The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is celebrating its 120-year anniversary this week.
To commemorate, the ARA has launched a year-long campaign. This includes an anniversary logo and a video series featuring conversations with members speaking to the ARA’s importance and impact.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra says the ARA represents a $400 billion sector that employs 1.4 million Australians and has gone through many iterations over the years to become the contemporary organisation it is today, representing retailers large and small from food to fashion, hairdressing to hardware and everything in between.
“This 120th anniversary is a significant milestone, particularly given the turbulent circumstances of the past few years,” he says.
“The pandemic tried and tested our resilience as a sector and the ARA and its members have come out of that period stronger than ever, ready for another decade of challenge and opportunity.”
Mr Zahra says retail’s influence on Australia’s economic and social fortunes has never been greater.
“Retail is our largest private sector employer, and we are proud to represent a sector which touches the daily lives of every Australian,” he says.
“During the pandemic, our retail workforce was critical to this country’s national wellbeing and under the ARA’s leadership our community rose to that occasion with great diligence.
“In the decade ahead, retail is crucial to the outcome of many issues of national importance, from the great disruptor of climate change to improved diversity, equality and inclusion outcomes for working women in particular.
“These issues are central to our growth strategy at the ARA and our members are already making excellent progress, which we look forward to sharing with the broader community in the year ahead.”