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Wage increases put pressure on retailers
The Minimum Wage Panel has decided there will be a 2.6 per cent increase on the national minimum wage, leaving retailers feeling uneasy.
Retailers fear impact of IPC increase
Last week's federal budget left many retailers disappointed but digging further, the government has decided to increase the Import Processing Charge.
ARA calls for Retail Award nominations
It’s that time of the year again the Australian Retailers Association is getting ready to award retail's finest.
Retailers urge govt to follow in U.S footsteps
The Australian Retailers Association is urging the Australian government to follow the US Senate's step on collecting tax on internet purchases.
Australian retailers call for political support
The Australian Traders Group has called on all side of politics to support Australian retailers.
ARA addresses skill shortage in govt submission
The ARA has made a submission to the federal government that addresses the skill shortages which have been identified in the Australian retail sector.
Retailers feel the effects of the carbon tax
Eighty per cent of retailers believe they have been negatively impacted since the carbon tax was introduced in July 2012.
More interest cuts needed
The retail industry continues to call for the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates.
Govt progresses to cut GST
Retailers have welcomed the Gillard Government's decision to implement recommendations made by the LVT Processing Taskforce to reduce the $1000 GST threshold.
Retailers commended at 2012 ARA Australian Retail Awards
Jewellery chain Pandora outshined its fellow competitors after being awarded the 2012 Visa Australian Retailer of the Year award at the ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast.
New law gives power to Small Business Commissioner
The NSW government has established the first Small Business Commissioner as a statutory officer.
Predictions of a big Christmas
Shoppers are expected to spend $41.2 billion on goods this Christmas.
Retailers welcome GST plans
Plans for the state government to lower the GST has been welcomed by the ARA.
Retailers, ACCC to lunch together
ARA is providing an opportunity for the retail sector and the ACCC to have an open discussion at the ARA Retail Leaders Lunch with ACCC chairman Rod Sims.
Sales figures show improvement in May
According to new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures retail turnover rose 0.5 per cent in May after a jump of just 0.1 per cent in April.
Latest security technologies at Sydney trade show
This year's Security 2012 Exhibition will showcase the latest industry security innovations for the retail sector, ranging from alarms, CCTV and access technologies to cash-in-transit security and service providers.
ARA urges retailers to give feedback
The ARA is asking retailers to participate in the recently launched ARA Morgan Retail Pulse, a weekly monitor of retail confidence and performance which will provide unparalleled insight into the current retail environment.
GST trapdoor costing retailers billions
According to the Australian Retailers Association, retailers have lost $1.73 billion in revenue due to the Low Value Imports Threshold.
New branding campaign for Reed Gift Fairs
Reed Gift Fairs has unveiled the first in a series of initiatives aimed at boosting its support to businesses with the adoption of new tagline 'trusted home of retail'.
FWA increases minimum wage
The Fair Work Australia's decision to increase the minimum wage by 2.9 per cent has left many retailers heart broken as it ignores strong signals that the sector is struggling.
ARA join forces with PayPal, eBay
The Australian Retailers Association, PayPal and eBay have signed a partnership to reflect retail landscape’s shift towards digital retailing.
Minimum wage increase put jobs at risk
Union advocates are attempting to secure an increase in minimum wages, however the Australian Retailers Association has said this move is ignoring the bigger picture and is in fact putting the jobs of casual and part time retail sector employees on the li
ARA partners with Roy Morgan to industry insight
Australian Retailers Association has partnered with Roy Morgan Research to gain better knowledge and insight to retailers operating the sector.
ABS retail trade figures up 0.2%
The largest contributor to the rise was other retailing (1.8 per cent), which includes online retailers, followed by food retailing (0.3 per cent) and department stores (0.7 per cent).
Parental leave is a burden for retailers, ARA says
ARA as announced it support for the Coalitions’ announcement that it will seek to remove the burden small businesses face in acting as paymasters of the government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme.
Retailers left out in the cold
Retailers’ hopes were left shattered when the Reserve Bank announced it was keeping the cash rate at 4.25 per cent but now there are expectations that the RBA will provide an interest rate cut next month.
Retail trade back down 0.1%
Following a 0.1 per cent rise in November 2011, the ABS has reported that retail trade figures for December, the most crucial month of trading, fell 0.1 per cent.
More interest rate cuts needed, ARA says
ARA has called on the RBA to reduce interest rates in February after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped from 3.5 per cent down to 3.1 per cent.
Retail trade figures "disappointing"
While the two interest rates cuts were welcomed with open arms by retailers at the end of last year it didn’t change the attitudes of consumers as the latest ABS retail trade figures show that retail turnover in November 2011 was flat.
