Australian Retailers Association | Organisation

Australian Retailers Association

Phone: +61 1300 368 041

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25.01.2022 At midnight on Thursday, Victorians will begin to taste freedom when the state's sixth lockdown lifts. It's welcome news for the state's battered economy, but there's some frustration over which businesses have been classified as 'essential'. ARA CEO Paul Zahra spoke with Fran Kelly on ABC Radio National Breakfast about the announcement and what it means for discretionary retail businesses and the hair and beauty industry.... Listen now: https://www.abc.net.au//victoria-lockdown-to-lift/13590856

25.01.2022 From midnight tonight in Victoria: Masks can be removed for procedures incl facial waxing, facials, beard trimmings, piercing. Changes to food court density quotients. If outdoors + you can keep safe distance, masks = no longer mandatory.... Full list https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-premier-82

24.01.2022 We are delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Australian-founded retail and payment platform Afterpay to help support our retail sector with a range of initiatives. The two-year partnership will see us provide unique and tailored insights into online and instore global retail environments, support the retail workforce with training and mentoring programs as well as sharing some industry-wide promotional campaigns. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dhQakd3

23.01.2022 Many retailers adjusted their business activities this year with a big shift to online. Making sure your home office has the right nbn connection to drive online engagement is an important element to consider. https://hubs.ly/H0x5nML0

23.01.2022 Having navigated the global pandemic, we are now moving on to tackle the next big global disruption - climate change. The science is clear, and so is the business case for change, says ARA CEO Paul Zahra. Our sector is listening and acting, with 40% of Australia’s retail trade already covered by public commitments to net-zero emissions. Read our 5-point action plan here: https://www.retail.org.au//peak-retail-body-calls-for-more

23.01.2022 Encouraging your customers to shop early is key ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown told ARA CEO Paul Zahra in the latest episode of the Retail Therapy podcast - a very special Christmas bonus episode to help retailers prepare for the festive shopping season. Listen now: https://www.retail.org.au/arapodcastepisode11 ARA Retail Therapy Podcast is proudly brought to you by American Express. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com//me/accept-amex-cards.html

22.01.2022 Australia’s most recognised national online mega-sale event ‘Click Frenzy’ launches tonight at 7pm and will run for 53 hours, ending at midnight on Thursday the 12th of November. This year there are over 4,000 deals from over 800 brands. Last year Click Frenzy had more than 2 million participants. Launched in 2012, Click Frenzy was inspired by a similar event in the US called Cyber Monday, which is held in late November. Retailers and customers alike can find out more about the event here: https://hubs.ly/H0zzFkn0 #ClickFrenzy

22.01.2022 The ATO anticipates that businesses may be doing it tough due to COVID-19. With profits turning into losses for many in the 2019-20 financial year and the current one, they're helping businesses navigate these difficult times in a few ways. Support includes claiming a deduction for losses via https://lnkd.in/d-kg_Ye and they're also offering a series of webinars. See below: > Tax support for small business > Considering your small business viability... > Closing your small business To register for the webinars click here: ato.gov.au/SBwebinars

21.01.2022 The Australian Retailers Association supports calls for Australia to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, with a more ambitious 2030 emissions reduction target. ARA CEO Paul Zahra said taking urgent action to address climate change will become a leading focus for Australian retail as the sector emerges from lockdown and shifts gear into recovery. Report after report has demonstrated that Australian consumers want this change with a recent study showing that Australians are ...three times more concerned about climate change than Covid. Our sector is listening and acting, with 40% of Australia’s retail trade already covered by public commitments to net-zero emissions, said Mr Zahra. Media release: https://www.retail.org.au//peak-retail-body-calls-for-more

21.01.2022 In this on-demand webinar, learn the latest people strategies from employers of choice to attract talent and drive engagement Register via this link below, to get the training video straight to your inbox, only available for businesses in Victoria: https://hubs.ly/H0wqt8r0 #retailtraining #ondemandwebinars #workshop #araresources

21.01.2022 Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, said he was 'disappointed' people would not be able to visit a store in shopping mall from Friday when they are allowed to get a haircut or sit down in a restaurant. He added October was a crucial month for retailers leading into the peak Christmas shopping season, and while business can operate outdoors under the rules, many of the premises were inside shopping malls and moving large quantities of stock and checkout system outdoors was not feasible. Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk//The-major-double-standard-Dan

20.01.2022 Huge online shopping events are growing in Australia - but omnichannel is the path to true retail success Paul Zahra tells The Morning Show #Clickfrenzy #retailnews

19.01.2022 Australia's love affair with online shopping is showing no signs of slowing with new data from Australia Post revealing August 2020 was the biggest month in Australian online shopping history. The number of online purchases for the month were up 8.9 percent when compared to the 2019 pre-Christmas peak* and 5.8 percent higher than April 2020, the previous largest period. Read more below ... https://hubs.ly/H0wThXc0 See more

