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The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Women in Retail Series strives to recognise the various roles women play in the retail industry, from the employees, managers, executives, and business owners, as each individual works hard to maintain the vitality of the sector.
Our Women in Retail series has been created to inspire people by sharing the stories behind the success of the female retail leaders who have shaped the industry into what it is today.
With the retail industry comprised of 57.7% of women, the ARA believes it is essential to celebrate the diverse range of influential female leaders who work tirelessly to ensure the longevity of the retail industry.
While the industry yet to achieve true gender equality, the ARA understands the significance of this issue and is dedicated to supporting and advocating on behalf of women in retail to ensure that industry achieves gender parity in the future.
As Australia’s peak retail industry body, we want to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow are empowered to consider a job in retail as a prosperous and fulfilling career.
The ARA appreciates the extraordinary achievements made by female leaders who have contributed immensely to the success of the $320 billion-dollar retail sector and is proud to support women within the industry through this series.
INSPIRING STORIES
Whether you're to start your own business or simply seeking some motivation to get you through a busy week, our collection of personal stories will take you on a journey into some of Australia's most passionate female retail leaders. These stories cover the success, hardships, triumphs, the late nights, and hard work that goes into running a business.
So stop what you're doing, take a breath, make some tea and soak in these inspirational stories from fierce female leaders.
 Kelli Donovan | Pure Pod“While the industry is running at a must faster pace than it used to and sales approaches are now more tech-based, we can still take old fashioned methods of selling and producing and create new ways of using them.” Read more... |  Susan Martin | SMART IN PLANNING“What’s great about “being the boss” is that I make the rules - I don’t need anyone else’s permission or approval. I can create what I believe in.” Read more... |  Chelsea McIntosh | Spoilt Gift and H“I believe in giving honest and tactful feedback. I think that if you don’t agree with something, then you should always provide a solution or an example of how it could be done better.” Read more... |
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 Julie Mathers | Flora&Fauna“In my opinion, incorporating ethical practices is an essential part of the business.Your customers and team are demanding it; they want to shop at and work with businesses with values that match their own.” Read more... |  Jessica Ip | CouriersPlease“My advice to anyone starting in industry is to love what you do. Being passionate about your product will help you succeed. If you genuinely believe in what you do, that’s when you can drive efficiency and affect change.” Read more... |  Karina Bruce | Hear Us Roar“Follow your passion; if it’s your passion, then it won’t feel like work or a job. That’s the best way to embrace your career.” Read more... |
 Christine Rodrigues | Magento, Adobe“Retail builds resilience. Adapting to changes in business models, products, team structures is all part of the day to day. Retail is not stagnant; it’s fluid. The most successful people working in the industry have adjusted to that way of thinking and have adopted a flexible mindset.” Read more... |  Cath Watkins Carroll | Meg and Wally“It’s not all glamour. You’ve got to get busy and get your hands dirty. If you’re looking at starting your own business, I’d say it’s not for the faint hearted, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s also very rewarding.” Read more... |  Emma McNeilly | Expressions“Sometimes the little things really do matter and the little things done exactly right, can make a big difference and allow you to shine amongst your competitors.” Read more... |
 Jessica Sullivan | sbFlourish“I always thought my love for shopping and social media wasn’t necessarily a good thing until I turned those perceived weakness into strengths. I enjoy social media and shopping, so by combining the two, I not only enjoy my job, but I’m breaking more ground in my craft.” Read more... |  Tracey Bailey | Biome“You don’t have to own a business to be entrepreneurial. Study the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur and bring those into how you operate in your role.” Read more... |  Claire Morris | Prezzee“Every great Australian brand has a story and it’s the hard work and dedication behind the success of their brand that makes a great story.” Read more... |
 Pamela Jabbour | Total Image Group“As women, we tend to be our own biggest critics and I now understand that challenges a valuable component in shaping who I am as a person.” Read more... |  Sheeda Cheng | Neopost Shipping“It’s important for retailers to be bold with their use of retail technology and e-commerce tools to ensure their brand stays relevant for consumers at scale.” Read more... |  Mhairi Holway | HR Dept“Throughout my career, I’ve learnt that every challenge presents an opportunity for personal growth and I need an environment of constant learning to keep me nourished. I’ve also learnt that sometimes you need to work in the grey and just run with an idea.” Read more... |
 Camille Reed | ACTA“For as long as I can remember I wanted to run my own business, work for myself and create an opportunity which evoked meaning for a greater good.” Read more... |  Melanie McVean | No Pong“The old adage that the customer is always right may not be always completely true, but customers are the life-blood of a retail business, and without them, you’re not actually in business at all.” Read more... |  Fran Ereira | Zip Co Limited“I love being a part of making the world of retail a better place, and I’ve seen both progressive thinking and diversity influence retail profitability.” Read more... |
 Emilia Rossi | Capriess“Customers demand instant gratification and instant delivery therefore, retailers need to be faster on all platforms and consumer touch points while still maintaining a strong point of difference.” Read more... |  Robyn Batson | Sussan Group“There are so many opportunities for people who have had success in the industry to offer guidance and support to young people in retail.” Read more... |
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