Deloitte report: Technology predictions & trends in retail

Deloitte Australia has released their first volume in their Retail Trends series which will explore trends and issues in retail. The ‘Technology in Retail: from centre stage to supporting player’ report covers issues facing Australian retailers including predictions, disruptions, trends, consumer desires, customer experience and the state of omnichannel retailing. David White, of Deloitte Australia […]

JB Hi-Fi buys The Good Guys

Following months of speculation, JB Hi-Fi has finally announced their takeover of rival electronics and whitegoods retailer The Good Guys. JB Hi-Fi placed a bid believed to be worth $870 million in order to acquire the 101-store Good Guys network. The acquisition will boost JB Hi-Fi’s total store count across Australia and New Zealand to […]

Stylerunner goes pop-up

Online athletic apparel retailer Stylerunner has ventured offline to trial their first physical pop-up store ‘Stylerunner LIT’ in Paddington, Sydney. The pop-up store will offer a range of new and exclusive products, available only in the concept store, as well as a ‘customisation bar’ for apparel and shoes and a range of healthy food and […]

Are loyalty programs worth the effort?

There are only two answers to that question – yes and no. For those businesses who are believers, the reasons they believe are driven by two critical business growth outcomes: More spend by members vs non members (up to 40% more) PLUS More visits by members vs non members (up to 50% more) EQUALS more […]

QLD retail development wins awards

Queensland’s Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, located on the Gold Coast, has taken out the Queensland Retail Property of the Year Award at the Property Council’s annual gala. Pacific Fair also took home the Excellence in Design Award and the Excellence in Marketing award on the night. Following a major $670 million redevelopment, which commenced in […]

More trouble on the way for 7-Eleven

Embroiled convenience chain 7-Eleven has reacted to new claims of worker exploitation after revelations that the Fair Work Ombudsman is considering further legal action. While 7 Eleven has made efforts to change, including adapting its business model, changes to senior management and setting up compensation schemes to underpaid workers, new evidence has emerged that workers […]

2016 Australian Job publication

The Australian Government Department of Employment has published Australian Jobs 2016. The publication presents an overview of the current labour market and highlights the major changes which have occurred, including for industries and occupations. It is designed to meet the needs of a range of users, and there is a regional analysis of employment for all […]

Another Australian icon to shut shop

2016 has been a hard year for fashion retailers with many shutting up shop, either by choice or necessity. Australian brand Willow, once estimated to be worth $20 million will be closing down in a month, less than three years after it ousted its founder Kit Willow. The brand has faced a decline in sales, […]

Free workshop for retail traders

Each year, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) undertakes a targeted compliance monitoring and educational program across all industries it regulates. This program provides an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of trader behaviour and assists with developing strategies to provide education and encourage industry compliance. In 2015-16, programs that targeted the retail sector specifically […]

AusPost listening to customers

Alternative shipping and courier option are popping up all over the country and it seems Australia Post may be starting to pay attention. After facing a $222 million loss in FY2015, Australia Post has begun focusing on customer experience and faster more reliable delivery services. Earlier this year Australia Post announced they were the first […]

Australian Geographic saved from closure

Iconic retail chain Australian Geographic has been saved from closure. All 67 adventure stores were likely to close by March 2017 after experiencing difficult trading conditions and strong competition from online retailers. Melbourne’s Myer family, which founded the department store of the same name have owned the chain since 2007 but had reportedly “given up” […]

First place in sight for retailers

The Olympics may have wrapped up for another four years, but the National Retail Association is starting to gear up for our very own medal ceremony. Australia’s top retailers are set to take home gold in a show of business prowess, dedication and innovation. Make the Rewards for Excellence Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony a […]

Exclusive customer experiences build loyalty

Generally speaking, retaining customers is always significantly cheaper than acquiring new ones. Marketing costs, advertising, time spent with sales staff and third party expenses all add up. Surprisingly nearly 50% of businesses focuses on attracting new customers vs. retaining existing customers. The customer experience in the retail industry is vitally important to both increasing your […]

SuperStream deadline extended for small businesses

Did you miss the 30 June SuperStream deadline? The Australian Tax Office recognises that some small businesses needed extra time to get ready so they are supporting you by extending the deadline. You now have until 28 October 2016 to make the changes and be SuperStream ready. There are a number of options a small […]

Message from the CEO: 22 August 2016

Dominique Lamb CEO National Retail Association

There’s nothing more frustrating and soul-destroying for any business owner than to see the results of your hard work disappear into the pockets of complete strangers. Yet we know that’s the daily reality for many small business owners in the retail space. That’s why your association is working actively with law enforcement agencies and governments […]

Who will take out gold?

Are you ready for Retail’s biggest night of the year? Who will take out gold at this year’s Rewards for Excellence Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony? There are just over two weeks left to purchase tickets. The evening will be your opportunity to celebrate retail, network with industry leaders and support our event charity partner, […]

Parking and its effects on the retail industry

Parking Australia is the national body representing the interests of the parking industry in Australia.  The NRA is currently assisting Parking Australia in the successful delivery of the Accredited Operating Scheme (AOS) In order to better understand the impacts of overstay/illegal parking on the retail industry, Parking Australia is conducting a short survey on private […]

Message from the CEO: 15 August 2016

Dominique Lamb CEO National Retail Association

Last week we discussed the Australian Bureau of Statistics retail trade figures for June, which continued a year-long pattern for the sector of almost standing still when population growth is factored in. As we’ve been analysing the highlights of the industry over the last year, however, there have generally been two sectors performing ahead of […]

Internet of Things and retail

“We are all now connected by the internet, like neurons in a giant brain.”– Stephen Hawking Over the June-July period our consumer insights division talked to some of our leading retail CEOs and CIOs regarding their digital capability investments over the next 12 months and on average an increase to the order of 30 per cent […]