Forum to warn of tough times

SYDNEY: To stay at the forefront of the retailing game, industry members must raise the bar on responding to customer expectations, trends and challenges, while maintaining back-of-house costs during challenging economic times. This is the message that will be conveyed at the National Retail Forum, scheduled to take place in the NSW capital on August 12 and 13.

Low consumer confidence, rising shopping centre rentals, increased competition in the marketplace and fear of staff redundancies would be key topics raised at the forum, said National Retail Forum event manager Peter O’Flynn. 

“It’s an interesting time for retailers as Australians deal with a potential recession, stretched household budgets and environmental concerns. National Retail Forum’s program focuses on the day-to-day problems and solutions that retailers face, including management, sustainability, brand communication, alternative forms of retail, and store design."

Located at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum would also feature a panel discussion titled The Future of Retail in Australia. Industry leaders from all sectors of retail would participate in the panel, with the fashion industry represented by James Lavdas, managing director of surf apparel specialist Beach Culture and Shaf Dewani, director of the Aesthetics Group.

Other forum participants from the fashion industry would include keynote speaker Sally McDonald, CEO of the Oroton Group and Sean Ashby, CEO of Aussie Bum.