Are you hiring for the Omni-channel environment?

Recruiting in the retail landscape is vastly different from BI (before internet) days. When considering taking on new employees, retailers must evaluate the technological capabilities of a candidate as well as their ability to deliver a great customer experience. Customer experience has extended from in-store sales service to online customer relations including social media. Every […]

Google’s Android Pay launched in Australia

Not one to be outdone by Apple, technology giant Google has launched Android Pay in Australia. Google’s contactless smartphone payment system is similar to the Apple Pay system released in Australia eight months ago. Using the same basic technology and similar security as Apple, Google’s Android Pay stands out as the more inclusive payment system […]

The one metric you look at but shouldn’t

As a standalone metric, without any context, Ecommerce Conversion Rate means very little. Yet it’s probably the one metric every Ecommerce manager looks at, analyses, reports on and potentially even loses sleep over! Let’s take a look at a hypothetical example. Consider 100 people came to your site but only one of them purchases…if you […]

Virtual reality and augmented reality in retail

It’s an exciting time to be alive! Technology is moving into every region of our lives like never before. People are out strolling the streets catching Pikachus with Pokemon Go, the biggest ever augmented reality app, and if you don’t have a VR headset to snap your Samsung Galaxy S7 into, then you’re getting out […]

Free retail business health check

Technology moves so fast it’s hard to keep up with the latest software and IT solutions. With new accounting software, payment gateways and CRM systems being launched every month, how do you, as a retailer, ensure you are using the best retail management solutions for your business? Our partners at iVend Retail have created a […]

Getting personal in-store

The convergence of online and in-store retailing is happening at a rapid pace. This coming together goes beyond product or place but in expectation. A recent survey showed that 63% of Australians and 72% of New Zealanders believe the service they get in-store is more personal than online. On the other hand,32% of shoppers surveyed […]

How to integrate technology into your retail offer

Retailers are investing more than ever before in their digital retail offer, but do they truly consider the reason for bringing digital aspects into their store, or are they simply following the trend? So, as a small retailer how do you compete? Last month in collaboration with our partner’s at Retail Doctor Group we hosted […]

ADMA Techmix discount for NRA members

With ever-squeezing margins, retailers need to know about the marketing automation technology that can provide efficiencies needed to delivery greater return on marketing investment (ROMI). Confused by the complex landscape of marketing technology?   ADMA’s Techmix is a new, vendor-neutral event to help marketers understand the plethora of marketing technologies now available and how they […]

Message from the CEO: 23 May 2016

Taxation, employment, economic stability – they’re terms that get thrown about a great deal during a federal election campaign. But while they aren’t the most exciting concepts for the average voter, their long-term effects for retailers are profound. The GST Low Value Threshold (LVT) on imports under $1000 for example, has been a thorn in […]

How to cultivate an innovative workplace

Innovation is the hot topic on everybody’s lips. From investors to start-ups to politicians, everybody is looking towards the future for improvements on current ideas or new ideas and technologies that can shape the way we live. Unfortunately many “higher-ups” who talk the talk, seem to disconnect when it comes time to walk the walk. […]

3 common retail myths debunked

Many retailers believe that digital and smartphones are hindering bricks and mortar. While smartphones and tablets are significantly impacting traditional B2C retail experiences, businesses that embrace the technology are coming out on top. Digital is no longer exclusive to large companies with big marketing budgets. Retailers of all sizes can adapt to technology without reaching […]

Think globally, act locally

Late last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Innovation and Investment Summit, part of the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Initiative. Throughout the summit, some of the world’s best visionaries in technology and innovation came together to share their insights and empower delegates to harness innovation. Each of the visionaries I had the pleasure […]

Finalists announced for Retail Customer Excellence Awards

Inside Retail and Association and Communications Events have announced the finalists for the inaugural Retail Customer Excellence Awards, to be held in Melbourne in May.The awards program was launched earlier this year and is aimed at raising the profile of Australian retail businesses that place the customer at the very core of everything they do.The […]

Is an interactive mirror in a fitting room truly going to engage with your target audience, creating sales and margin increase or is it simply a gadget to capture the digital buzz?

We asked this question when we recently visited fashion retailer, Mimco’s, flagship boutique on Pitt Street, Sydney. Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a 360 degree projection ring with seamless inspirational content running above the merchandise throughout. The focal point of the digital activities instore is the interactive touch table. The table (similar […]

Big Insight #5 – Use digital to compete with the big guys

According to a recent survey conducted by American Express, there has never been a better time to grow your business. With the combination of accessible technologies, more options for funding and easier access to resources, the world is now a small businesses oyster. Nikki Baird, industry analyst at RSR Research spoke at the 2016 NRF Big […]

Message from the CEO: 19 February 2016

Over the past few weeks I’ve spoken with you about the broader national interest after spending time in Canberra, particularly issues surrounding taxation and the Budget.  This week, I’d like to focus discussions back towards the association, in order to highlight a number of opportunities we’ve launched for members in coming months, particularly relating to […]

Big Insight #3 – Authentic Influencer Marketing

Propel your business by implementing an influencer marketing strategy with authentic real people. With more and more companies opting for customer lead storytelling, consumers are no longer solely swayed by big celebrity endorsements. Carefully selected individuals that align with your company’s values and beliefs can draw huge awareness and raise revenue for your brand.  Start small. […]

The Total Event for Retail & Payments Sectors

FINALLY… there is an event that manages to bring all three events together to form Australia’s BIGGEST combined expo for retail, ecommerce, payments and engagement. Clients have been crying out for ONE (total) event. Now we’ve got the recipe right! The National Retail Association is proud to support the: Total Retail & Payments EXPO 201611 […]

Big Insight #1 – Data-backed decisions define retail’s future

While retailers grapple with offering multichannel shopping experiences, the industry’s next big hurdle emerges: data deluge.  “Retail has an opportunity to completely transform itself using data. It’s all about understanding your business and making decisions that are better,” claims 2016 NRF Big Show headlining speaker, Steve Brown from Intel. Brown’s Big Ideas: • A New Retail Brand […]