Retail Roundtable with Zoe McKenzie and Chris Rodwell

On Thursday 16 October, Committee CEO Josh Sinclair joined retailers - including CFMP Corporate Gold Member Ritchies IGA - for a roundtable discussion with CEO of the Australian Retail Association, Chris Rodwell; and Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie MP.

Attendees ranged from peak body associations, major retailers (Coles, Target and Ritchies IGA), and small business owners. 

A number of concerns and issues were raised, noting some difficult circumstances for retailers and businesses on the Mornington Peninsula. 

• Illicit tobacco trade and its impact on retailers
• Retail crime and theft
• Safety of workers and employees, including teenagers
• Insurance premiums and workers compensation 
• Security responses
• Localised solutions to resolve localised crime

Ritchies Wayne Harrison, Victorian Manager of Ritchies Stores and incoming CEO, provided valuable insights into the challenges this industry faces across Victoria and the measures and policy changes which can be implemented to make positive change in this space. 

Thank you to Chris Rodwell for visiting Somerville to hear from major retailers this morning, and thank you to Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, for facilitating this important conversation.

CFMP CEO Josh Sinclair, Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie, ARA CEO Chris Rodwell

Roundtable attendees

Roundtable attendees