Retail NZ

12/10/2026

Mental health is an important issue for every workplace, and in this episode we're joined by Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, to discuss the new Business Mental Health Toolkit. Minister Doocey shares why it was created, what's included, and how retailers and business owners can build confidence in supporting team members who may be struggling.

Download the Toolkit here: https://healthed.govt.nz/collections/your-mental-health-toolkit

Mental health is an important issue for every workplace, and in thi...

09/10/2026

Happy Bookshop Day 2026! 📚

Today is all about celebrating bookshops across Aotearoa.

Bookshops hold an important place in our communities, inspiring creativity, driving knowledge, and offering safe spaces for people to escape. We know just how deeply loved our bookseller members are, especially after seeing some of them make a massive mark at our 2026 Spark Retail NZ Awards! 🏆

Shoutout to this year’s bookshop winners:
Book Hero took home the People's Choice Award, with one customer simply describing them as "the best store ever."

The Nile New Zealand was the only double winner of the night, recognised for their exemplary use of technology and e-commerce services to create a positive impact for their community.

Unity Books Auckland won the Most Improved Store Award for overhauling its online shop to perfectly reflect the magic of the in-store shopping experience.

Take a moment to pop into your local bookshop to celebrate today.
Booksellers Aotearoa NZ

09/10/2026

Carolyn headed to Unity Books Wellington to learn all about Bookshop Day and how they're joining the nationwide celebrations tomorrow! 📚

Watch to discover what sets local bookshops apart from other retailers, get an exclusive hint for Unity's Bookshop Day competition, and hear Carolyn recite some of her favourite childhood poem.

A big thanks to Susanna for taking the time to speak with us. Test your book trivia by heading to Unity Books Wellington tomorrow (and if you are in Auckland, give Unity Books Auckland a visit)! Special thanks to Booksellers Aotearoa NZ for organising Bookshop Day to celebrate all the amazing book stores in Aotearoa!

07/10/2026

Australia has banned card surcharges this month. Listen to our CEO, Carolyn Young, discuss retailers' concerns about the impact a similar ban here would have on Kiwi consumers and retailers.

07/10/2026

Check out what our partner Westpac NZ has created to help you stay aware of scams during Own Your Online's Cyber Smart Week.

02/10/2026

Carolyn decided to accessorise today, and what better place to visit than our lovely member, Frip Vintage !

Thank you Melleny, for taking the time to demonstrate how to best tie a scarf and for showcasing your wonderful shop.

If you're looking for a stylish scarf or unique European pieces, be sure to stop by Frip Vintage !

29/09/2026

Congratulations to Retail NZ members Repco New Zealand, Paper Plus, Briscoes, Ballantynes Department Store, Mitre 10 New Zealand, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, and New World on winning their industry categories at the Roy Morgan NZ Customer Satisfaction Awards!

Extra applause to Paper Plus, Mitre 10 New Zealand and Hunting & Fishing New Zealand for their back-to-back victories 👏

These awards honour businesses that deliver exceptional service year-round. We are proud to have all of these retailers as members, setting the benchmark for customer service! Ka pai 🏆

25/09/2026

Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner, and Carolyn is basking in the holiday cheer in some retail stores!

See what she has come across in her Friday update that has her playing a Mariah Carey classic in the office 🎄

Thank you to Farmers & The Christmas Wonderland Store for allowing us to visit and spread the Christmas joy.

21/09/2026

Helping retailers support the people behind their businesses 💛

Retail NZ is excited to announce a new partnership with WHEREFIT.

Retail is powered by people. Behind every customer experience is a team bringing energy, care and resilience to their work, often while navigating busy trading periods, changing schedules and the everyday demands of retail.

Our partnership with WHEREFIT gives Retail NZ members another way to support and recognise those people. WHEREFIT brings together 650+ offers across fitness, recovery, mental health support, healthy eating, activewear, self-care and more, giving each employee the freedom to choose what works for them.

"Retailers lead the way when it comes to offering discounts and benefits to staff. Retail NZ's partnership with WHEREFIT gives our members the opportunity to offer an even greater variety of discounts to their employees and keep their people feeling motivated and fulfilled."

Carolyn Young
Chief Executive, Retail NZ

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“This partnership gives Retail NZ members a practical way to support their teams, while giving employees the freedom to choose the wellbeing options that genuinely work for them. We’re proud to work with Retail NZ to make meaningful wellbeing support more accessible across the sector.”

Kevin Gan
Founder, WHEREFIT

Retail NZ members interested in bringing WHEREFIT to their employees can access an exclusive member rate.

Learn more about WHEREFIT and the exclusive offer available to Retail NZ members: https://bit.ly/4fSEdr2

18/09/2026

Carolyn is back to bring a little sparkle to your day with her Friday update!

This week, she covers the importance of events for retailers as World of WearableArt (WOW) and the NRL finals hit New Zealand.

Go get amongst it and have a great weekend!