Two of Australia's largest retailer associations, the National Retail Association (NRA) and established support network for online retailers, NORA, have announced a national-first partnership.
The decision to combine has been attributed to the rapidly shifting retail environment in Australia.
The new partnership will allow the two organisations to combine the strength and expertise each has in supporting all retailers, operating online, in-store or both.
As part of the move, NORA executive director Paul Greenberg will become an advisory member of the NRA team from December 1.
Greenberg said the two organisations would work together for the benefit of all their members across all forms of retail in Australia.
“The NORA network will continue to operate supporting diversity in the Australian retail offering and encouraging generational change and renewal.
“NRA members will in turn have access to the skills and knowledge that has helped NORA’s members improve their business performance, understand the digital marketplace and engage with one another in the new retail ecosystem.
“Put simply – the NRA and NORA are better together, and all Australian retailers stand to benefit.”
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said both organisations saw a need to combine as the gap between online and bricks-and-mortar retailers continues to close.
“The opportunities of online retail mean that traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers must increasingly embrace online shopping to fully service their customers and meet market demand.
“Together, NORA and the NRA have the knowledge and experience to help all retailers bridge the divide, and ensure they are reaching every possible customer in-store and online.”