Steady sales during Christmas
Nerves and tension were felt while breaths were held by retailers during the Christmas period but it appears that retailers are remaining steady in this sales period.
Cutting down cost on printing
Print solutions company Upstream has partnered with the Australian Retailers Association to help retailers reduce costs associated with printing.
Govt establishes Retail Council of Australia
To advise the government on the future of the sector, the council will work closely with the Council Australian Governments where it will be able to raise collective concerns on behalf of the retail industry.
Household spending on the rise
Retailers aren’t expecting Christmas sales to turn around the flat market according to the ARA, with Christmas sales predicted to increase a moderate 2.2 per cent on last year to $39.5 billion.
Getting serious about mCommerce, social media
Bricks and mortar retailers gathered for the final Engage in E-tail, jointly hosted by ARA and ASGA in partnership with PayPal to learn about mCommerce and social media.
Retailers worried about carbon tax
The federal government successfully passed the carbon tax through the lower house on Wednesday but this has left many retailers heavy-hearted.
Call for cut to cash rate dismissed
The cries of retailers to cut interest rates have been left unheard as the RBA has decided to leave it unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
Carbon tax adds insult to retailers
An industry survey has revealed that 83 per cent of retailers expect consumers will be spending less as a result of the carbon tax.
Reforms needed, Productivity Commission says
The draft report - Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry - examines the implications of globalisation for the retail industry and the appropriateness of current policy settings.
Strong dollar, smartphones drive online purchases
Simon Smith, Quantium director and former managing director of eBay, said retailers need to have an online presence and adopt a multi-channel operation.
Retailers lose in carbon tax introduction
The carbon pricing package will see retailers face increasing operaton costs throughout the supply chain and fewer goods being bought my consumers.
Retailers rejoice after interest rates kept on hold
The National Retail Association has praised the Reserve Bank of Australia after it announced a decision to keep rates on hold for another month.
Retailers outraged by union short shift appeal
The Australian Retailers Association has hit out at Fair Work Australia after it allowed a union appeal on plans to cut the minimum shift requirement for students.
Driving Business Online road show hits NSW
Rural and regional retailers will get the support they need to make their business successful on the internet when the Driving Business Online road show travels New South Wales over the next four months.
Easter period helped retail trade
Retail trade figures are up 1.1 per cent in April, seasonally adjusted, following a fall of 0.3 per cent the previous month, according to the ABS.
Budget 2011: Some light for retailers
Small businesses will be allowed to claim up to $5,000 as an immediate deduction for any car purchased during the 2012-13 financial year.
Cash rate held for the fifth time
his news has been welcomed by both the ARA and the NRA that have suggested keeping the cash rate stable for retailers as to continue their recovery.
February flood boosts retail trade
Both the ARA and the ANRA saidQueenslander's need for new household goods following the natural disasters of late December and January drove the 0.5 per cent growth in retail trade.
Now or never: retailers to adopt mobile strategy
A Nielsen survey commissioned by PayPal has found that the growth of smart phones is fuelling mobile commerce, which saw the total amount of mobile transactions reach $155 million in 2010.
Retailers slam EPAL for eftpos fees
The ARA said smaller retailers cannot afford the increased merchant rates and has called on the big banks to absorb costs.
More education funding needed
The Fair Imports Alliance is calling on the federal government to provide specific funding for specialist e-tailing and online education for retailers.
A gloomy year ahead
More evidence has been released by the ARA showing it will be another tough year of retail trading with over 50 per cent of Australians planning to spend less.
Dymocks is here to stay
With REDgroup Retail announcing it entered into voluntary administration last week, RetailBiz caught up with book chain Dymocks' CEO Don Grover to see whether they were feeling the pressure of online shopping.
Retailers concern about future trading
The latest retail trade figures from the ABS have confirmed that consumers continued to remain cautious during the crucial December period.
Flood levy is bad news for retailers
The ARA said retailers, including those businesses that have been affected by the floods, will be hit hard by the new levy as consumers tighten their purses.
Lending a helping hand
The ARA is offering a complimentary three month membershipo flood affected retailers to help deal with their employer obligations and other decisions during this time.
Retail trade limped into Christmas
The ARA's week-by-week tracking of retail trading during the Christmas period has found that the final week leading into Christmas Eve over 45 per cent of retailers were trading worse than the same time last year.
Aussie retailers demand a fair go
Myer, David Jones, Harvey Norman, Borders and Target are among those forming a coalition and declaring war against international online retailers.
