The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) supports the ACCC’s plan to phase out all restrictive provisions in supermarket leases.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman congratulated Coles and Woolworths on a cooperative negotiation that will put an end to anti-competitive lease arrangements limiting consumer choice of supermarket retailers.
"An open retail market free from restrictive and anti-competitive leasing arrangements provides greater choice for consumers in regards to product and price in one location,” he said.
"[Friday’s] announcement allows new entrants to Australia’s supermarket and grocery sector, including Aldi, to take out leases in shopping centres where they have previously been excluded.
"The ARA now calls on the Rudd Government, COAG and the ACCC to support harmonised lease legislation across all states to allow equal and fair access to shop space on competitive terms for all retailers," said Zimmerman.