A new alliance between the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the Darwin City Retailers Association (DCRA) will boost retailers’ support at the Top End.

Through the eight-year partnership, DCRA will enjoy ARA’s member benefits, support services, insurance, leasing, HR and training of workers through ARA’s Retail institute. The collaboration boosts the education and advocacy of businesses in the Northern Territory.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the partnership will ensure Darwin’s retailers are well supported and represented in the post-Covid recovery period.

“There’s no doubt the past two years have been incredibly challenging, and with inflationary pressures impacting business costs, things aren’t getting any easier. Our focus through this partnership is on ensuring Darwin’s retailers have all the support they need to thrive well into the future and retailers have the tools and resources they need to take their businesses to the next level,” he said.

DCRA outgoing GM Andrea Wicking said the alliance with ARA gives city retailers and the territory benefit from access to the best accredited retail training resources.

“This partnership allows the sector to grow and be seen as an employer of choice with the training of school leavers and the upskilling of existing workers to ensure we attract and retain a skilled workforce for the future.”