So far so good
Days before Christmas, the ARA predicted shoppers will spend $6.97 billion during the two weeks of post-Christmas sales and Boxing Day through to early January.
Post-Christmas sales to be up by 3%
ARA has predicted that shoppers will spend $6.97 billion during the two weeks of post-Christmas sales from Boxing Day through to early January.
ARA wants equal level playing field
The ARA has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s Future of Australian Retail Inquiry and the government’s approach to evidence based policy.
Slow sales this Christmas
With Christmas just days away, ARA has confirmed that based on early December retail trade, it will be a slow one for retailers this festive season.
Uneasy outlook for Christmas
The RBA has decided to raise the cash rate by 0.25 per cent to 4.75 per cent just before the Christmas trading period begins.
ARA urges for GST threshold review
Based on a Frost & Sullivan report, it is estimated that Australian consumers will spend in excess of $12 billion dollars online this year and almost half of that will be spent offshore.
Retailers angry over Fair Work decision
Fair Work Australia has upheld its decision to refuse to amend retail award’s minimum three hour shift requirement.
Stronger dollar, cheaper goods
Over the last few weeks the Australian dollar has been steadily increasing following the country's recovery of the global financial crisis.
Smiggle takes out Retailer of the Year
Specialty stationery retailer Smiggle has been awarded the top honour of Oracle Australian Retailer of the Year 2010 at the ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast in Sydney.
ARA state finalists announced
The state finalists categories are Australian Young Retailer of the Year, Australian Independent Retailer of the Year and ARA Retail Institute Australian Retail Graduate of the Year.
ARA announces category winners
The ARA has announced the category winners for the ORACLE Australian Retailer of the Year 2010 as part of the ARA Australian Retail Awards.
Tough year ahead for retailers
The ARA Consumer Spending Confidence Survey indicated that 61 per cent of consumers will be seeking out sales while 14 per cent will be cutting their spending drastically in the next 12 months.
Greater support needed for small retailers
The ARA has suggested that once the new government steps up changes are needed to benefit smaller, independent retailers.
New research shows small retailers need more support
Recently released Deloitte research gave federal members of parliament a clear picture of the characteristics, operations and complex issues unique to independent retailers for the first time.
Hope for retail recovery as RBA keeps rates on hold
The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 4.5 per cent for the third month will give struggling retailers a glimmer of hope for retail trade recovery.
ARA launches retail award seminars
The Australian Retailers Association has launched a series of seminars to get employers compliant with the new retail award as the Fair Work Ombudsman continues its campaign of visits to retailers across the country.
Fair Work denies young Australians jobs with minimum 3 hour shifts
Fair Work Australia's decision to keep the new retail award's minimum three hour shift requirement will take jobs away from thousands of young Australian workers.
Relief for retailers as interest rates remain at 4.5 per cent
Keeping interest rates stable will give retailers breathing room to build on recent small gains in the sector.
Retail turnover up by just 0.2%
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that retail sales rose 0.2 per cent in May, seasonally adjusted, compared with a rise of 0.6 per cent the previous month.
Retail association slams Gerry Harvey's comments
The Australian Retailers Association has slammed retail giant Gerry Harvey for 'laughing off' the real concerns of smaller retailers across the country at a panel discussion late last week.
NSW payroll tax cuts offer retailers some relief
The 2010 NSW Budget cuts to payroll tax are a step towards protecting retail jobs under threat from skyrocketing wage bills.
Minimum wage increase will cost jobs, says ARA
The Australian Retailers Association said it was reeling by Fair Work Australia's decision to increase the minimum wage by $26 per week, when retailers are already facing a double whammy with Modern Award wage increases from 1 July.
ARA says budget is nothing new for small business
The Australian Retailers Association said the 2010 Federal Budget has disregarded the engine room of the economy, with only 'old news' initiatives announced for small business.
March retail sales rise 0.3%
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail trade figures released today show a 0.3 per cent growth in March sales as a result of an early Easter four day break.
Sixth rate hike to further decrease retail spend
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)'s sixth 25 point interest rate rise since October last year is devastating news for retailers, who are still struggling to cope with reduced consumer demand.
Retailers warned to secure EFTPOS terminals to prevent skimming
The Australian Bankers Association, the Australian Crime Commission and the Australian Retailers Association are advising merchants to secure their EFTPOS terminals to prevent criminals installing skimming devices.
Rate rise to stall retail recovery and cost jobs
Retailers will feel the brunt of the Reserve Bank of Australia's fifth 25 point interest rate rise since October last year, taking the cash rate to 4.25 per cent after dismal retail trade continued in February.
