Retail Therapy

Alex Staley on tackling customer aggression

Customer aggression is an issue no retailer wants to face, yet it's becoming an increasing challenge across the industry. From verbal abuse to physical threats, frontline staff are dealing with alarming incidents that impact their safety and wellbeing.
Joining us on Retail Therapy is Alex Staley, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Kmart. With extensive experience in retail leadership at Officeworks, IKEA, Mitre10, and Kmart, Alex has been at the forefront of addressing customer aggression and implementing staff safety measures.
This episode explores:
The rise of customer aggression—what’s driving this concerning trend?
The emotional toll on retail workers and how businesses can support them
Practical safety measures—from Duress alarms to body cameras
How small businesses can protect staff, even with limited resources
The role of law enforcement and government campaigns in tackling this issue
With firsthand insights from one of retail’s leading voices, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in creating safer retail environments.

Tackling retail crime in the digital age with Andy White

Tune in to this insightful episode of Retail Therapy as Andy White, CEO of AusPayNet, discusses the growing challenge of online fraud and digital scams. 
With over 25 years of international experience, Andy dives deep into the state of retail crime in the digital realm, sharing valuable insights on how retailers, from large to small, can protect themselves from phishing, card fraud, and email compromise.
Key topics covered:
How Australian retailers are being targeted
Practical advice to safeguard against fraud
AusPayNet’s efforts in tackling phone spoofing and digital crime
Future trends in online fraud
Whether you're a retailer or consumer, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you navigate the digital landscape more safely.
Listen now to hear Andy's expert insights.

Tackling retail crime - Helen Dickinson’s roadmap for change

Retail crime is on the rise, impacting businesses, employees, and communities—but what can be done to combat it?
Joining the conversation is Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, who has been at the forefront of advocating for safer retail environments. With a deep understanding of policy, regulation, and industry challenges, Helen is working to address the growing crisis of retail crime in the UK.
In this episode, Helen shares insights into:
The alarming rise in retail violence and theft across the UK
The financial and emotional toll on businesses and employees
What’s driving the increase in retail crime
Effective strategies and technologies to combat crime
How retailers and authorities can collaborate for better protection
The push for stronger retail protection laws in the UK
Whether global collaboration is the key to tackling retail crime
A must-listen for retailers, policymakers, and anyone invested in safer shopping environments.

Keeping Australia moving - Dr Hermione Parsons on supply chain strategy

Supply chains keep Australia moving - but how can businesses navigate ongoing disruptions and prepare for the future?
Joining us today is Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO & Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council, an expert in end-to-end supply chain strategy, multimodal logistics, and industry-government collaboration. With over 25 years of experience, she has played a key role in shaping supply chain policy and efficiency across multiple sectors.
In this episode, Dr Parsons shares insights into:
The biggest supply chain challenges facing Australia today
How Australia’s geography influences our logistics strategies
The impact of global events on supply chains
How e-commerce is reshaping supply chain management
Lessons learned from the pandemic to improve supply chain resilience
The role of AI and technology in optimising logistics
A must-listen for retailers, logistics professionals, and business leaders looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Beyond Blue’s impact - Georgie Harman on mental health in retail

Mental health is more important than ever - so how can businesses support their employees and create a healthier workplace?
Joining us today is Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s leading voices in mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Beyond Blue has expanded its services in suicide prevention, digital mental health support, and workplace wellbeing.
In this episode, Georgie shares insights into:🔹 The biggest mental health challenges facing Australians today🔹 The evolving role of Beyond Blue in mental health advocacy🔹 How financial stress is impacting workers more than COVID-19🔹 The role of retailers in supporting employee mental health🔹 The impact of technology and remote work on mental wellbeing🔹 Practical advice for small businesses to prioritise mental health
A must-listen for business leaders, retailers, and anyone looking to build a more supportive workplace.

