Retail Therapy

Navigating neurodiversity with Natalie Phillips-Mason

Our next guest for Retail Therapy is Natalie Phillips-Mason (She/Her), Founder and Lead Consultant of Inclusive Change. Natalie is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and enriching customer experiences by celebrating our unique identities.
Natalie encourages leaders to embrace all aspects of diversity – apparent and non-apparent – for the benefit of their employees and their customers. Through her collaborative approach, Natalie empowers individuals of all neurotypes to engage in meaningful conversations; driving education, authentic dialogue, and actionable change.
This episode explores:
Natalie's allyship journey
Why language is important
Employees and customer experiences – and why retailers should take notice
Considerations and opportunities in the Australian retail landscape
The latest research
Educating retail staff on neurodiversity
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.

Gender equity in retail with Natasha Stott Despoja

Our next guest for Retail Therapy needs little introduction: Natasha Stott Despoja, a prominent figure in Australia's advocacy for gender equality. With International Women's Day just around the corner, we're thrilled to host Natasha, whose legacy as a former Senator for South Australia speaks volumes. Throughout her career, she has passionately championed gender equality and tirelessly advocated for the prevention of violence against women and girls.
 
As the founding Chair of Our Watch, a renowned national organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women and their children, Natasha has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's approach to these critical issues. Her dedication to embedding gender equality in the fabric of Australian society has been unwavering, making her an inspiration to countless individuals striving for a more equitable world.
 
This episode explores: 
Natasha's journey and advocacy for gender equality
Importance of gender diversity in retail leadership
Government support for gender equality in business
Successful gender equality initiatives in retail
Promoting inclusive marketing in retail
Global collaboration for gender equality
Engaging customers and employees in gender-related issues
Implementing family-friendly policies in retail
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.
 

Breaking barriers with Katherine Wolfgramme

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a dose of Retail Therapy, spotlighting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Joining us for this special occasion is Katherine Wolfgramme (she/her), a nationally recognised Trans Advocate, award-winning gender diversity consultant, and Trans awareness trainer.
As a pioneer in promoting equity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, Katherine's impact resonates through numerous media campaigns, accolades, and charitable endeavours. Proudly representing the Transgender community, Katherine leverages her journey to cultivate culturally safe environments for others.
Prepare to be inspired as Katherine recounts her journey and advocacy efforts, marked by groundbreaking achievements such as being the first transgender woman in Fiji legally granted a female name by the government. This episode is a testament to her relentless pursuit of societal change and her commitment to improving future experiences.
This episode explores:
Highlights of Katherine's journey and advocacy work
Legal precedents and societal progress in LGBTQIA+ rights
Advice for employers supporting LGBTQIA+ employees
Challenges faced by transgender individuals in retail
Strategies for businesses to foster inclusivity
Advice for individuals struggling with their gender identity
Cultural and religious sensitivities in advocacy
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.

Cultivating diversity in the Australian fashion sector with Leila Naja Hibri

Joining us for some Retail Therapy focusing on diversity, equality and inclusion is Leila Naja Hibri (she/her), former CEO of the Australian Fashion Council.
In the face of the pandemic, Leila emerged as a guiding force, steering the Australian fashion industry towards resilience. Her compelling personal narrative serves as a testament to the advantages that arise from fostering culturally diverse women in leadership roles.
Leila's impact extends to the establishment of a standardised Australian fashion trademark, solidifying her status as a trailblazing role model within the retail sector.
Join us as we uncover the inspirational journey and visionary contributions of Leila Naja Hibri.
This episode explores:
Leila's journey from accounting to leading the Australian Fashion Council
Challenges related to cultural diversity in her career and how she overcame them
Importance of diversity in the retail sector, addressing barriers and shaping leadership
Steps for retail organisations to foster diversity in leadership teams
Leila's impact on sustainability in the fashion industry
Encouraging women's involvement in leadership roles
Advice for culturally diverse individuals aspiring to leadership in retail and fashion
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.

Setting the DE&I scene with Lisa Annese

Welcome to Season Six of Retail Therapy, where we delve into Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. We're thrilled to kick off this season with a powerhouse guest, Lisa Annese (she/her), CEO of Diversity Council Australia.
Lisa was named one of the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence in 2018. In 2019 she was elected to the Board of Amnesty International Australia and in 2021 to the Board of the non-partisan organisation, Women for Election. Under Lisa’s leadership, the Diversity Council has produced a broad array of groundbreaking, evidence-based research around diversity, equality and inclusion. With her wealth of expertise, Lisa is the perfect guest to inaugurate Season Six, offering invaluable insights into this crucial conversation.
This episode explores:
Lisa's journey into her career path and what motivated her
Tackling gendered harassment, discrimination, and violence - the remaining challenges
Resolving the persistent gender pay gap and necessary changes
Advocating for a public register of gender pay discrepancies for corporate accountability
First Nations inclusivity and thoughts on the Voice discourse
Progress in addressing racial hurdles or ongoing concerns
Supporting the LGBTIQ+ community's inclusion in businesses
Encouraging employers to consider hiring individuals with disabilities or neurodivergence
Balancing religious and cultural diversity within the context of DE&I
The role of the retail industry in driving and exemplifying societal change
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.

Season 6 Trailer: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I)

Season 6 of the ARA’s Retail Therapy podcast is gearing up for an early 2024 launch! Join host, ARA CEO Paul Zahra, as we dive into the crucial conversation on diversity, equality, and inclusion led by the Australian Retailers Association.
This season, Retail Therapy is going deep into the realm of DE&I in the retail landscape. It's not merely a buzzword; it’s a driving force fuelling innovation and change in the industry.
Expect engaging discussions with pioneers and leaders in every facet of DE&I. Their diverse stories and insights promise an eye-opening journey into this vital topic.
Stay tuned for a stellar lineup of guests, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
Don't miss out on these insightful conversations! Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to be part of these great discussions.
Get a sneak peek in our trailer - now live. 
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.

Christmas & Holiday Special: Behind the Barbie boom with Stephen Younane

Welcome to the fifth and final special Christmas bonus episode of Retail Therapy for the year. 
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, retailers are gearing up for the annual Christmas shopping frenzy. However, this year brings a heightened sense of uncertainty to the industry, as Australians grapple with the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, while retailers themselves contend with the burdens of the cost-of-doing-business crisis. 
Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Stephen Younane, Co-founder and CEO at Retail Prodigy Group, the direct-to-consumer partner for Nike, Samsung and Mattel.  
This episode explores:
A read on the mood of retailers heading into Christmas this year
Insights into Retail Prodigy Group’s partnership with Mattel
How the Barbie brand has innovated and evolved while remaining nostalgic 
The role of e-commerce in Retail Prodigy Group's Christmas sales strategy
The importance of Black Friday for Australian retailers and its growth each year
Supply chain concerns and learnings
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: 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