19.01.2022 Today is White Ribbon Day, a day to bring communities together to foster respect, healthy relationships, and a safer environment for women and children. Tragically, on average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner, with 1 in 2 women experiencing sexual harassment during her lifetime. At home, at school, at work, in social settings and across our community, we can address men’s violence against women and children, and put a stop to it. Change can happ...en when violence against women is addressed. Find out more here: https://hubs.ly/H0B6qnl0 #WhiteRibbonDay

19.01.2022 As Sydney embraces the return of normality, many local business owners are dusting off shelves, putting on their best smiles and reopening their doors to their supportive communities. And the mood has been positive, says Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra. NSW retailers are relieved and excited to be open and customers are out and about taking full advantage of Freedom Day privileges with hairdressers and beauty therapy one of the most popular destinations, he says.

19.01.2022 The South Australian government has announced that as of 12:01 am on Sunday 22 November (Midnight Saturday) conditions will revert to similar restrictions that were in place on Monday 16 November 2020. This includes the reopening of retail subject to the following provisions. 1 person per 4 square metres will apply All food and beverages will need to be consumed while seated. Onsite purchase and consumption of food and beverages- 100 people maximum and no ... more than 10 people at each table. Personal care workers including Hair and Beauty workers will need to wear masks, with customers strongly encouraged to wear masks. Gyms are permitted to reopen Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0BgNf_0

18.01.2022 ABS Preliminary Retail Trade Figures for August reveal the severe impact of stage-four restrictions in Victoria, with the state holding back a national recovery. The ABS data released today indicates a 4.2% fall in retail turnover from July to August 2020, while recording year-on-year growth of 6.9% compared to August 2019. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0wMqq50

18.01.2022 It's ready to watch! Grab a coffee and enjoy the final episode of the AdNews x Facebook 'Future Now' webinar series: ‘What’s in store for retail?’. ARA CEO Paul Zahra is joined by Kate Box, Head of Retail ANZ at Facebook and Kate Bailey, General Manager Media, Sponsorships & Events at Coles for an interesting discussion around the future of bricks and mortar stores, what innovation looks like in 2021 and the switch which has occurred between the roles of online and offline shopping. Here is the link to the full episode: https://www.adnews.com.au//watch-now-future-now-what-s-in-

17.01.2022 Every week counts for retailers in Victoria says ARA CEO @Paul_Zahra - calling for alternatives to be considered to the current store closures in this interview with the ABC News The World Today program. https://www.abc.net.au//victorians-get-back-to-wo/12710260

16.01.2022 A very good sign for retail ! Bunnings Warehouse Australia https://www.news.com.au///a6756a78ba366c7dbc1e1c3e94753eb4

16.01.2022 Prep your staff for #reopening: The ARA Retail Institute is currently running essential retail training for staff to strengthen their infection control and managing customer aggression skills as NSW, ACT and VIC reopen. Retail and hospitality staff now require the knowledge and skills to decrease transmission of infection while undertaking their daily duties, as well as the skills to manage customer aggression. The ARA’s Infection Control Training Course is a Nationally Re...cognised Infection Control skill set training to all frontline staff working in Retail and the Hair & Beauty industry - designed to teach the skills required to keep both staff and customers safe. Learn more and enrol: https://hubs.ly/H0Zglfc0 Learn more about the ARA’s Managing Customer Aggression course here: https://hubs.ly/H0ZgkcG0

16.01.2022 The Victorian Government has developed a COVIDSafe Plan template to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace. Every Victorian business that is open for on-site operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0wZ3lL0

16.01.2022 Calling all Victorian business owners keen to get more strategic with their eCommerce! We have a free training session coming up this week via our Retail Institute series ‘Retail on the run’. During the live workshop, you will learn how to evaluate your current eCommerce landscape, select the best strategy considering factors such as inventory logistics planning, payment solutions, fulfillment, after sales and customer data management. You'll also receive a certificate after... completing the workshop. Topic: Get strategic with eCommerce Date: Thursday 1 October Time: 9am-12pm Register here: https://hubs.ly/H0x24GQ0 Please note this session is funded by State Government of Victoria and is for Victorian businesses only.

