Retail Therapy

Christmas & Holiday Special: Understanding your customer with Professor Gary Mortimer

Welcome to another special Christmas episode of Retail Therapy 
Christmas is right around the corner, marking the peak season for the retail industry. This upcoming festive trading period holds immense significance for retailers, especially those in the discretionary sector, as they typically generate up to two-thirds of their annual profits during this period. 
Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Prof Gary Mortimer. Gary Mortimer is a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour at the QUT Business School. Prior to joining QUT, Professor Mortimer spent over 25 years working with some of Australia’s largest general merchandise and food retailers.  
This episode covers: 
Understanding value and how consumers will be shopping this year
How to stand out amongst your competitors
How retailers can tap into the mindset of budget-conscious shoppers and create a compelling shopping experience
Consumer psychological insights that retailers should keep in mind this Christmas
When Gary expects most consumers will do their Christmas shopping
Which products will be in hot demand this holiday season 
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.
Keen to learn more? With the end-of-year shopping season fast approaching, the recently launched ARA Christmas & Holiday Resource Hub offers a specially curated collection of reports, consumer spending insights, podcasts, and media releases, all designed to enhance your strategic holiday planning. Access here: https://www.retail.org.au/christmas-holiday-resource-hub

Christmas & Holiday Special: Making magic with Meta’s Kate Box

The holidays are upon us and retailers are in deep preparation for the Christmas shopping rush. It’s going to be an unpredictable festive trading season this year with a raft of economic challenges and uncertainty amid the cost of living. In this Retail Therapy Christmas special, we’ll be discussing what’s in store for retailers, consumers and how spending may be shaping up.
Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Kate Box, Director Global Business Group ANZ at Meta. Kate has a wealth of marketing and advertising experience and we're thrilled to have her on the podcast to share her insights.
This episode covers:
Consumer trends and technologies that can help retailers succeed in this all-important time
Changing consumer habits and spending insights
Winning over the cost-conscious consumer
The role of technology during the Christmas rush
Tips for businesses to be set up for success for the holiday season
Championing e-commerce and brick-and-mortar shopping working together
What we can learn from best-of-breed Christmas marketing campaigns
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.
Keen to learn more? With the end-of-year shopping season fast approaching, the recently launched ARA Christmas & Holiday Resource Hub offers a specially curated collection of reports, consumer spending insights, podcasts, and media releases, all designed to enhance your strategic holiday planning. Access here: https://www.retail.org.au/christmas-holiday-resource-hub

Christmas & Holiday Special: Economic expectations with Craig Woolford

The holidays are fast approaching, and retailers are in preparation mode for the Christmas shopping rush. There’s a bit more uncertainty for the industry this year as Australians continue to feel the crunch of the cost-of-living crisis whilst retailers feel the crunch of the cost-of-doing business crisis.
In this episode of Retail Therapy, we’ll be discussing what’s in store for retailers and consumers, as well as how spending may shape up.
Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Craig Woolford, Senior Retail Analyst in the Consumer Sector at MST Marquee and one of the most knowledgeable voices in Australian retail.
Craig shares with us the latest consumer trends and his insights into what retailers can expect during this all-important time.
This episode covers:
Craig's take on the retail industry's performance throughout the year and expectations for this upcoming shopping season
Connecting with and winning over the cost-conscious consumer
The key consumer behaviour changes or shifts from recent years
Which metrics retailers should monitor closely during the holiday season to gauge success
Expectations about which categories will fare better or worse this Christmas
The role that loyalty programs and customer retention strategies play for retailers during the holiday season
Black Friday and Cyber Monday expectations
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.
Keen to learn more? With the end-of-year shopping season fast approaching, the recently launched ARA Christmas & Holiday Resource Hub offers a specially curated collection of reports, consumer spending insights, podcasts, and media releases, all designed to enhance your strategic holiday planning. Access here: https://www.retail.org.au/christmas-holiday-resource-hub

Christmas & Holiday Special: Spending insights and consumer trends with Fleur Brown

'Tis the season to be shopping, and the retail world will soon be buzzing with festive delight. In this episode, we're diving deep into the heart of the retail sector's busiest time of year and what we can expect for the shopping season ahead. As the festive season draws near, join host ARA CEO Paul Zahra in a spirited conversation with Fleur Brown, ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer.  Together, they unwrap the season's retail forecast, exploring the expected $66.8 billion pre-Christmas spending and how it compares to the previous year. Discover the impact of rising interest rates on holiday budgets and dive into the minds of value-driven consumers seeking quality and ethics in their purchases. Don't miss their insights on the significance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in completing holiday shopping lists. The debate between online shopping and the in-store experience also takes centre stage, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving retail landscape. For retailers gearing up for the holiday season, this episode offers essential advice on crafting successful Christmas campaigns and nurturing lasting customer relationships. Join us for an illuminating conversation that will have you well-prepared for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.
Keen to learn more? With the end-of-year shopping season fast approaching, the recently launched ARA Christmas & Holiday Resource Hub offers a specially curated collection of reports, consumer spending insights, podcasts, and media releases, all designed to enhance your strategic holiday planning. Access here: https://www.retail.org.au/christmas-holiday-resource-hub