Surprise drop in retail sales
The latest ABS retail trade figures show that sales in February fell 1.4 per cent compared with a rise of 1.1 per cent the previous month.
Retailer confidence reaches a new low
New research released in the March ARA Australian Retailers Index revealed confidence among small to medium retailers fell 16 points to 24 per cent, resulting in the lowest level of confidence and the largest fall recorded for any industry sector in the p
Retailers feel let down by RBA rate rise
Retailers will feel the brunt of the fourth 25 point interest rate rise since October last year, taking the cash rate to four per cent after an unhealthy post-Christmas sales season.
Retail sales down 0.7 per cent
The latest ABS retail trade figures show that sales in December fell 0.7 per cent compared with a rise of 1.5 per cent the previous month.
Retailers' relief at unchanged interest rates
The RBA's decision to hold interest rates at 3.75 per cent will give retailers a chance to post consistent growth after a year of difficult and irregular trade.
Fourth rate rise will impact retail growth
A fourth consecutive RBA rate rise will have a significant impact on growth for retailers, who are still dealing with last year's three rate rises.
Most retailers not ready for new IR laws
More education is needed to help employers manage their obligations under the Fair Work Act, with over 40 per cent of retailers expecting increases in wage bills and operating costs, while only 17 per cent are fully compliant with the new laws.
November sales up 1.4% on previous month
ABS Retail Trade figures released showing 1.4 per cent growth in sales, compared with a rise of 0.4 per cent the previous month, was the first official sign of a strong Christmas very early on in the season.
Retailers set for $38.7 billion Xmas sales
Retailers seem optimistic about this year's Christmas period with an expected year-on-year growth of 4.7 per cent, totalling $38.7 billion moving through the economy via retail sales.
Retailers expect consumer confidence to drop
The ABS Retail Trade figures released yesterday showing a small 0.3 per cent growth in sales, highlights the trend of patchy recovery and that Australia is not showing strong signs of spending consistent with trend economic growth.
Three rate rises set to cut Christmas spending
Retailers will feel the brunt of the third successive interest rate rise as consumers will be spending less this Christmas.
Retailers say rate rises will damage Christmas sales
The 2009 ARA Christmas Retail Expectations Survey has revealed 56 per cent of retailers believed the past two interest rate cuts would decrease sales over the festive season.
Seventy per cent of retailers have no ER support
New research has confirmed retailers need help to comply with the Modern Retail Award and the Fair Work Australia regime, with only three out of 10 retailers having access to in-house employment relations specialists.
Retailers don't approve of RBA's interest rate rise
The Reserve Bank's decision to raise the official cash rate by 25 points to 3.25 per cent has not been received well by retailers.
Retail trade up but no room for interest rate rise
The 0.9 per cent increase in retail trade turnover was another sign of slow and sporadic retail recovery, which should discourage any premature increase in interest rates when the Reserve Bank meets next Tuesday.
ARA to educate retailers on new workplace laws
The Australian Retailers Association has launched a series of free seminars and webinars to educate retailers and other employers about their obligations under the new Fair Work legislation.
ARA welcomes change to supermarket leases
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) supports the ACCC's plan to phase out all restrictive provisions in supermarket leases.
Retail turnover drops one per cent
The one per cent decrease in retail turnover for July reflected the sensitive nature of consumers in the current economic climate and quashed any case for interest rate hikes in the lead-up to Christmas.
Retailers relieved by AIRC decision to use five-year phase-in
Retailers were relieved by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission decision to phase in increases to wages, casual and part-time loadings, penalty rates and shift allowances at 20 per cent per year from July 2010.
Retailers say EFTPOS can't be consistent with scheme debit cards
The Reserve Bank of Australia's suggestion last week to subject EFTPOS interchange fees to the same regulation as Visa and MasterCard's debit cards has been met with some concern.
Five-year transition period for retail award reconsidered
Pleas from small retailers for the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to makes changes to the draft modern retail award and make use of the full five-year transition period have finally been heard.
Country Road takes out top retail award
Country Road, Aldi and independent retailer Allspares and Bearings and were the big winners at the 2009 ARA Australian Retail Awards.
ARA supports ACCC investigation into retail leases
The ACCC has started an investigation into restrictive lease arrangements between shopping centre landlords and tenants.
Retail sales growth slows
The 1.4 per cent decrease in retail turnover for June followed three consecutive months of steady growth and reflected the temperamental nature of consumer willingness to spend during the current economic climate.
Retailers go head-to-head for top Australian award
Aldi, Country Road, Subway and L'Occitane are to battle it out for the Australian Retailer of the Year title.
