Message from the CEO: 19 February 2016

Over the past few weeks I’ve spoken with you about the broader national interest after spending time in Canberra, particularly issues surrounding taxation and the Budget.  This week, I’d like to focus discussions back towards the association, in order to highlight a number of opportunities we’ve launched for members in coming months, particularly relating to […]

Big Insight #4 – The new world of retail

2015 ushered in a new world of retail and businesses need to be ready to move with the times. Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSNi, recently spoke at the NRF Big Show detailing how HSNi have embraced new technologies and strategies to reach the next level of growth. Speaking to the nature of disruptive commerce, Grossman said “If […]

NRA expands its offering to members

The NRA is pleased to announce the addition of migration advice and services to our portfolio of offerings to  members. We welcome Ian Parker who is a degree qualified Registered Migration Agent with a passion for helping businesses and individuals throughout the migration process.  Ian has a unique local background across HR, IR and migration […]

Message from the CEO: 12 February 2016

It’s been a week of distractions in business and politics, from the instability of global stock markets to the decision of the Federal Government to abandon the idea of increasing the GST, to a looming Ministerial reshuffle. These are factors that can dent consumer confidence, which has otherwise been improving, so we’re hopeful that things […]

An essential guide to creating a mentally healthy workplace

There are three broad areas to focus on when developing your strategy for a healthy workplace: raising awareness and reducing stigma; supporting employees with mental health conditions; and promoting a positive working environment. As a leader, there are many things you can do to create an environment where staff feel safe, happy and productive. But […]

Why passive bullying is still bullying

Bullying is a serious issue. It dramatically raises stress levels for the person being bullied and is a major risk factor for developing mental health conditions. Unsurprisingly, beyondblue’s State of Workplace Mental Health in Australia study found 76 per cent of employees said depression and anxiety – the most common forms of mental health conditions […]

Investing in the Next Generation of Retail CEO’S

In September 2015, Gemma Kariotoglou, 24, Store Manager of Fossil Group, Macquarie NSW was named the National Retail Association’s (NRA) Young Retailer of the Year Scholarship Award Winner. Courtesy of Retail Doctor Group, Gemma’s prize included one-on-one mentoring from Retail Doctor Group’s CEO Brian Walker, one of Australia’s leading retail experts. This mentorship includes retail […]

Free* retail training for all part-time and casual employees!

Do you have any staff you would like to upskill? Take advantage of our special offer!  All part-time and casual employees are invited to participate in the following workshops at no cost, that’s right FREE*!  Customer Service Workshop Being a successful retail salesperson is more than just describing products and services. The National Retail Association (NRA) can […]

IR Update: $1.3million in damages ordered to be paid for bullying and harassment

Safe Work Australia has published the Second Annual National Statement which identifies emerging trends in psychosocial health, safety and bullying in Australian workplaces. The data in the statement is based on data from accepted worker’s compensation claims involving mental stress. The statement highlights some interesting workplace trends:•the median direct cost of bullying-related workers’ compensation claims […]

NRA Legal expands its team

We are pleased to share with you some recent staff changes within the National Retail Association Legal team. Victoria Hansen joins the team with nine years’ experience as a lawyer.  Victoria brings a wealth of experience gained from most recently working as an Industrial Relations Advisor for the Civil Contractors Federation and most notably as […]

Transformative Retail – Retail Doctor Group’s ‘Fit for Business’ Breakfast

The National Retail Association are proud to support and share with you a transformative retail event from our partner, Retail Doctor Group. Whether you’re the CEO of a large multinational supermarket chain, or the owner of an independent boutique, 2016 will no doubt bring new challenges as the pace of change accelerates and competition from global […]

Big Insight #3 – Authentic Influencer Marketing

Propel your business by implementing an influencer marketing strategy with authentic real people. With more and more companies opting for customer lead storytelling, consumers are no longer solely swayed by big celebrity endorsements. Carefully selected individuals that align with your company’s values and beliefs can draw huge awareness and raise revenue for your brand.  Start small. […]

Message from the CEO: 5 February 2016

Today’s official retail trade figures for December have confirmed the NRA’s predictions of steady and “sensible” spending by Australian consumers in the lead up to Christmas. The figures showed spending during the pre-Christmas period (the final six weeks of the year) reached $44.63bn – only just above our prediction of $44.5bn. Sales in December grew […]

Andrew Robertson to Host Live Q&A with Guy Russo, CEO of Kmart at Retail Doctor Group’s ‘Fit for Business’ Breakfast

Leading journalist and senior business commentator, Andrew Robertson, is set to join Guy Russo, CEO of Kmart and Brian Walker, CEO & Founder of Retail Doctor Group at Retail Doctor Group’s ‘Fit For Business’ Breakfast this March. Andrew Robertson has been a journalist for more than 30 years, both in Australia and overseas, including 10 […]

Digital growth roadshow coming to a South Australian regional centre near you!

The Digital Growth Program is delivered by the Polaris Centre and funded by the SA State Government Department for State Development.  It involves several opportunities for businesses to learn and improve their digital footprint including: • Digital Start – a 1.5 hour FREE one on one advisory targeted at startup/new or intending businesses• Digital Audit – a […]

The total event for retail and payments sectors

FINALLY… there is an event that manages to bring all three events together to form Australia’s BIGGEST combined expo for retail, ecommerce, payments and engagement. Clients have been crying out for ONE (total) event. Now we’ve got the recipe right! Total Retail & Payments EXPO 201611 & 12 May 2016MCEC, Melbourne The Total Retail & Payments EXPO is […]

Revised training packages update

The National Retail Association (NRA) has been selected as the industry intelligence provider for the Queensland Government through the VET Industry Engagement Program. This position gives us the platform to advocate and recommend the reforms our members believe are needed for the retail sector around skills, training and workforce development. You may be aware that Industry Skills […]

Big Insight #2 – Big Data, Micro-Insights

Insights and data provide information vital to understanding consumer behaviour and make up a critical part of successful business. The Hershey Company President, Michele Buck spoke at the NRF Big Show outlining how changes made as a result of consumer insights are driving significant growth, noting that partnerships and sharing data along with store layout […]