 to 5.8 per cent in February (released Thursday), but the unemployment rate doesn’t specifically tend to affect retailers, the number of job vacancies is far more significant, because labour demand has a profound effect on cash […]
Australia’s love affair with digital is continuously growing and the sky really is the limit for where we can take it. According to the NAB, online retail sales saw a jump of 10% in 2015. However, even globally, online sales only represent 8% of the total. There is so much potential here and absolutely no […]
Is digital technology in our shops more about the sizzle than the substance? Is investment in digital technology really about the brand statement than the actual facilitation of the higher sales and margin improvement? Retailers up and down our high streets are investing more than ever before in their digital retail offer, but do they […]