Whilst mid-year sales are in full swing, cost of living pressures remain a significant concern for both customers and retailers.
Consumer sentiment is reportedly stuck at recessionary levels and businesses are increasingly pessimistic about the economy.
The ARA has been advocating for retailers with government and in media. While consumers are undoubtedly feeling the effects of a cost-of-living crisis, the impact of our cost-of-doing-business crisis also cannot be understated.
Retail Crime is also strongly on our radar. Sadly, last week saw yet another frightening attack outside a retail store.
Whilst many crimes unfortunately go unreported, recent attacks in the past few months alone include multiple life-threatening attacks. It’s horrific that retail violence is becoming a matter of life-and-death.
As part of our multi-pronged advocacy work on retail crime, the ARA last week renewed calls for governments across all jurisdictions to implement tougher penalties for people who assault retail workers.
South Australia have set the standard with welcome reforms, and we’d like to see more states follow suit. You can read more here.
We’re now only weeks away from First Responders Day, on June 29. Don’t miss out on taking part.
The event, now in its fourth year, is the Australian retail community’s way of saying thanks to the people who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.
We’ve had many retailers sign up so far to participate, but businesses can still register their offers by the end of this week.
If you’d like to register your business’s offer, you can do so here.
Yesterday marked another state budget being handed down, with Queensland announcing a suite of cost-of-living relief packages. You can read more here.
South Australia’s budget is tomorrow.
As always, our membership team is here to help if you need any assistance, so don’t hesitate to reach out via email or on 1300 368 041.
