Australian Retailers Association (ARA) - Company Research Report

Company Overview

Name: Australian Retailers Association (ARA)

Mission: Representing the retail sector, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects, and unifies the independent, national, and international retail community.

Founded: 1903 as the Master Retailers Association of NSW.

Founders: No specific individual founders documented.

Key People: Paul Zahra (Chief Executive Officer)

Headquarters: Level 18 / 1 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 3002, Australia

Number of Employees: No information available.

Revenue: No information available.

Known For: Being the oldest, largest, and most diverse national retail body representing a $420 billion sector that employs over 1.4 million Australians.

Products and Services

Products and Services Offered:

1. ARA Employment Relations: Assistance with employment-related matters.
2. Human Resources (ERMS) Portal: Online portal for HR management.
3. Legal Assistance: Services for legal issues faced by retailers.
4. Tenancy Advice: Assistance in negotiating retail leases and tenancy issues.
5. Skills & Training: Various training programs supporting retail career development.
6. ARA Insurance: Insurance solutions tailored for retailers.

High-Level Description:

Employment Relations: Provide support and information on employment relations, including ERMS Portal access.

Legal Assistance: Critical legal advice encompassing various areas such as workplace health and safety, leasing, consumer law, etc.

Tenancy Advice: Free initial advice and resources for retail tenancy concerns.

Skills & Training: Comprehensive programs aimed at skill enhancement and career advancement in retail.

Insurance: Custom insurance packages for members.

Key Features:

Employment Relations: Simplified management of HR administration and compliance.

Legal Assistance: Direct access to expert legal advice.

Tenancy Advice: Expert support on retail leasing.

Skills & Training: Accredited and non-accredited learning programs.

Insurance: Tailored insurance solutions for business continuity.

Recent Developments

Recent Company Developments:

1. New Products Launched/Features Added:

The introduction of programs like "Eliminating Work-Related Sexual Harassment," "Financial Literacy Education Program," and "Women Leaders In Retail Scholarship."

2. New Partnerships or Mergers:

2023: The Australian Association for Floral Designers (AAFD) merges with ARA.

2022: National Footwear Association merges with the Australian Retailers Association.

2020: Acquisition of Hair and Beauty Industry Association and the former members of Australian National Retailers Associations (Retail Council).

Other Notable Updates:

2023: ARA celebrates its 120th year of informing, advocating, educating, and unifying the retail industry.

2023: Establishment of SkillsEQuipped, a new entity under federally funded Jobs and Skills Councils, for retail, personal services, hospitality, tourism, and the arts sector.