The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) has released its Large Format Retail Directory 2013/14 in electronic format for the first time.

LFRA, formerly the Bulky Goods Retailers Association (BGRA), is the national peak industry association whose primary focus is on issues relating to the planning and responsible development of large format retail outlets.

The release of the eDirectory is the first time ever the directory has been made available in electronic format, allowing it to be accessed via smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The Large Format Retail Directory print version, a joint venture between economic consultancy firm, Deep End Services and the LFRA, includes information on a record 210 operating centres, totalling 3.78 million sqm, and 43 non-operating centres, as well as 20 of the most significant large format retail precincts in Australia.

For the first time ever, centres in New Zealand have also been included in the directory.

“The addition of the eDirectory is an innovative, easy to transport, useful, and competitively priced tool for the large format retail sector,” Philippa Kelly, LFRA CEO, said

“The directory has almost doubled in size since its inception five years ago. The new eDirectory addresses convenience and portability aspects of the hard copy directory,” Kelly said.

The hard copy directory contains  an LFRA membership database and a state by state planning summary for the large format retail sector.

In August 2013, LFRA changed its name from the Bulky Goods Retailers Association (BGRA).

Kelly says the new name of the association is a better reflection of the industry it represents and has been well received in the market place.

“One of the catalysts for the change of name was the significant positive changes to Victoria’s planning and zoning laws that covers large format retail premises. The change of name to the LFRA is a shift that is in line with Victoria’s transformed market conditions.”