ARA calls on AIRC to maintain 5-year transitional period for retail award
The Australian Retailers Association attended Tuesday's Australian Industrial Relations Commissions hearings to discuss award modernisation transitional issues.
Richard Evans resigns from ARA
Australian Retailers Association's Richard Evans has resigned from his position as the executive director of the association.
Retail jobs saved by minimum wage hold
The decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) to maintain minimum wages at current levels will protect jobs and support stronger economic recovery.
Retailers optimistic as retail sales grow one per cent
The one per cent growth in retail turnover for May reflected the positive economic indicators in the market and continued the strong and steady growth since the beginning of the year.
Retailers spared $760 million in compliance costs
The Minister for Financial Services Chris Bowen has exempted retailers from the government's Consumer Credit Protection Bill, relieving retailers from $760 million in compliance costs and saving about 24,000 jobs.
Retailers Index shows 12 per cent rise in employment
Despite recent reports claiming rising unemployment in the retail sector, the June ARA Australian Retailers Index shows a 12 per cent jump in employment for retail SMEs.
Retailer confidence jumps 24 per cent
New research released today in the June ARA Australian Retailers Index revealed a 24 per cent jump in confidence among SME retailers over the past quarter, with confidence rising to its highest level since August 2008.
Retailers lead economic recovery, says ARA
The Westpac-MI Leading Index released yesterday was in line with retail predictions of improved growth by the September quarter with the rest of the economy lagging three to six months.
Unemployment rises but no need to panic, says ARA
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has warned against an overreaction to the 0.2 per cent rise in unemployment to 5.7 per cent.
Economists proven wrong as Australia avoids recession
Australia has narrowly avoided going into recession, with the Australian economy growing 0.4 per cent in the March quarter.
RBA holds rates as economy stabilises
The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate unchanged at three per cent with signs of emerging confidence and stability in the economy.
Latest retail figures show signs of recovery
The 0.3 per cent growth in retail turnover for April was in line with predictions and continued to showed signs of slow and patchy recovery across states and retail sectors.
Tobacco display ban costs NSW retailers $127 million
The NSW Government has presented small retailers with a $127 million bill to comply with proposed tobacco display regulations, putting retail jobs on the line.
Government says no to national plastic bag ban
Minister for Environment Peter Garrett has rejected the call to follow South Australia's lead with a national plastic bag ban.
Gloom and doom talk is panicking consumers
A 4.3 per cent fall in May consumer sentiment and small business growth expectations reaching historically low levels have nothing to do with the current climate but everything to do with the negative talk out there in the market.
Litter bigger problem than plastic bags
Planet Ark's plea for Australians to sign an online petition to ban plastic check out bags is just an overly simple solution to the complex issue of litter management.
Retailers welcome budget support for small business
The Australian Retailers Association is welcoming the government's support for SME retailers during the global financial crisis.
ARA says budget does nothing for job stability
The Australian Retailers Association said the Federal Budget is big on nation building but small on business building with little focus on job retention or job creation outside of infrastructure jobs.
Don't overreact to March growth figures, says ARA
The 2.2 per cent growth in retail turnover for March was in line with predictions and showed signs of slow recovery, as cashed-up consumers re-entered the market without guilt.
RBA holds rate at 3 per cent as retailers wait for stimulus package effect
The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the interest rate unchanged at three per cent today and foresees no other rate cut until after the June quarter inflation numbers are released in July.
State-wide ban on plastic bags is irresponsible
The Australian Retailers Association has warned consumers and retailers about significant health and safety issues related to the ban of plastic bags in South Australia from Monday.
Grocery Choice website is a waste of money, says ARA
The Australian Retailers Association says that if the government is serious about saving taxpayer funds, the first step should be to stop funding the Grocery Choice website, which has already cost taxpayers $13 million.
Retailers want labour law postponed
Employment levels are the mitigating factor for economic recovery, which is why the Australian Retailers Association has called for the postponement of the Modern Retail Award for at least 12 months.
Employment stability key to economic recovery, says ARA
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called for the Rudd Government to focus on jobs and strategies to keep prices low in the Federal Budget in May.
Retailers hold onto staff in tough economic times
New research released today in the March Australian Retailers Index revealed retailers are working hard to hold onto staff with 65 per cent of SME retailers maintaining staff levels.
Banks not doing enough for small business
The Australian Retailers Association has supported Minister Emerson's view yesterday that Australia's big banks aren't doing enough for small business.
Retailers welcome responsible rate cut
The Australian Retailers Association said the Reserve Bank of Australia was acting with responsible caution by reducing the cash rate by 25 basis points.
