The 2019 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards nominations are open

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has announced that submissions for the 2019 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are open.

This year’s awards will be held on August 15 at Myer Mural Hall, in front of 500 esteemed guests from across the country and will highlight the achievements accomplished by the breadth of talent across the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said he was thrilled to acknowledge the retail leaders who are propelling the industry forward, through Australia’s first and largest national retail awards program.

“The ARA Awards have now celebrated Australia’s leading retailers for over 40 years and throughout this time, we have seen the retail industry enrich the lives of many Australians,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“As the industry continues to grow, the ARA believes it is important to recognise the dedicated retailers who have moulded retail into what is it today, and who continue to contribute to the vibrancy of retail.” 

The ARA is pleased to have major event sponsor, eftpos on board for the sixth consecutive year in a row, with Warwick Ponder, executive manager of Corporate Affairs and Communication expressing his support for Australian retailers.

“For over three decades eftpos has been the leading transaction provider for Australian shoppers and merchants and have revolutionised the way customers pay for goods and services,” Mr Ponder said.

“As retail makes vital contributions to the longevity of the Australian economy, we are proud to sponsor this incredible Awards program and recognise the Australian retailers who are the face of this industry.”

This year’s Awards includes 12 categories showcasing the diverse leaders in Australian retail – from digital retailers to national organisations, exceptional employees and cutting-edge store fit-outs. 

However, one of the most exciting additions to this year’s awards is the 2019 Retail Business Woman of the Year Award, which aims to honour the remarkable female leaders in the retail industry. 

“Through the successful application of our Women in Retail Series, the ARA have been inspired by the incredible stories shared by the strong female leaders working within the industry,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

“With 57.7 percent of retail employees being female, the ARA believe it's important to acknowledge the achievements made by talented female retailers and hopes it will motivate young women across the nation to consider a personal and professionally fulfilling career in retail.” 

The ARA has already received an abundance of nominations and encourages all retailers to submit an entry or nominate an extraordinary retail employee before Friday May 17.

All submissions are free and category details, eligibility and registration forms are available now at www.retail.org.au/2019-ara-retail-awards.

“The industry is filled with such a rich portfolio of retailers, and the 2019 ARA Retail Awards are the perfect way to pay homage to the passionate retailers who are the backbone of this dynamic and thriving sector,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

“We welcome retailers from all walks of the industry to take up this excellent opportunity and nominate their chosen organisation or exceptional individual who are paving the future of the retail.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $320 billion-dollar sector, which employs more than 1.3 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 7,800 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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