16.01.2022 October is National Safe Work Month in Australia - a time to make a commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace. This year's theme, 'Work Health and Safety through COVID-19', aims to acknowledge and reflect on the wide-reaching impacts that COVID-19 has on Australian businesses, employers and workers. Keep an eye out on our social accounts this month as we continue to share useful #safeworkmonth tips and content.... #safetytogether Safe Work Australia

15.01.2022 We’re seeing a rebirth of retail out the other side of Covid says Paul Zahra speaking on the Retail Brand at the #RetailLeadersForum today at the ICC with Afterpay Founder Nick Molnar

14.01.2022 New edition out now! Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive the latest data insights, industry and policy updates direct to your inbox, as they happen. Sign up here: https://hubs.li/H0WmbFm0

13.01.2022 The Government is making changes to our insolvency framework to better serve Australian small businesses, their creditors and their employees. The changes will introduce new processes suitable for small businesses from 1 January 2021, reducing complexity, time and costs for small businesses. They form part of the Government’s JobMaker plan to ensure Australia emerges from the pandemic with a stronger, more resilient and more competitive economy. Read more here:... https://blog.retail.org.au/hubfs/268X1001%20(1).pdf See more

13.01.2022 Some modest gains for Vic retailers today, including welcome return of full staffing levels within distribution centres - an outcome the ARA has been strongly calling for to help ease congestion in the build-up to the critical Christmas trading period. The Premier also indicated we may see an easing of restrictions one week ahead of the current roadmap schedule, however, case numbers will need to be contained to take that step. We continue to advocate strongly for an earlier... reopening. Full announcement here ...

12.01.2022 New #12WaysToChristmas article now live: No Cookies for Christmas As retailers transition from pandemic to post-pandemic, we are seeing changes in the online world regarding the phase out of third-party cookies which will impact the data strategies for retailers. A strong digital strategy is vital for retailers and recently, the ARA and Salesforce joined forces to provide ARA members with an in-depth webinar delving into how retailers can use 1st party data to drive loyalt...y in the cookie-less world that we are now operating in. Ahead of the busy Christmas period, it is imperative to review your digital data strategy and stay up-to-date with the latest ‘cookie’ changes. Read more: https://blog.retail.org.au/newsand/no-cookies-for-christmas

11.01.2022 VIC #COVID update: From 11.59pm on Thursday 21 October pubs, cafes and restaurants in Melbourne can open their doors to 20 fully vaccinated customers inside, and 50 fully vaccinated outside. In regional Victoria it's 30 fully vaccinated inside and 100 fully vaccinated outdoors. The previously announced settings for 70% reopening apply, including hairdressing and personal care reopening to up to 5 fully vaccinated customers. In metropolitan Melbourne, the curfew and the 15km t...ravel radius will be lifted, however movement between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will only be allowed for permitted reasons. People in metropolitan Melbourne must continue to work from home if they can. Anyone on the authorised workers list is required to have had at least one dose of the vaccine in order to work on site. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0ZwVrf0

10.01.2022 Hair and beauty businesses and food and beverage operators have been subject to some of the toughest restrictions throughout the pandemic and are looking to forward to welcoming customers back from Friday. However, we’re extremely disappointed that ‘non-essential’ retailers can’t reopen earlier. Limiting retail trade to the outdoors is impractical and it’s a point we’ve made numerous times to the Victorian Government. ARA CEO Paul Zahra told news.com.au

10.01.2022 In this informative article by Amy Towers, Principal Consultant, Risk Collective you will find a snapshot of the current COVIDSafe Plan requirements, expectations and useful links for all states. https://hubs.ly/H0wFzXn0

10.01.2022 ARA boss Paul Zahra said ‘Freedom Day’ trading was a welcome start, and that the mood around retail has been positive. It’s taken enormous effort on the part of NSW government and businesses to reach [this] milestone and we can be proud of the results, Zahra said last week. Read more via Inside Retail Australia: https://insideretail.com.au//the-winners-of-nsws-reopened-

09.01.2022 Cafes and restaurants have urged the Victorian government to announce a fixed date for the end of Melbourne’s lockdown, so they can restock and take bookings. Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra also called for early notice and reopening for the retail sector. He urged the government to follow the lead set by NSW, which allowed non-essential retail to reopen once 70 per cent of the population was fully vaccinated.... From a preparation point of view, it’s important retailers can access their stores and warehouses for store preparation and that directions are clear around safety protocols including vaccine-certification checking." ARA CEO Paul Zahra told Financial Review.

09.01.2022 Thousands of South Australian small businesses from not-for-profits, restaurants to hotels and hairdressers impacted by COVID-19 will be eligible for a second $10,000 cash grant, part of the major measures included in tomorrow's State Budget 2020-21. Also available are $3,000 cash grants distributed to eligible businesses that don't employ staff such as sole traders and partnerships. For more information and to apply for a grant visit: https://hubs.ly/H0zvtwt0 #industrysupport #SA #smallbusiness

09.01.2022 "We remain deeply concerned about the closure of retail until mid to late October that is simply too close to Christmas to allow viable retail activity," says ARA CEO Paul Zahra, with Mr Andrews' reopening plans for retail on October 19 still unclear. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dAcN9X7 #covid19 #victoria #retailindustry

07.01.2022 Weddings, parties, anything: Sydney gets its groove back Paul Zahra, chief executive officer of the Australian Retailers Association, said most retailers had found customers had acted respectfully. He said there had been less foot traffic overall compared to before the pandemic, reflecting some hesitancy. But people who were venturing out were spending more money.... Fewer people are shopping, but they are spending more, he said. Hairdressers and beauty salons have had an extraordinary week. Clothing and footware have been the biggest sellers.

