NRA chief executive Dominique Lamb and NORA executive director Paul Greenberg.
Two of Australia’s retail industry groups have joined forces to help retailers deal with a rapidly changing business environment.
Australia’s largest representative retail industry group, the National Retail Association (NRA) and business network NORA have announced a national partnership that will see the organisations combine their strengths and expertise in supporting Australian retailers, whether they operate online, in-store or both.
As the divide between online and in-store decreases, NRA chief executive Dominique Lamb said both organisations had recognised the need to unite and better support Australian retailers in the wake of new customer habits.
“The opportunities of online retail mean that traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers must increasingly embrace online shopping to fully service their customers and meet market demand,” she said.
“At the same time, many young e-tailers who find success are seeking to move to an in-store service offering, and are encountering for the first time many of the challenges of conducting a business in a physical store.
“Together, NORA and the NRA have the knowledge and experience to help all retailers bridge the divide, and ensure they are reaching every possible customer in-store and online.”
To cement the partnership, NORA executive director Paul Greenberg will become an advisory member of the NRA team from 1 December.
NORA members can request pro rata membership of the NRA at no charge, while remaining part of the NORA network. This will give members access to the services and advice provided by the NRA in human resources, rostering, award compliance, leasing and tenancy, and training.
Greenberg said the organisations would work together for the benefit of all members across all forms of retail in Australia.
“The NORA network will continue to operate, supporting diversity in the Australian retail offering and encouraging generational change and renewal,” he said.
“NRA members will in turn have access to the skills and knowledge that have helped NORA’s members improve their business performance, understand the digital marketplace and engage with one another in the New Retail ecosystem.
“Put simply—the NRA and NORA are better together, and all Australian retailers stand to benefit.”
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