Melbourne hosts Retail Week for first time

MELBOURNE will host its first Retail Week from today (Monday), as we welcome 10,000 retail industry delegates to celebrate our thriving retail industry and collaborate on new ways to ensure its profitability.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the event has previously been based in Sydney.

“Australia’s fashion and shopping capital is looking forward to hosting Retail Week for the first time in 2018 as we welcome 10,000 industry delegates to a range of events that will inspire collaboration, innovation and excellence,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.

“Retail Week is the latest recognition of Melbourne’s growing identity as a globally sought after retail destination and comes after David Jones relocated its head office here, from Sydney.

 

“Our retail industry continues to go from strength to strength despite competition from online sources: a recent CBRE report found 70 per cent of millennials prefer to make purchases in store because they like to see the products or try them on, enjoy the social and leisure aspect and want to secure their goods at the time of purchase.”

In 2016, the City of Melbourne’s retail sector accounted for 20,380 jobs and 2153 businesses with a total output worth $3.85 billion and a contribution of $2.13 billion in Gross Local Product to Melbourne’s economy.

The event’s relocation is the result of a collaborative approach between the event organisers (Octomedia Pty Ltd), the City of Melbourne, and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

The Acting Lord Mayor said Retail Week is the latest addition to the City of Melbourne’s suite of support for our retail industry.

“We have enjoyed great success on our Retail and Hospitality Strategy (in collaboration with the Victorian Government), small business grants program and enviable calendar of events which attract millions of people into the city,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.

“The City of Melbourne is committed to supporting our retail industry, especially during this disruptive time, by building resilience and fostering innovation and growth.

“During Retail Week, we are supporting the VIP Retail Tour, Inside Retail Live Festival of Ideas, Women in Leadership Breakfast, an eCommerce Launch event and the Retail Awards.”

A full program of the week is available here. Finalists in the running for the Retail Awards are listed here.

The City of Melbourne and Victorian Government will release the Melbourne Retail and Hospitality Strategy 2013-2017 Year 4 Report in coming months.

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