Tackling retail crime – insights from Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price AM

Retail crime is on the rise, but what can be done to stop it? In this episode of the Retail Therapy Podcast, we hear from Peter Price AM, CEO of Crime Stoppers, about the latest crime trends and strategies for prevention. 
With decades of experience in crime prevention, including working with INTERPOL and the White House on cybersecurity, Peter shares his insights on tackling theft, fraud, and youth crime in retail. He also discusses how retailers can keep their staff and businesses safe. 
Key insights from the episode include: 
The biggest challenges in retail crime today
Emerging crime trends that retailers need to watch
How Crime Stoppers and the ARA are working together to combat crime
Best practices for preventing theft and protecting staff
What needs to be done to curb youth crime in retail 
Retail crime affects everyone, but knowledge is power. Tune in to gain expert advice on crime prevention strategies that work. 

Ian Bailey on purpose, innovation & growth

Joining us today on Retail Therapy is Ian Bailey, Managing Director of the Kmart Group. Ian has been leading Kmart, Target, and Catch since 2018, driving innovation and growth across these iconic Australian brands.
In this episode, Ian shares insights into:
The evolving Australian customer – what they want and how retail is adapting
Kmart’s transformation – from a traditional discount retailer to a modern, innovative brand
Customer loyalty & brand trust – what keeps shoppers coming back
The future of physical retail – why in-store experiences still matter
eCommerce strategies – how retailers can maximise online opportunities
Don’t miss this deep dive into retail leadership, transformation, and growth with one of the industry’s top executives.

The power of AI - how retailers can thrive in a digital age with Dr Kellie Nuttall

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the retail landscape, but how can businesses truly harness its potential? In this episode of the Retail Therapy Podcast we speak with Dr Kellie Nuttall, Deloitte’s Strategy and Business Design Leader - and a passionate AI advocate. 
With a background in consumer decision-making and years of experience helping businesses embrace AI, Kellie shares insights on how AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. She also discusses AI’s accessibility for smaller retailers and the need for greater diversity in the sector. 
Key insights from the episode include: 
How AI is reshaping Australian retail and business strategy
The biggest advancements in AI and what they mean for retailers
How businesses—big and small—can leverage AI for efficiency and growth
The importance of encouraging more women into AI-driven careers
A glimpse into how AI will shape the future of retail over the next decade 
Whether you’re excited about AI or still skeptical, Kellie’s expert insights will help you understand how to embrace this game-changing technology. 
Tune in now for a fascinating discussion on AI’s role in retail and beyond. 

Navigating retail’s future with Chris Richardson

As we kick off Series 8 of the Retail Therapy Podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the most critical topics facing the retail sector today: Retail Resilience. 
In our first episode, host Fleur Brown, ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer, is joined by Chris Richardson, one of Australia’s leading economists, to explore how retailers can weather ongoing economic shocks and emerge stronger than ever. 
Retailers have faced numerous challenges in recent years, from pandemic disruptions to supply chain issues and rising retail crime. Chris provides a comprehensive look at the current economic environment and offers insights on how businesses can build resilience in such turbulent times. 
Key highlights from the episode include: 
How the Australian retail sector is adapting to economic shocks
The importance of innovation and technology for future growth
What economic factors will impact sales growth in 2025
How government support can drive retail recovery 
Chris’s expert insights will help you better understand the economic forces shaping retail and provide actionable advice on how to prepare for the future. 
Tune in now to the first episode of Retail Therapy Series 8 and learn how to strengthen your business for the challenges ahead. 

Live from the ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast: Trends shaping holiday 2024

In this special episode, we're bringing you the highlights from the recent ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast, where retail’s top leaders shared their expert perspectives on this year's holiday season!
 
Listen in as our panel of retail thought leaders shares their expertise, featuring: 
Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research at Roy Morgan
Craig Woolford, Senior Analyst at MST Marquee
Jo Jericho, Strategy Director at Monitor Deloitte
Kevin Azzopardi, Director of Partner Marketing ANZ at Afterpay
Hosted by ARA CEO Paul Zahra, the discussion covered exclusive insights into retail trends, consumer behavior, and predictions for the 2024 peak season.
 
Tune in now to get ahead of the game this holiday season.