Australian retailers now have a unified single peak body following a long-planned merger deal between the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA).
This week, the pair have combined to formally launch as the Australian Retail Council (ARC), complete with new logo and website.
Chief executive Chris Rodwell said the ARC is determined to ensure the efforts of the entire retail community are respected and celebrated across the nation.
“ARC brings together the collective strength and expertise of two respected institutions into a single, powerful voice that represents every retailer – from family-owned businesses to iconic national brands,” he said. “Retail contributes $444 billion to the economy and is our largest private sector employer, with a workforce of 1.4 million people.”
Under the newly formed entity, a transitional board, consisting of members of the former ARA Council and NRA Board, is now in place and will serve until elections for a new ARC board are held later in 2026. Nicole Sheffield, who manages Wesfarmers’ OneDigital division, will lead the board as chair, with Antony Moore – former chair of NRA – being deputy chair.
Rodwell is the inaugural CEO, with the rest of the c-suite including Fleur Brown continuing as chief industry engagement and marketing officer, Glenn Fahey joining as chief policy officer and chief economist, Nathalie Rosette-Barber as chief operating officer and Lindsay Carroll – former interim CEO of the NRA – appointed as chief legal and industrial relations officer.
The new ARC brand now sits under the banner ‘Let’s talk shop’. Rodwell said that with retail being a critical sector, he and his team want to play a bigger role in the national economic conversation.
“At ARC, we’re backing the retailers that back Australia – whether that’s reducing retail crime, driving economic reform, creating jobs and careers, supporting small businesses, lifting efforts to address climate change and sustainability, supporting regional communities or adopting technology.”
As well as lobbying the government and speaking up for retailers, ARC will also offer support and services to local businesses. The amalgamation also includes a combined membership base.