Australian retailing generates enormous opportunity for theentrepreneurial who then contribute to the community byproviding employment and other economic growth opportunities.Retailers in this country have grown their brands to the extentthey have begun to expand beyond our shores. Australianretailers are seen by the world as leaders in operating with limitedresources and maximising business opportunities from a smallcompetitive market – competencies that place them in a goodposition when entering other consumer markets.
Australian retailing is highly successful and contributes significantlyto the wealth of Australia. Therefore, it is paramount to have astrong and clear voice to articulate the needs of the retail sectorto government and other bodies that directly affect retail trade.
Yet over the years the retail sector has fragmented. When avoice is needed we have had near silent whispers. This hasresulted in many of the important issues being overlooked dueto sectional interests and other needs.
The retail sector is about to enter a very difficult stage with regardto policy and potential legislation affecting retail labour, adequateretail education, retail career development, retail tenancy laws,industry codes, operational regulations, tax and other cash flowissues. Indeed there is the likelihood of increased inquiry into thesector and its various channels of operation – from plastic bags,to scanning codes, to employment issues – and retailers need tobe involved.
This raises an important question – who is looking after theinterests of the retail sector, particularly employers?
Historically this has been the role of the ARA in its various formsas it is the only retail employer group registered under the IRC,yet it is fair to say that its recent operational history has allowedthis voice to diminish.
Not anymore.
Acting on the strategic leadership of the ARA Council, theorganisation will rightfully reclaim its position as the voice ofAustralian retailing, providing leadership in policy, educationand membership services to a benchmark level for others tomatch. The ARA will provide a voice for all retailers and a unitedvoice for their other retail organisations. For too long retailing,which is a major contributor to employment and wealth creationin Australia, has been ignored within policy discussion and it isincumbent upon the ARA to provide leadership.
In the area of policy the ARA wants to:
- Provide national leadership
- Form a coalition of retail organisations
- Initiate a Retail Leaders Group
- Develop policy and discussion papers promoting
- retail growth
- Establish a responsive policy and communication unit.
In the area of education the ARA wants to:
- Establish a national framework of education
- Provide a broader suite of education and training programs
- Gain greater access to new entry retailers to assist and train them.
In the area of membership services the ARA wants to:
- Expand services and deliver them nationally
- Create a cost saving for members who want to access retail services such as:
- A better banking deal
- A better insurance opportunity
- Access to free advice
- Access to a buyer advantage program to reduce costs
- Improve IR and workplace advice and services
- Improve tenancy advice and services
- Provide access for legal, tax and accounting advice
- Provide a national service that is compelling for
- independent retailers.
In the area of corporate services the ARA wants to:
- Establish a national awards program to promote retailing
- Establish an improved communications program based
- upon new technologies
- Extend its publications
- Provide an improved web site strategy
- Have a presence at trade fairs and other important retailing shows
- Provide an international link for Australian retail exporters
- To increase the volume of the retail voice.
The ARA wants to ensure that all special interest retail groupswithin the sector are catered for and allowed to continue toprovide the services that assist and develop their own members.Yet at the same time the ARA believes it can provide the strongvoice that the entire sector needs while simultaneouslysupporting members through its portfolio of services.
This redevelopment will not be easy and there will be manychallenges before us. Yet already we have seen the relaunchingof the ARA as a national brand; the establishment of a centralnational service centre; the provision of negotiated rates onbanking, insurance and security that will save retailers money;and of course, the continued vocal defence of retailing duringthese difficult times.
The ARA is not an organisation at the behest of a few, ratherit is a membership organisation focused on providing first classservices to its members and providing leadership on all mattersfor the retail sector.
As we go about redeveloping the ARA your feedback andcommunication will become vital so that we can learn andprovide even greater services. We fundamentally exist to serveand we shall be serving members and the retail sector so thatwe may all grow and prosper.The new ARA – good people, great advice, excellent results.
