Naomi Simson enters the Retail Realm

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that Naomi Simson, founding director of online experience retailer RedBalloon, will be the key note speaker for the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.

Known for her regular appearance on Network Ten’s popular television series, Shark Tank, Naomi is one of Australia’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said the ARA was excited to host such an innovative retailer and passionate business influencer for this year’s Awards.

“Naomi is not only a leader in the industry, she brings a wealth of business knowledge and will be able to provide valuable industry insights across various elements in the retail realm for retailers of all sizes,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We’re excited for Naomi to share her knowledge of the retail realm and insights into how retailers across the country can engage better with their consumers across various forms of technology and communication platforms.”

With this year’s 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards themed around the Retail Realm and focusing on retailers who think outside the shop, the ARA have brought on a panel of industry experts to judge each sought-after award.

“This year’s Award categories - customer experience, retail workers and industry leaders - encapsulate elements of the Retail Realm from supply chain management, business growth and technology, to customer experience, payments and employee development,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Therefore, this year, we’ve searched the industry for exemplary retail professionals who are not only skilled in these technical areas but have been influencers in the retail sector themselves.”

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards panel of judges include Radinck van Vollenhoen, country manager of Stocard, Australia’s leading mobile wallet app; Bernie Brookes AM, adjunct industry fellow at Swinburne University of Technology; and Camille Reed, founder of Australian Circular Fashion (ACF), the first industry-only event in Australia focussed on responsible fashion practice and supporting economic growth.

Further additions to the panel include Rupert Deans, founder of Plattar, the first platform to use augmented reality to transform the way customers experience products; and Warwick Ponder, head of corporate affairs and communications at eftpos Australia.

With such a broad range of industry specialists across various retail functions, the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards will surely be an event not to be missed.

“I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the calibre of talent across the industry and of course seeing Naomi Simson take the stage,” Mr Brookes said.

“Being in such close proximity to a retail entrepreneur would be a dream for many, and I am certainly glad I get to be a part of the experience and included in such a prominent industry Awards program like the ARA Australian Retail Awards.”

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards will be held on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. The ARA encourage retailers of all sizes to submit an entry by nominating an influential leader or instrumental employee before Friday 10 August via the 2018 eftpos ARA Retail Awards platform.

To secure your seat for the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards head to The Retail Realm.

About the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards:

First held in the 1970s, the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, recognising and rewarding outstanding retail businesses, innovations, and individuals across all sectors of retail. Relaunched in 2008, the annual 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast will commence on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. For more information regarding the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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