Navigating change with Eric Morris

Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Eric Morris, former CEO of Brand Collective, which boasts a portfolio of iconic owned and licensed brands with more than 3,000 employees.
Eric has over 35 years of industry experience covering retail, wholesale, licensing, marketing and product development in both international and national organisations. He has held senior management positions with a who's-who list of household name companies including Myer, Disney and Reebok.
Eric knows a thing or two about leadership and we're thrilled to have him on as a guest.
In this episode, we delve into:
Gain first-hand knowledge from Eric's extensive industry experience
Explore the leadership philosophy that has guided Eric throughout his career
Understand the intricacies of managing change and transition in the retail sector
Stay updated on the disruptive challenges reshaping the retail landscape
Learn from Eric's personal journey and career advice for aspiring professionals
Get inspired by Eric's approach to growth and decision-making in the industry
Tune in to gain exclusive insights, discover innovative perspectives, and get inspired by Eric's transformative approach to the retail arena.
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Fashioning the future with Elisha Hopkinson

Get ready for an exciting episode of Retail Therapy where we dive deep into the world of fashion, leadership, innovation, and sustainability with our special guest, Elisha Hopkinson, CEO of APG & Co.
Elisha has been an instrumental part of APG & Co for more than a decade and has worked in the fashion industry both in Australia and internationally for over two decades.
For over 50 years, APG & Co has curated a collection of Australia’s most beloved fashion brands including Sportscraft, SABA and JAG.
Key highlights from the episode:
How to stand out in the fiercely competitive fashion sector
Embracing change and transformation for success
The future of APG & Co’s brand portfolio
Elisha’s inspiring journey in the fashion industry
Overcoming self-doubt on the path to becoming a CEO
Elisha’s invaluable advice for aspiring leaders
Don’t miss out on this engaging episode! Tune in now and be inspired by Elisha Hopkinson and APG & Co’s incredible journey.
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Redefining convenience with Angus McKay

In this episode of the ARA's Retail Therapy Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Angus McKay, CEO and Managing Director of 7-Eleven.
Angus has an impressive career background, including leadership roles at iconic companies like Fosters and New Zealand Milk, and he has been at the helm of 7-Eleven for over seven years.
This episode explores: 
7-Eleven's rise to popularity: Angus sheds light on how 7-Eleven became the most recognised convenience store brand in Australia. 
Leadership and management: With over 700 stores under his purview, Angus discusses his leadership style and the challenges of overseeing such a large entity.
Advice for aspiring leaders: Angus provides valuable advice for individuals aspiring to leadership roles, offering tips on how to prepare for significant responsibilities.
Innovation: Angus talks about the role of innovation within 7-Eleven and shares some future aspirations for the business.
Sustainability initiatives: The discussion delves into 7-Eleven's sustainability efforts, including their transition from plastic to plant-based materials for drinking cups.
Passion for retail and convenience: Angus reflects on his favourite aspects of the retail and convenience industry.
We extend our gratitude to Angus McKay for sharing his insights and retail experiences with us. 
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

The importance of being customer-centric with Mark Ronan

Welcome to another episode of Retail Therapy, where we delve into the heartbeat of the retail industry. In this episode, we are thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us – Mark Ronan, the visionary CEO of Adairs. With over 15 years of diverse leadership experience within Adairs, Mark's journey is a testament to his profound understanding of the retail landscape.
This episode with Mark and ARA CEO Paul Zahra covers: 
Mark's leadership journey at Adairs
The Adairs growth phenomenon
Mark's evolution as a leader over the years and affinity for the retail industry 
Guiding leadership principles, including the importance of adaptive leadership
Putting innovation into focus
We extend our gratitude to Mark Ronan for sharing his insights and experiences with us. Thank you for tuning in to this captivating episode of Retail Therapy. 
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au

Beyond the mailbox with Catriona Noble

Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Catriona Noble, Executive General Manager, Retail at Australia Post.
Catriona is responsible for the organisation’s network of 4,320 Post Offices and is renowned for driving key transformation in many of her previous roles, including CEO of McDonald’s Australia and Managing Director at ANZ.
Australia Post has been a cornerstone of the country’s social fabric for generations. From the humble beginnings of delivering mail, it has evolved into a multifaceted organisation. In this insightful discussion, we delve into the pivotal role that Australia Post stores play in different communities, serving as essential hubs for connection and convenience nationwide.
In this episode, we discuss:
What an Australia Post store means to different communities
Aspirations for change at Australia Post
Catriona's leadership journey
The top career advice for budding leaders
The importance of giving back
Sustainability initiatives at Australia Post
Tune in now for this enlightening episode, and discover the incredible stories and insights behind Australia Post's journey to making a meaningful difference in the lives of millions!
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
 
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au

Retail revolution with Ian Bailey

Next up on the Retail Therapy podcast is Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group.
With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Ian Bailey assumed the role of Managing Director at Kmart Australia in February 2016. Later, in November 2018, he took on the responsibility of leading Wesfarmers’ Kmart Group division, which encompasses the Kmart & Target Australia businesses, Kmart Australia Sourcing, and ANKO.
Prior to this, Ian was Kmart’s Chief Operating Officer where he was instrumental in Kmart’s establishment and clarity of purpose, developing a strategic blueprint and an operational architecture for the transformation of Kmart’s business model from a traditional discount store chain to an innovative, modern, hybrid retail model.
Kmart Group is a true powerhouse within the Australian retail industry, with its two iconic brands, Kmart and Target, which are beloved by millions of shoppers. The Kmart Group operates 452 stores across Australia and New Zealand, plus an impressive online offering, and employs nearly 50,000 team members.
This episode of Retail Therapy delves into:
Ian’s journey at Kmart over the last 15 years
How to prepare for leadership at a high level
The top values to instil within your team
How Ian balances his work responsibility with his own lifestyle
Innovation at Kmart – what’s next
The best piece of career advice Ian has received
Tune in to gain valuable insights from Ian Bailey on the retail industry, leadership, and the future of this dynamic sector.
Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy.
Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html
 
ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au