Retail: Unplugged

In this episode Greg Irvine from Workplace Support shares his recommendations on how to recognise and support team members with mental health issues. By prioritising mental wellbeing and fostering a strong, supportive team environment, businesses not only enhance employee resilience but also boost overall productivity and morale.   Mental Health Foundation - Workplaces Retail NZ - Mental Health &a...

Robert Levy, Head of Marketing & Sustainability at New Zealand Couriers talks us through key findings in the 2025 Merchant eCommerce Insights Report.  Learn about customer expectations and preferences around delivery and returns, along with the number of channels customers use prior to making a purchase. We also discuss how technology is shaping ecommerce, enabling you to provide a better cust...

Do you need to lease a retail space or renew your lease? Jordan Todd from Ford Sumner Lawyers joins us to discuss key tips that will enable you to negotiate your retail lease like a pro. Learn about common mistakes retailers make during lease negotiations and how to gauge if you are getting a fair deal.  Bonus Article: Surviving Wellington Business Challenges  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Ze...

Join us as we speak with Retail NZ’s HR & Advice expert Yevgenya Chityan about how to manage performance issues in the workplace. Yev shares her recommendations on how to approach an employee who’s not meeting expectations, when a more formal process may be required and potential next steps if there are no improvements.  Performance Management - Guide: Managing People - Retail NZ (downloadable...

Satish Ranchhod, Senior Economist at Westpac shares his views on the outlook for the NZ economy in 2025. We discuss consumer confidence, mortgage refixing and which regions around New Zealand will likely see a boost in retail spending. Overseas tariffs and how they could directly and indirectly impact New Zealand are also discussed along with the strength of the New Zealand dollar.  Retail NZ is t...

In the changing world of Retail, businesses sometimes need to close or restructure. Join us as we discuss how to manage business changes with your team with Retail NZ’s HR advice specialist Yevgenya Chityan. Discover what a change process is and how to know if a formal process will be required. We also cover how to communicate this with your team and how to support your team through the process. G...

Yevgenya Chityan from Retail NZ’s Advice Service shares her advice on how to use the 90-Day trial clause successfully.  She covers specific requirements to ensure the trial period is legally valid, common issues and the importance of providing feedback to the employee during this period. Differences between trial and probationary periods plus advice on how to terminate someone during their trial a...

In this episode we discuss the hot topic of retail surcharging with Sean Carney from Mastercard.  Sean outlines historical and current industry guidelines and shares his thoughts on what changes are needed to improve the customer experience. We also discuss industry innovations that are reducing fraud and protecting customers.  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to ma...

Join us as we speak with seasoned logistics expert Rob Levy from NZ Couriers. Rob shares his top tips to ensure your peak season parcels reach your customers in one piece and on time! Ticketing systems, addresses, packaging and courier pick up scheduling are covered along with authority to leave and multiple consignment shipments. New Zealand Couriers Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand ret...

Greg Irvine from Workplace Support discusses ways retail businesses can help prevent team burnout over the busy holiday period. He shares simple tips, how to recognise signs of stress in your team, and how workers can prioritise their own wellbeing. Workplace Support 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...

Join us as we talk retail resilience with Maria O’Halloran, CEO of Ballantynes which has been a Christchurch institution for 170 years.  Maria shares how Ballantynes’ customer focus and constant innovation has enabled the department store to stay relevant and connected to the changing needs of today’s consumers.  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voi...

In this episode we discuss planning for the future and how to make your money work for you with Warren Ngan Woo (Wazza) from Westpac.  This episode includes:  The benefits of KiwiSaver  Tips if you are still living at home  How to put that spare change to good use at the end of the week  The power of compound interest  Investing vs paying off debt.  This is the fourth in a series of four Financial...

Sustainability leader Grant Fraser from Mitre 10 shares his recommendations on ways SMEs can begin their journey towards sustainability.    We learn about the brand’s stakeholder engagement which drives packaging guidelines, recycling programmes and waste reduction goals.   Grant also discusses ways to achieve cost efficiencies, reduce your carbon footprint and the importance of starting small to...

Listen to our discussion about the Coalition Government’s first year in power. We look at business confidence and current sentiment, and look forward to what we can expect in 2025, plus: Labour force and immigation policy Electricity industry Investment Retail spending and payments system Inflation.  On the panel are: business leader Rod Drury, NZ Herald Business Editor Liam Dann and New Zealand I...

Join us as we discuss mortgages with Warren Ngan Woo (Wazza) from Westpac.  In this episode we discuss:  The different types of mortgages  Choosing your mortgage type for the market conditions, your goals and future plans  Renewal time recommendations This is the third in a series of four Financial Wellbeing episodes with Westpac.  Look out for our other episodes covering Managing Expenses, Debt M...

In the third and final episode in this series we chat with Anthony Watson from Visa about the emerging technologies and trends in e-commerce.  We look at the average website attention span, discuss the three core principles for creating the best online customer experience and discuss the rapid rise of the creator economy. Visa Virtual Card for Business Visa Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zeala...

Learn about consumer debt, and ways to manage and consolidate your debt with Warren Ngan Woo (Wazza) from Westpac. In this episode we discuss:   What is consumer debt?   When is debt consolidation a good option?   Different debt paying techniques   Sources of free and confidential budgeting advice   Financial Mentors and how they can build your financial fitness.  This is the second in a series of...

Recorded 29 August 2024, Matt Tierney, Manager of the Police National Retail Investigation Support Unit, updates us on the current retail crime situation.  This episode covers: Best practice advice for sellers of vapes and cigarettes A new offender escape trend   Counterfeit currency The importance of proactive customer service to deter offenders.  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retail...

Join us as we delve into the world of sustainability with Sandy Botterill from Foodstuffs New Zealand.  Sandy shares their approach and makes suggestions on how SMEs can engage with their own stakeholders to develop an action plan to effect change within their business and ultimately their community.  Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retail...

Join us as we discuss Westpac’s updated economic overview with Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod.  Released August 2024, we look at where Westpac believes interest rates are headed, what the implications could be for retailers and how this could impact consumer spending patterns in the coming months. Please note this was recorded 12 August, before the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s August policy mee...

Our conversation with Anthony Watson from Visa continues.  In this episode we discuss brute force aka enumeration attacks, and pig butchering scams. Learn how to avoid triangulation fraud and reduce your risk of gift card fraud.  We also discuss tokenisation - what it is and how its use can minimise risks to your business’ reputation. Visa 2023 Biannual Threats Report Visa Retail NZ is the peak bo...

Join us as we speak with Renee Rowland, the Association Manager of Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand, about her career journey.  Renee followed her passion, opening two small independent bookstores in the South Island after returning from the UK. She shares insights into the highs and lows of  small business ownership, her drive to increase literacy and instil a love of reading to all.  Retail NZ i...

Join us as we discuss ways to budget and manage your expenses with Warren Ngan Woo (Wazza) from Westpac.  In this episode we discuss:  Why budget and set a money plan?  What money planning apps are out there?  How to analyse and manage your expenses.  This is the first in a series of four Financial Wellbeing episodes with Westpac.  Look out for our other episodes covering Debt Management, Mortgage...

Learn how to protect your business, reputation and customers. We chat with Anthony Watson from Visa about scam statistics, fraud solutions and best practices using secure payment technologies.  Visa 2023 Biannual Threats Report Visa 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...

Wondering how to check for counterfeit currency?  In this episode, Barry O’Neill from the Reserve Bank shares advice on this tricky topic. We discuss:  the current counterfeit note situation around the motu and what denominations to look out for  the three security features to check when being offered cash  what to do if you are offered suspect notes for payment  video and printable resource links...