Australian Retailers Association (ARA)

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision today to hold the cash rate at 4.35% is a missed opportunity to support households and businesses who are doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas. ARA CEO Paul Zahra says retailers continue to battle the dual headwinds of slow spending coupled with higher costs of doing business. “With CPI at its lowest rate in more than three years, it’s time for the RBA to reduce the pressure on households and businesses by lowering the current cash rate,” Mr Zahra said. “Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, with ongoing pressure from many directions including higher business costs across the board.” “We need urgent action to ensure Australia’s $430 billion retail economy not only survives but thrives.” “It’s essential that retailers, both small and large, have the confidence to continue investing in their businesses over the coming months.” View media release - https://lnkd.in/gK2hkYCd

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in October, the ARA Team participated in the ‘One Foot Forward’ Challenge. Together, we raised awareness and funds to combat the impact of mental illness, help fund crucial mental health research and support a fantastic charity - the Black Dog Institute. We hosted team walks and morning tea events in both Sydney and Melbourne, creating a space for our team to connect and engage in open conversations about mental health. We are proud to share that we’ve walked a total of 1,362 km and raised an incredible $5,428! At the ARA, we are committed to championing mental health initiatives across the retail sector and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. Let’s continue to support one another and prioritise our industry’s well-being.

Australian consumers remain under pressure with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirming subdued retail spending throughout September compared to the same time last year. A total of $36.45 billion was spent throughout the month of September 2024, up 2.3% on the same month last year. ARA CEO Paul Zahra said that while the modest growth is welcomed, retailers continue to face challenging economic headwinds. ABS category ‘Other retailing’ – which includes cosmetics, sports and recreational goods – saw the strongest growth in September (up 5.2 % year-on-year) along with the staple category of food (up 3.1%). Cafes, restaurants and takeaway services rose (up 1.4%) year on year. Clothing, footwear and accessories showed marginal growth (up 0.8%), as did Household Goods (up 0.03%) while Department stores recorded a slight decline (down 0.2%). “We are calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia to provide a cash-rate cut when it meets next week. This decision would give confidence to the retail sector in the lead-up to the all-important peak Christmas season where many discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their profits,” Mr Zahra says. View media release - https://lnkd.in/gbiMzFEk

Retailers hope to sleigh 'em! ARA CEO Paul Zahra discusses the shifts in consumer shopping habits as Australians navigate the festive season amid cost-of-living pressures, in this recent article published in the Herald Sun. With 55% of Aussies already starting their Christmas shopping, retail sales are expected to reach $69.7 billion in the six-week peak period leading up to Christmas - a 2.7% increase on last year. The Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend alone is forecast to be record-high, with $6.7 billion in spending anticipated. In a season focused on value for money, Australians are prioritising shared experiences and smaller luxury items. Food remains a significant category, with spending expected to hit $28 billion. Read the full article below to learn more about the trends shaping this year’s peak season, and why retailers are still hoping for a cash-rate cut to boost consumer confidence. #Christmas2024 #RetailInsights #HolidayShopping #PeakSeason

Wishing our community a Spooktacular Halloween! 🎃👻🦇 Halloween is on the rise, with 1 in 5 Aussies embracing the spooky spirit this year. ARA - Roy Morgan insights reveal that Halloween spending is expected to give retailers a $450 million boost, with families and friends getting into the spirit by trick-or-treating, donning costumes, and decorating their homes. From pumpkin sales spiking by 25% to thousands of costumes flying off department store shelves, Halloween is becoming one of the most anticipated events on the retail calendar. Check out more Halloween insights here - https://lnkd.in/gnZ9Gjkh #Halloween2024 #SpookySeason #ARAHalloween #RetailInsights

Peak retail industry bodies, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA), have congratulated Queensland Premier David Crisafulli MP on his election victory highlighting the importance of working with the incoming government on key issues including retail crime and support for small business.  The NRA and ARA welcome the opportunity to work with the LNP on issues that are critical to the success of retailers who employ one in ten Queenslanders and contribute an enormous amount to our Queensland economy. Media release: https://lnkd.in/gsufWPUB

We were thrilled to support the Australian Hair & Fashion Awards (AHFA) last night at The Star in Sydney! The event was a true celebration of the incredible talent within the hairdressing community, an important part of our ARA membership. ARA CEO Paul Zahra had the honour of presenting the Apprentice of the Year award – congratulations to the talented Ashanti Kayias and all the finalists on this well-deserved recognition! As Australia’s largest and longest-running independent hairdressing awards program, the AHFA continues to showcase the best of the Hair Fashion industry across Australia and New Zealand. It was an inspiring evening celebrating creativity, skill and passion. #AustralianHairFashionAwards #AHFA2024 #RetailCommunity David Mannah M Division

In this special episode of Retail Therapy, we're bringing you the highlights from the recent ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast, where retail’s top leaders shared their expert perspectives on this year's holiday season! Listen in as our panel of retail thought leaders share their expertise, featuring: - Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research at Roy Morgan - Craig Woolford, Senior Analyst at MST Marquee - Jo Jericho, Strategy Director at Monitor Deloitte - Kevin Azzopardi, Director of Partner Marketing ANZ at Afterpay Hosted by ARA CEO Paul Zahra, the discussion covered exclusive insights into retail trends, consumer behavior, and predictions for the 2024 peak season. Tune in now to get ahead of the game this holiday season - https://lnkd.in/gVCS2DKh

The Christmas rush is coming!🎄📦     Australia Post has announced their last lodgement dates earlier than usual this year, to help your business plan for the busiest time of the year. Encourage your customers to shop early so their gifts and orders arrive in time for Christmas.     🎁✨ Last lodgement dates for domestic and international deliveries are now live - head to the Australia Post website here for all the details - https://lnkd.in/g3HFy2fn 🌏✉️     #AustraliaPost #HolidayShipping #ChristmasDeliveries

Speaker Announcement: ARA Leaders Forum 25 📢 We’re excited to reveal the next wave of speakers for the ARA Leaders Forum 25! Joining our line-up are:   - Agnieszka Pfeiffer-Smith, Managing Director of Dan Murphy's (Endeavour) - Matthew Benham, Director & Country Leader – Retail of Amazon Australia - Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan - Kate Russell, CEO of Supply Nation These industry leaders will provide exclusive insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail. Don’t miss your chance to hear from 60+ experts and connect with 400+ retail leaders attending! The ARA Leaders Forum 25 will be held on Wednesday 26 February – Thursday 27 February, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). Check out the full speaker line-up and secure your EARLY BIRD tickets today - https://lnkd.in/ggDBCWiU #ARALeadersForum25 #RetailLeadership #FutureOfRetail #RetailInsights #RetailInnovation