Australia’s retail sector has a new peak body, with the Australian Retail Council (ARC) officially launching this week after the long-anticipated merger of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA).

The move brings two long-standing industry groups together under one banner, giving retailers a single national voice. That includes everyone from small, family-run shops through to Australia’s biggest retail brands.

According to Inside Retail, the merger has been seven years in the making. Initial proposals were first put on the table in 2019 before talks stalled. A deal was eventually reached in May 2024, with members voting 92.7 per cent in favour of the merger in October 2025. The Fair Work Commission approved the move in November.

ARC and small business

Retail is a big deal in Australia. The sector contributes $444 billion to the economy and employs around 1.4 million people, making it the country’s largest private sector employer.

ARC CEO Chris Rodwell described the launch as a major milestone for the industry.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Australian Retail Council. 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,” Rodwell said.

He also pointed to the size and significance of the sector, adding that retail plays a critical role in Australia’s economy and workforce.

For small business owners, ARC says the aim is to make sure retail has a stronger say in national conversations around jobs, economic reform and the future of work.

‘Let’s talk shop’

ARC has launched alongside a new brand identity, built around the slogan ‘Let’s talk shop’.

The message is that retail sits at the heart of Australian communities and deserves to be better understood and supported.

Rodwell said ARC would focus on backing retailers across a wide range of issues.

“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,” he said.

ARC to offer practical support online

ARC will offer members a broad range of services, including workplace relations advice, legal and HR support, training and skills development, research and market insights, plus access to events, conferences and networking opportunities.

A new ARC website has also gone live, designed as a central hub for industry news, policy updates, resources and tools.

According to ARC, the site is intended to make it easier for retailers to find what they need quickly, whether they’re after practical guidance or updates on issues shaping the sector.

Retail careers in the spotlight

Rodwell told Inside Retail that ARC wants to help shift perceptions about working in retail.

“For many, it’s a rite of passage into the Australian workforce,” he said.
“Retail also offers extraordinary long-term career options… The pace of innovation in retail right now leads many other sectors in the economy.”

ARC is currently overseen by a transitional board, made up of members from the former ARA Council and NRA Board. Elections for a permanent ARC board are expected later in 2026.

The board is chaired by Nicole Sheffield, with Antony Moore serving as deputy chair.

For retailers, ARC’s launch signals a new attempt to get the sector heard loud and clear. Whether it delivers on that promise is the next conversation worth having.

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