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[ Profile | Australia | Issue 15 - Apr/May 09 ]

Energising an award-winning franchise: Warren Wilmot CEO 7-Eleven

Posted by: Administrator on 14 Apr 2009 11:47:54 PM

7-Eleven CEO, Warren Wilmot, is a firm believer of experiential learning. And, it was this belief that led him to discover his passion for retail. He has done it all – driving trucks, picking potatoes, he even worked as a swimming pool attendant. Wilmot wanted diversity in his career, so he could learn new skills and gain nous while he travelled. He first enjoyed a taste of retail while working as a restaurant manager, which eventually inspired his passion for the retail environment. His interest in retail and the desire for a career change led him to 7-Eleven, where he now oversees the operations of 374 stores in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Now in the top job, Wilmot is at the helm of 7-Eleven’s ‘Energise Everyone’ program – a strategy aimed at significantly growing the business over the next decade, he has boosted company profits to record highs, and won 2008 Franchisor of the Year.

Franchising Trends in Retailing

Posted by: Administrator on 14 Apr 2009 1:07:25 AM

The ARA Retailer asked Rod Young, Executive Director of leading franchise consultants DC Strategy to provide his perspective on franchising in the retail sector as the global economic cycle starts to impact consumers. He is upbeat about the opportunities.

Note : * Aiyoh is the Asian slang term for exasperation and is similar in meaning to the Yiddish term, Oy Veh.

The value of retail

Posted by: Administrator on 14 Apr 2009 12:42:01 AM

It’s not often folks would contemplate the value of retail to the Australian community. The most common cry from savvy consumers is “never pay full retail” but it seems that is where thoughts about the importance of retail ends for many Australians. And that is a shame.

Retailers working hard to hold onto staff - March ARA Australian Retailers Index

Posted by: Administrator on 14 Apr 2009 12:03:11 AM

The March Australian Retailers Index revealed retailers are working hard to hold onto staff and understood the important role employment levels would play in economic recovery, with 65 percent of SME retailers maintaining staff levels.

Online drives offline for retail – consumers search before seeking to spend

Posted by: Administrator on 09 Mar 2009 4:48:17 AM

Ross McDonald, Retail Marketing Manager for Google Australia, discusses how consumers are increasingly going online as part of the pre-purchase decision making process and gives expert advice on how retailers can use the online space to drive sales in-store.

The key to sound retail financial management

Posted by: Administrator on 09 Mar 2009 4:45:16 AM

Examine any thriving retail business and chances are its financial management protocol will be well in place and effectively implemented. In the current economic climate, good retail financial management has become critical to any business’s sustainability and ability to prosper.

The power of online marketing

Posted by: Administrator on 09 Mar 2009 4:38:46 AM

I started my marketing career back when Windows 95 first launched – integrating a web browser with the Microsoft Operating System. It was seen as a major innovation in how businesses use computers. From this point, computers could be utilised to access information from other businesses and connect with other individuals anywhere in the world.

Retailing for Christmas 2008 and going forward into 2009

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 4:54:44 PM

Despite the state of the global economy and slow November Christmas sales, the Rudd stimulus package and lower petrol prices helped Christmas sales skyrocket in the last weeks of December to meet early projections of nearly $37 billion nationally in retail sales.

Peter Alexander – Excerpts from Celebrating 20 years of sleeping around

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 1:02:34 PM

Pyjama king Peter Alexander has built a successful brand (peter alexander) and retail chain selling highly-fashionable sleepwear.

Federal Government passes $42 billion stimulus package

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 11:30:10 AM

A word from Craig Emerson – Federal Minister for small business, independent contractors, and the service economy.

How do retailers prosper in tough times?

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 8:19:23 AM

Prospering during economic down turns? What about plain old survival? Good point. You need to survive first. But you need to plan for a destination greater than simple existence – the law of the jungle is “eat or be eaten”.

Case Study: Vinnies deploys a new POS system throughout their store network

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 7:58:04 AM

Accurate sales analysis and stock control is the lifeblood for anyone managing a 100-store chain of retail outlets.

Promoting and protecting Australian retailers

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 4:20:47 AM

In late 2007, the then new Executive Director conducted a review of the ARA’s operations and found the retail representative sector in disarray.

Fair work means no work

Posted by: Administrator on 08 Mar 2009 4:11:35 AM

The inconvenient truth of work is that one doesn’t have a job unless our employer is successful. Not moderately successful where they are clinging to life with the good grace of the credit facility at a bank, but successful enough to pay a salary to their employees. Of course it is well accepted Australia’s wealth was created from the sweat of many a worker; and it is also equally true to suggest it would not have been created without investment risk from an employer.

ARA’s Senate Submission on The Fair Work Bill

Posted by: Administrator on 07 Mar 2009 11:00:04 PM

On 9 January 2009, the ARA filed its written submission with the Senate regarding the Fair Work Bill 2008. The Bill proposes significant changes to workplace relations regulation in Australia which will impact on the retail sector.

Workplace bullying

Posted by: Administrator on 07 Mar 2009 10:15:44 PM

Do you know your rights and obligations?

Fair Work Bill – how it impacts on retail

Posted by: Administrator on 07 Mar 2009 2:15:41 PM

There has been much legislative change in recent years regarding workplace relations in Australia. This change impacts on employer costs and creates uncertainty in the community regarding minimum conditions of employment.

Australia’s economy is in our hands

Posted by: Administrator on 21 Dec 2008 1:00:12 PM

Cash is king! It’s an old cliché yet right now in Australia cash is truly the most important element of our economy. And while it sits deep in the pockets of consumers it will continue to drive analysts into a frenzy.

Managing employees in challenging times

Posted by: Administrator on 21 Dec 2008 12:50:51 PM

Retailers need to have an understanding of some of their key workplace relations rights and obligations to minimise the impact of the crisis on their businesses. ARA’s Employment Relations Team has put together some advice on managing employees during challenging times.

Getting behind the scenes –managing your supply chain

Posted by: Administrator on 21 Dec 2008 12:45:49 PM

Australia’s retail sector is an enormous industry generating a turnover of $292 billion and employing over 1.2 million people. Underpinning the sector is its suppliers who provide businesses sustenance to service their client base, generate revenue, and with some efficiency, make a profit.

Note : 1 D’Avanzo, R. et al. (2003) “The Link Between Supply Chain and Financial Performance”. Van Wassenhove Supply Chain Management Review.