The impacts of retail crime continue to be felt across the sector with the release of Victoria’s crime statistics last week. There was a concerning 17% increase in theft offences recorded for the period to March 2024, driven by the highest ever numbers of incidents from retail stores, along with reports of drug-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour in Melbourne’s CBD.
The ARA x NRA Retail Crime Symposium in Melbourne on 18 July will tackle these challenges and many more. We invite you to join us as we bring together leaders across loss prevention, security, industry affairs, work health and safety and cyber security at this pivotal forum. Hear from speakers including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Senator Jacqui Lambie, Managing Director of Bunnings Mike Schneider and Associate Professor of Criminology Dr Xanthé Mallett alongside police representatives and our own retail experts. Tickets can be purchased via this link.
On Friday, the Fair Work Commission will hear an application from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) seeking to abolish junior pay rates for employees aged 18-20 and increase those for younger workers. The current wages framework encourages crucial opportunities for younger workers to secure employment with limited professional skills and experience. The ARA will appear on behalf of members to strongly oppose this change and continue to advocate for junior pay rates to remain untouched. We encourage ARA members to have their say here.
As End of Financial Year Sales come to a close Australians are tipped to spend around $10 billion – $800 million more than during this sales event in 2023. Clothing, footwear, personal accessories and technology continue to be the leading categories of choice for buyers. While some of this growth can be attributed to an expanding population, retailers are nonetheless embracing the opportunity to showcase their sales and capitalise on this spending uptick.
Our retail industry’s premier event – the ARA Leaders Forum 2025 once again promises to deliver the most extensive line-up ever of Australian retail leaders onstage. And as the countdown to the End of Financial Year approaches, this week is the last opportunity to receive Super Early Bird Pricing and save up to $829 off your ticket. Tickets will sell out – don’t miss this limited-time offer ending on midnight 30 June.
