Retail: Unplugged

New citizen's arrest laws have sparked plenty of questions for retailers. In this episode, Carolyn Young talks with New Zealand Police about what the legislation means in practice – including what retailers and staff can and can't do, the policies and procedures businesses should have in place, and how to respond if a member of the public arrests someone in store. Whether you're rev...

Managing an employee with health issues can be one of the toughest challenges for retail employers. Knowing what to do early can make all the difference. In this episode, our HR partner People and Culture share practical steps to support your team, manage risk, and follow the right process before issues escalate to medical incapacity. People and Culture website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Z...

Discounting might drive short-term sales, but is it costing you long-term profit? In this episode John Norrie from Tranxactor unpacks why loyalty members spend more, return more often, and how smarter loyalty strategies can deliver sustainable growth without racing to the bottom on price. Tranxactor website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of...

Gen Z is reshaping the retail workplace – but many employers are not sure how best to engage and motivate this next generation. In this episode, our HR partner People and Culture shares practical tips on what Gen Z really values at work, how to keep them motivated, and what retailers can do to build stronger, more connected teams. People & Culture website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zea...

AI is evolving fast - but what’s the difference between tools that create content and those that can actually take action? In this episode, Annexa and Oracle NetSuite break down both generative AI and agentic AI in simple terms, and how retailers can use these tools to save time, automate tasks, and run smarter, more connected businesses. Oracle NetSuite + Annexa website Retail NZ is the peak body...

Loyalty doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we’re joined by Tranxactor to unpack how Kiwi retailers can deliver seamless loyalty, gift cards, and POS integrations without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a single store or scaling fast, discover simple, practical ways to build stronger customer connections. Tranxactor website   Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re h...

After a threatening or violent incident at work, your team’s wellbeing needs immediate attention - and the right support can make all the difference. In this episode with Retail NZ partner Workplace Support, we cover what steps to take after a critical incident, plus how to support staff compassionately when you’re delivering tough news like a store closure. Workplace Support website Retail NZ is...

Dealing with a personal grievance can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to do the right thing for your team and your business. In this episode, our HR partner People & Culture shares practical advice on what to do when a complaint lands, how to follow a fair process, and how to avoid common mistakes. People & Culture website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retail...

Running a retail business shouldn’t mean juggling multiple systems and spreadsheets. In this episode, Annexa and Oracle NetSuite share how connected technology can bring your finance, inventory, and operations into one place - giving you clearer insights, saving time, and helping you scale with confidence. Oracle NetSuite + Annexa website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re...

Looking after people is one of the biggest challenges – and responsibilities – in retail. In this episode of Empowering Retail , we’re joined by Retail NZ partner Workplace Support to unpack the wellbeing and mental health services Retail NZ members can access, and how the right support can make a real difference for both teams and business owners. Workplace Support   Retail NZ is the peak body fo...

In this episode, we’re joined by Marcus Hecht Henriksen from Lobyco to unpack why being dynamic, real‑time, and personal is no longer optional for retailers. Drawing on insights from The Great Retail Reckoning, we explore what true personalisation really looks like - and where retailers can realistically start without overcomplicating things. Lobyco website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zeala...

In this episode, we explore how restorative justice can give retailers a voice, support recovery after retail crime, and create meaningful accountability when the harm goes beyond lost stock. A powerful conversation for any retailer navigating the aftermath of shoplifting or violent incidents. Restorative Justice website Want more retail industry insights? Learn more about Retail NZ membership htt...

Great benefits don’t have to be complicated or costly. In this episode we are joined by Liza Cox-Hancy from Kora to explore how retailers can support staff wellbeing by sponsoring access to everyday fuel savings. Learn more about Kora here .  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running a business easier. As a m...

In this episode of Empowering Retail, we’re joined by Marcus Hecht Henriksen from Lobyco to explore how retailers can turn everyday customer interactions into stronger, longer‑lasting relationships. We dive into the real retail challenges Lobyco helps solve, what using the platform looks like in practice, and how retailers can tell whether Lobyco is the right fit. Retail NZ is the peak body for Ne...

Running a retail business is tough enough without tax issues adding extra pressure. In this episode of Empowering Retail , Inland Revenue joins us to unpack the most common compliance pitfalls retailers face, how to manage tax debt early, and why using IRD as a cashflow solution can quickly backfire. IRD website Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voic...

Oil prices have eased, the Government is talking resilience – but the fuel story isn’t over. As global uncertainty continues, what really matters next for prices and supply in New Zealand? Simon Parham, CEO of Waitomo, joins us for this latest update. Kora fuel card Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running a...

Fuel remains front‑of‑mind for Kiwi businesses as global tensions continue to disrupt energy markets. In this follow‑up sector update, Liza Cox-Hancy, CEO of Kora , joins Retail NZ to unpack what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East means for fuel supply, pricing, and planning here in Aotearoa. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers...

Power costs are one of the biggest expenses for business—and many are paying more than they need to. In this episode, we speak with Reliance Utilities about what is happening in the power sector and how they help businesses find better energy deals, audit bills, and remove the hassle from managing power. If you want practical ways to reduce costs and protect your margins, this is a conversation wo...

With global tensions pushing fuel back into the headlines, we’re joined by Simon Parham from Waitomo to unpack what the Iran, US and Israel conflict means for fuel supply and prices here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help make running a business easier. As a member, you’ll have UNLIMITED ac...

What happens to vapes after they’re used – and what role can retailers play in reducing waste? In this episode, we chat with Brett Ormsby from Vapo about VapeCycle , New Zealand’s first full vape recycling programme, and how simple actions in your store can make a real environmental difference. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is...

Retailers are under pressure to hire quickly, without compromising on fit. So how do you cut through the noise? In this episode, we’re joined by Oneflick to talk about the hiring challenges retailers are facing, why video and AI are changing the game, and how Retail NZ members can access a special offer. Oneflick   Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the v...

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Tierney from NZ Police, who shares new developments - including faster response times and strengthened support for retailers. We discuss practical best‑practice tips to help minimise crime and keep your team safe in store. We also explore the rising use of nangs - what they are, why their presence is increasing, and the risks retailers should be aware of. www....

Medical incapacity is one of the most challenging and sensitive issues retailers face.  In this episode, we are joined by Nikita Govind from Ford Sumner Lawyers to unpack what medical incapacity means for employers. We explore the legal obligations, how ACC fits into the picture, and when - if ever - termination may be appropriate.  It also provides clear and practical guidance for retailers to na...

Discover how eInvoicing is reshaping the way Kiwi businesses get paid, by replacing PDFs and emails with a secure, direct exchange of invoice data between financial systems. Alan Carnaby from MBIE joins us to discuss what eInvoicing is and how retailers can benefit from adopting this new payment method. Find out more at www.einvoicing.govt.nz Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. W...

Workplace injuries don’t just impact individuals - they affect productivity, morale, and business performance. Provention’s First Move programme is changing the game by focusing on movement habits and physical intelligence to keep workers safe.  Today, Alison Richmond from Provention will dive into how this innovative approach works, why it’s different from traditional training, and the real-world...