Australia’s most prominent retail leaders are set to gather at the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) Leader’s Forum 2025 this week to share insights on trends that are shaping the future of retail.

Hosted at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, the event will bring together retail and business leaders from many well-known Australian retail brands, including Bunnings, IKEA, Officeworks, Kmart, Dan Murphy’s, David Jones, Amazon, Telstra, Optus, Foodco Group, AusPost and MECCA. 

Attendees will hear from more than 60 industry experts, including Deloitte’s chief futurist Kasey Lobaugh and Australian economist Chris Richardson, as well as leaders from 7-Eleven Australia, Forty Winks, Velocity Frequent Flyer, and from Independent MP Allega Spender and ARA President Nicole Sheffield, who will provide a state of the industry address.  

ARA chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown says the ARA Leaders Forum is the premier event for Australian retail, bringing together the sharpest minds to discuss the sector’s future.

“It’s been an environment of disruption as usual for the past five years. From rapid advances in AI-driven efficiencies to the increasing importance of the circular economy, retail is at a turning point. This event helps us explore these shifts and ensure businesses are prepared for the next wave of innovation.

“The consumer landscape has also been shifting dramatically. This year’s Leaders Forum will provide valuable insights from some of Australia’s top business leaders.”  

Robert Tedesco, vice president and general manager of American Express Global Merchant Services, says topics for discussion include digitisation and the use of AI in retail, resilience and innovation, retail crime, building stronger teams, growing the circular economy and predictions for the industry’s future. 

“American Express is a proud supporter of the ARA Leaders Forum because it offers an essential platform for retailers to learn from one another, while exploring strategies to meet the emerging needs of customers. The retail sector is incredibly dynamic, which is why events likes these are critical in keeping the sector strong.”