The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has expand its presence, opening a Queensland office and launching the ARA Queensland Division with Queensland-based retailers.
Following the collapse of smaller retail organisations over the years, the ARA has opened offices in Brisbane with staff and board members working across Queensland.
ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said the ARA Queensland division will work with the new Queensland Government and will take a new bi-partisan approach to supporting retailers in the state.
“For some time now, Queensland retailers have reported they want certainty and security by having a stable government in place and an industry body that is accessible at all times to retailers which will advocate their issues to all sides of Queensland politics,” said Zimmerman.
“In order to truly represent the retail industry and have a thorough understanding of the issues facing retailers on a day to day basis, an industry body must be run by those who know first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with running a retail business. This is why the new ARA QLD division is proudly run by retailers, for retailers with nearly all key ARA staff also having retail backgrounds,” he said.
ARA Queensland national board member and new chair of the Queensland division, Ralph Edwards, said Queensland-based retailers want to be certain their government is focused on creating jobs and improving business conditions.
“Retailers have told me they want clear direction from the new Queensland Government on jobs and costs for business. The ARA Queensland Division and Board will be working alongside the new government to ensure the retail industry and small business remain at the forefront of government initiatives,” Edwards said.
ARA Queensland division board is comprised of:
Ralph Edwards – Bright Eyes Sunglasses (ARA national board member and Queensland Chair)
Rowan Hodge – Battery World
Manjit Sadhwani – Dollars and Sense
Stuart Beechen – Aktiv Brands
Emmanuel Drivas – Coffee Club.
