Single voice of Australian retail
The Australian Retail Council represents the amalgamation of the Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association. Together, we’ve combined over a century of industry leadership to form a single, stronger voice for retail in Australia. This historic moment brings together the scale, expertise and advocacy power of two respected organisations, creating one peak body to champion, support and elevate the entire retail community.
Making retail stronger together
The Australian Retail Council represents retailers large and small across the country. As a member-led organisation, we advocate on behalf of our sector, provide deep industry insights and support retail leaders with the tools, training and representation they need in a fast-changing landscape.
Why join ARC?
ARC members gain direct access to expert workplace relations advice, tenancy and legal support, and a comprehensive library of retail templates and toolkits.
Influence government decisions that affect you
We advocate for retailers at federal and state levels on the issues that matter most.
Get expert advice when you need it
Our workplace relations, leasing, tenancy & legal experts are on hand to support you.
Access exclusive research, policy briefings and insights
Stay informed with industry intelligence, data and policy briefings not available anywhere else.
Connect with leading decision-makers
Access discounted tickets to ARC events and forums to network with Australia’s retail leaders and innovators.
Upskill your team with training
Access industry-leading learning through the ARC Retail Institute, supporting retail careers with training designed for tomorrow’s retail landscape
ARC CEO Lunch 2026
Brought to you by American Express
Please join us for ARC’s exclusive annual CEO lunch in Sydney where we will explore the rising forces of retail competition and how retailers operating in Australia can stay ahead.
- Thursday 07 May 2026
- Midday – 2:00pm AEDT
- The Lands, by Capella - 3 Gresham Street, Sydney
ARC Retail Awards 26
Brought to you by American Express
Get ready to celebrate the people and organisations shaping the future of Australian retail at the ARC Retail Awards 2026.
- Thursday 11 June 2026
- 5:00pm – 10:00pm AEDT
- The Ritz Carlton, Grand Ballroom, Melbourne
Latest media releases
For media enquiries and interview opportunities, contact the ARC media team on 0434 381 670 or media@retail.org.au
Retail spending shows steady start to 2026
ARC welcomes Operation Pulse extension, renews calls for permanent state-wide retail crime taskforce
Retailers and households paying the price for regulatory chaos
Australians overwhelmingly back facial recognition to protect retail workers from serious crime
Love is in the air, but fewer Australians are spending this Valentine’s Day
Australian Toy Fair 2026 marks sell out return and renewed momentum for licensing
The 2026 Australian Toy, Hobby & Licensing Fair has delivered one of the clearest signals yet that the Australian toy and licensing industry is back