• Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research at Roy Morgan
• Craig Woolford, Senior Analyst at MST Marquee
• Jo Jericho, Strategy Director at Monitor Deloitte
• Kevin Azzopardi, Director of Partner Marketing ANZ at Afterpay

In this special episode of Retail Therapy, we’re diving into the heart of peak season preparations with two expert voices in retail and technology. Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer at the Australian Retailers Association, is joined by Kate Box, Director of Retail ANZ at Meta, to explore how retailers can leverage cutting-edge technology and insights to thrive during the 2024 holiday season.

Tune in to hear about:

• Key findings from Meta’s 2024 Holiday Insights Guide
• How AI is reshaping retail and boosting conversions
• Strategies for winning Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and late-season shoppers
• Using AI for impactful, short-form holiday content
• Practical tips for retailers starting their AI journey

Access Meta's​ Holiday Insights report here.

INDUSTRY REPORTS MENTIONED

McKinsey Zero Customer Report

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-asia/videos/the-emergence-of-the-zero-consumer

Bain Technology Report 2024

https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/technology-report/

LINKS FOR PRACTICAL GUIDANCE MENTIONED

Advantage Suite – AI driven Advertising

https://www.facebook.com/business/ads/meta-advantage

Creative Best Practice

https://www.facebook.com/business/news/insights/how-ai-will-elevate-the-future-of-creativity

CASE STUDIES REFERENCED

https://www.facebook.com/business/success/the-coca-cola-company-middle-east

Coke - 6 point recall - 19 point recall with Gen Z

https://www.facebook.com/business/success/2-asics

Asics - 5-8 point lift in awareness / brand with partnership ads

https://www.facebook.com/business/success/fendi-middle-east

Fendi & Loro Piana - 65% lower cost per purchase using Advantage Plus Shopping

In this episode of Retail Therapy, ARA CEO Paul Zahra sits down with Gary Starr, Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services at Australia Post, to explore how the iconic postal service is preparing for the busiest time of the year - peak season! From delivering gifts across the globe to ensuring smooth customer experiences, Gary shares exclusive insights on Australia Post’s operations, including how they manage increased parcel volumes, hire additional staff and stay innovative with new shipping solutions.

Tune in to hear about:

• How Australia Post delivers millions of parcels during peak season
• The role of seasonal workers and how they support the holiday rush
• Innovations and strategies to streamline the shipping process
• Tips for retailers to ensure a top-notch delivery experience for their customers
• The impact of cost-of-living pressures on holiday shipping
• Customer trends and predictions for online shopping this year

Access Australia Post's Peak Playbook here: https://auspost.com.au/business/ecommerce/peak-preparation

To learn more about what we do at the ARA, head to retail.org.au.

ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.