The Australian Retailers’ Association is spearheading a industry-wide initiative to thank the men and women that have risked their lives for Australia with a day of discounts.
On Thursday June 25, or First Responders Day as the ARA are calling it, medical and health workers, as well as policemen and women and firefighters will be able to head to any number of participating retailers to receive between 5 and 50 per cent off products and services.
The date was specifically chosen to fall on a Thursday – the only consistent late night shopping day – to allow shift workers the ability to take advantage of the offers.
ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said, following the devastating bushfire and flood season and the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more important than ever for Australians to band together.
“This is the first time the ARA has developed such a wide-reaching campaign, and what better cause than to support the Australians who have worked tirelessly to serve us these last few months,” Zahra said.
“Australia’s First Responders have been true heroes in the past six months. It’s great to be able to say thank you… whilst driving sales for the industry.”
Participating retailers include JB Hi-Fi, Myer, Target, BCF, Rebel, Taking Shape, TimBuk2, Camilla, Hush Puppies, Specsavers, Michael Hill, Macpac, and Starbucks – among many others.
The event is largely focused on driving people into stores, both to make the identification of first responders easier and to drive higher margin sales. Online retailers can contribute as well, the ARA said, but it will be difficult to ascertain who is eligible.
Eligible customers are asked to bring a Photo ID which shows their work identity, or to wear their uniforms, into stores.
The campaign is an effort to create a more upbeat mood in the retail industry to kick-start the ARA’s retail recovery program, following a particularly difficult period – from depressed Christmas spend to self-isolating customers and frozen foot traffic.
“We cannot have an economic recovery without a retail recovery,” Zahra said.
“In the coming months as restrictions ease, we aim to help consumers to feel safe, welcome and excited about their renewed shopping experience.”
