The Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with Yarra City Council has launched a four episode documentary promoting support and education services for small businesses.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the series known as ‘Re-Tales’ follows the stories of four small retail business owners who undertook the Yarra Great Re-Tales Program delivered by the ARA Retail Institute between July and October 2013, a four month initiative of workshops designed to support and educate local retailers.

“While the retail industry may slowly be on the road to recovery, we know that 44 small businesses close their doors daily in Australia. Education, training and skills development are of the utmost importance and can often be the difference between success and failure for small retailers.

“The Re-Tales series hopes to capture the personal growth stories of participants and the realities of running a retail business in today’s competitive market. The entire process was documented on film with the aim to identify a dire need for further education investment in the retail sector.

“It’s a collaborative community approach to learning great skills about business. The educational program that the documentary follows was the first of its kind, and we congratulate the city of Yarra for their ongoing passion and dedication to supporting small business,” Zimmerman said.

City of Yarra Mayor, Jackie Fristacky, said council was delighted to have partnered with the ARA to deliver the Great Yarra Re-Tales program to support local retailers.

“Our shopping strips are energetic hubs of creativity and culture, and they are essential to the economic prosperity of our city. This program has provided practical tools and support to help local retailers succeed and prosper,” Fristacky said.