07.01.2022 Hospitality venues in the City of Melbourne will be able to apply for free extended outdoor dining permits from Thursday 1 October to help them prepare for reopening once restrictions ease. The outdoor dining program will provide temporary permits for eligible venues to: Expand onto footpaths Take over on-street car parking space immediately outside their business... Join with neighbouring businesses to take over sections of on-street car parking, footpaths and (in some cases) street space Join with neighbouring businesses to expand into a laneway adjacent to their business. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0wzwgx0

06.01.2022 AS #COVID update: The Tasmanian government has this afternoon declared that southern Tasmania is going into lockdown from 6pm Friday 15 October. The lockdown will last for three days. The government advises that you must stay at home unless you are: - Shopping for urgent household supplies within 5 km of home only one person from a household at any one time. - Attending medical or health care appointments, including COVID-19 testing or vaccinations.... - A permitted worker a person working for a provider or business that is permitted to operate, and who cannot work from home. - Going to school if the child of a permitted worker, or if unable to learn at home, or going to child care. - Exercising once per day outdoors within 5 km of home for up to two hours alone or with your household or with one other person for safety reasons. - Caring for a vulnerable person or for other compassionate reasons. - In other permitted circumstances, such as in an emergency or to escape harm relating to family violence. Urgent household supplies are not well-defined however the government has outlined that it does not include recreational goods or items used for entertainment, leisure, decoration, comfort, pleasure or enjoyment. Non-urgent household supplies must not be sold during this time. The movement of staff into retail businesses to facilitate click and collect or delivery services for non-urgent supplies is not permitted at this time. More information available here: https://hubs.ly/H0ZrQWg0

05.01.2022 We are delighted to inform you that Prime Minister Scott Morrison has today announced an extension to JobSeeker payments to March 2021 which the ARA have been strongly advocating for since JobSeeker was announced. This extension will help top support out-of-work Australians through the Christmas period. JobSeeker was due to end on December 31, 2021 however it has now been extended for 3 months at a lower rate. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0zzqxX0

05.01.2022 Providing time for retail staff to do this training allows businesses to play their part in the recovery of Victoria by making make sure their workplaces are safe for staff and customers. Visit https://hubs.ly/H0wS12T0 for more information. *This training is currently free in NSW, VIC, QLD & TAS, with other states to follow shortly.... #COVID #infectioncontroltraining #retailtraining #retailsupport

05.01.2022 Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford, says the Victorian Government is making it easier for small business owners to get their security deposits back faster and making leases easier to understand, under changes to the Retail Leases Act passed in Parliament. Key amendments to the Retail Leases Act 2003 include: Retail tenants must now be informed of the proposed rent amount before they extend their lease. Tenants now have more time to consider the terms and condition...s of a proposed lease 14 days, compared with seven days previously. Setting a maximum 30-day timeframe for the return of security deposits to tenants formerly landlords only had to return deposits as soon as practicable, which was open to exploitation. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/H0wzwjX0

03.01.2022 Tomorrow at 1pm you can join Facebook Australia’s Head of Retail Kate Box for a panel discussion with business owners and industry leaders, including our very own Paul Zahra. They'll be discussing new customer behaviours, the role of technology and how the sector is preparing for Christmas 2020. Set a reminder for the LIVE panel... #supportingsmallbusiness #industrysupport Facebook app

01.01.2022 We’re excited to launch the ARA Talent Registry a new platform for retail recruitment. Richard Wynn and ARA CEO Paul Zahra walked ARA members through the new platform this week. Check it out at www.aratalentregistry.com.au/employers. And watch this space! #recruitment #retail #talent #hiring

01.01.2022 The cases in Victoria are lower than what New South Wales were in August, and we think that’s a successful alternative, ARA CEO Paul Zahra told Peter Stefanovic of Australian News Channel Sky News We think that the industry should be open, these limitations are going to force a lot of small businesses in Victoria unfortunately to shut permanently." #retailnews... https://lnkd.in/gpDbH3W

01.01.2022 The Victorian State Government has recently announced expanded financial support for businesses affected by the Victorian restrictions. This webinar will assist ARA members to understand how to qualify for and access the various levels of support available. Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2020 Time: 12:00pm Speaker: Barbara Cullen, Director - Small Business Victoria Department of Jobs, Precincts and Region... Non-ARA members, please contact the ARA membership team to get your exclusive access to this event. Find out more here: https://hubs.ly/H0wG6Wf0