FEX's hot topic

SYDNEY: Trade fair Fashion Exposed & preview has partnered with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) to establish a series of fashion retail seminars.

Launching at the upcoming Sydney Fashion Exposed – from March 9 to 11 - the first ARA Hot Half Hours series will comprise a three-day program divided into two subject areas; Retail Sales and Service and Managing Retail Options.

The seminars had been structured to allow freedom to choose relevant sessions or take advantage of the full schedule, a spokesperson for Fashion Exposed confirmed.

"The Hot Half Hour Training Sessions will be presented by key industry figures, covering ten topics which will include; buying profitably, planning your store layout to maximise sales, the value of building relationships with customers, and recruiting the right team. Each session will be of great value to both company owners and employees wanting to create an edge and an understanding of the value of their role in the Australian retail industry."

According to ARA executive director Richard Evans the sessions were timely.

"Retailing is the barometer of the Australian economy and as such consumer market demand requires adequate supply and servicing. Fashion commands a high demand within this paradigm and savvy retailers will focus on competencies to help their business grow and prosper in this segment. The learning sessions at the fair [Fashion Exposed] will provide retail learning outcomes which will directly provide increased competencies for those attending," he said.