Retail: Unplugged

Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Visual Media Association, is a leading voice in Australasia’s print, packaging, and visual communications industry. Kellie brings a wealth of experience in helping businesses harness the power of visual media to drive visibility, customer engagement, and sales.  We’ll explore how retailers can strategically use print, signage, and visual media to stand out in a crowded...

Retailers of all sizes are rethinking security — and AI is leading the way. In this episode, Neil Whittaker from HiveWatch joins us to explore how affordable Surveillance-as-a-Service is helping even small retail operators improve safety, streamline operations, and stay ahead of evolving threats. Learn how to avoid common security mistakes, hear real-world examples of incident prevention, and get...

Hiring is just the beginning. In this episode, Dan Brunt, Regional Commissioner Auckland Central/East from Ministry of Social Development joins us to share how Work Brokers support retail owners with workforce development, training, and subsidies that make growing your team smarter and more affordable. If you're ready to overcome recruitment challenges and build a stronger workforce, this one...

Looking to hire great staff without the hassle? In this episode, Dan Brunt outlines how MSD Work Brokers help retail store owners connect with skilled candidates — for free . Learn how to streamline your recruitment process and tap into expert strategies that make hiring easier and more effective. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers...

In this episode, Sussan Ockwell from The Induction Company zooms in on a powerful but often underused phase of the employee journey: pre-boarding. That crucial window before day one can make or break a new hire’s experience — and their long-term success. If you want your new hires to feel excited, prepared, and part of something meaningful from the start, this episode is packed with tips to help y...

Discover how recycling can boost your bottom line and shrink your carbon footprint. Rebecca Pine from Reclaim joins us to share practical tips, common recycling misses, and success stories from retail businesses making a real impact. 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, yo...

Today, Sussan Ockwell from The Induction Company unpacks one of the most overlooked, but most powerful, tools in retail success: employee induction. If you’ve ever felt like new hires are slipping through the cracks, this episode is for you. Whether you're onboarding your first hire or your hundredth, learn practical strategies to help you set new employees up for success, right from day one....

Retail workers in New Zealand are facing rising safety risks. Scott Harris from Workforce Resilience joins us to unpack the challenges, and share expert insights on de-escalation and armed robbery response. Learn about essential training and practical tips to protect your team. It’s time to build safer, more resilient retail workplaces. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re h...

What does it take to build a team that thrives on purpose, performance, and fun? Emily Harris from LSKD shares how the Aussie sportswear brand creates a high-performance culture that people love being part of. From daily habits to team traditions, discover what makes LSKD tick. Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand retailers. We’re here to make sure the voice of retailers is heard and help ma...

In today’s episode Sussan Ockwell, Director of The Induction Company, tackles a challenge that’s costing retailers every year: staff turnover. Why are so many employees walking out the door—and what can be done to stop the revolving door? Whether you're a store manager, HR leader, or just curious about what makes teams tick, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss. The Indu...

Are the products you sell safe? Do you know what to do if a product is recalled and the manufacturer has gone out of business? Ian Caplin, Principal Advisor with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Consumer Protection team answers these questions and more in this episode. Product Safety for Businesses Product Recall Information Sheet Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand ret...

Is Budget 2025 the lifeline retailers have been waiting for?  Join Retail NZ’s Ann-Marie Johnson and a powerhouse panel featuring BusinessNZ’s Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard, Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod, and NZ Herald’s Business Editor Liam Dann as they unpack the Budget’s impact on retail.  From interest rates and consumer confidence to KiwiSaver changes and regional growth, th...

Suspect internal theft in your store? You're not alone — and you're not powerless. In this episode Retail NZ Business and HR Adviser Yevgenya Chityan dives into the critical steps every retailer should take when facing the possibility of employee theft. Learn how to spot the warning signs, approach the situation with professionalism, and protect your business from financial and reputatio...

Jaesen Sumner from Ford Sumner Lawyers breaks down the latest on the Commerce Commission’s crackdown on Fair Trading Act breaches. Learn about common compliance mistakes plus expert tips on avoiding prosecution and what to do if the Commerce Commission comes knocking. 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...

Grant McIntosh from the Commerce Commission updates us on the changes that will come into effect in March 2026 around the Fair Trading (Gift Card Expiry) Amendment Act 2024. Learn what changes retailers will need to make to comply with the new gift card expiry rules, if any types of vouchers are exempt, and if there are any rules around cards sold before the new law takes effect. Commerce Commissi...

Sarah Churstain, Commercial Team Partner at Ford Sumner Lawyers shares her top tips for retailers and businesses looking to prepare their business for sale. Learn how to stand out to potential buyers, get your books into shape and avoid common mistakes that could lower your business value. Ford Sumner Lawyers - Planning a seamless business sale article Retail NZ is the peak body for New Zealand re...

As retailers we often collect customer data for online orders, customer loyalty programmes and transacting purchases. Steph Gregor from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner talks us through our responsibilities as collectors and users of this information, and our obligations under the Privacy Act.   We cover data storing safeguard requirements, obligation of data accuracy, how to deal with any d...

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...