)
THE Australian Retailers Association has launched the ARA Queensland Division with a new office in Brisbane.
Retailers across the state will represent the local board and work in cooperation with the Queensland Government.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman (pictured) says the new office will take a bi-partisan approach to supporting its retailers.
"For some time now, Queensland retailers have reported they want certainty and security by having a stable government in place and an industry body that is accessible at all times to retailers which will advocate their issues to all sides of Queensland politics," Zimmerman says.
"In order to truly represent the retail industry and have a thorough understanding of the issues facing retailers on a day to day basis, an industry body must be run by those who know first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with running a retail business."
The Queensland Division board will be led by Ralph Edwards from Bright Eyes Sunglasses, with members including Rowan Hodge from Battery World, Majit Sadhwani from Dollars and Sense, Stuart Beechen from Aktiv Brand and Emmanuel Drivas from The Coffee Club.
Queensland Division chair Ralph Edwards says the response from local retailers is a call for the new government to create jobs and improve business conditions.
"Retailers have told me they want clear direction from the new Queensland Government on jobs and costs for business," Edwards says.
"The ARA Queensland Division and board will be working alongside the new government to ensure the retail industry and small business remain at the forefront of government initiatives."
Get our daily business news
Sign up to our free email news updates.
)
)
)
)
)
