ARA launching podcast series hosted by CEO Paul Zahra

ARA chief executive Paul Zahra. (Source: Supplied)

The Australian Retailers Association will soon launch its own podcast series, Retail Therapy, hosted by chief executive Paul Zahra.

Retail Therapy will see Zahra chat with CEOs and leaders from retailers from across Australia and beyond in order to provide unique insights into how these leaders work, what defines their leadership style, and how they got where they are.

ARA confirmed to Inside Retail that Zahra’s first guest will be Nicole Sheffield, executive general manger of community & customer at Australia Post.

The podcast comes as part of a strategic partnership with American Express forged to help support the Australian retail sector, particularly small business, in its Covid-19 recovery.

“Australia’s economic recovery remains uneven and small businesses, in CBD locations in particular, continue to be impacted by low office populations and international students and tourists still largely missing from our cities,” said Zahra.

“We value the support, experience and insights from companies like American Express with a deep history through many disruptive and intense change periods for retail.”

American Express ANZ VP of global merchant services Robert Tedesco said it is vital retailers get customers through their doors and spending again, and that American Express’ ‘Shop Small’ campaign is a good example of how they are helping.

“Campaigns like Shop Small have become an important support for retailers and we’re always looking for opportunities where we can amplify our impact,” Tedesco said.

“Extending this campaign to run throughout 2021 encourages a true shift in spending habits; embedding the practice of shopping small into consumer routines.”

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