Clarity, consistency and certainty of all aspects of legislation and regulations interfacing with the Large Format Retail sector is imperative.
ABOUT US
The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) is the national peak industry association for Australia’s Large Format Retail sector, otherwise known as ‘Big Box’ retail. The LFRA advocates for clarity, consistency and certainty of legislation and regulations that interface with the Large Format Retail sector particularly in the areas of planning, zoning, technological and environmental factors and initiatives.
Members of the LFRA comprise not only of Large Format retailers, but the owners, developers, investors and service suppliers of the sector. The breadth and depth of the LFRA’s membership enables it to advocate as a whole and united voice.
Our vision is clear – to provide a seamless and exciting retail environment for our customers.
Today the LFRA is regarded as the national peak body representing the interests of large format retailers, investors, owners, developers and service suppliers in Australia. Our membership consists of some of the nation’s largest and most respected brands and we belong to the fastest growing sector of the retail industry in the country.
Sales (to 30 June 2019) by Large Format Retailers accounts for more than $81.7 billion or 25.1% of all retail sales in Australia. Our contribution to employment, economic growth and investment is crucial. This is reinforced by the fact that direct employment by large format retailers exceeds a massive 444,700 people (FTE) both directly and indirectly.
*Deep End Services 2019
Philippa Kelly, CEO
Philippa Kelly is the inaugural CEO of the LFRA; a position she commenced more than 11 years ago.
Whilst overseeing the enormous growth of the LFRA, Philippa has sat on numerous government stakeholder panels particularly in the area of urban planning and its’ interface with the retail sector.
Prior to Philippa’s current position, she spent time with the Victorian Government as Manager, Information & Mediation with Office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner. Prior to her time with the Victorian Government, Philippa spent 5 years with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) as Victorian Tenancy Adviser. During her time with the ARA she was part of the stakeholder consultation panel which, after 3 years of negotiations, saw significant reforms in the area of retail tenancies via the introduction of the ‘Retail Leases Act 2003’ and the ‘Small Business Commissioner Act 2003’.
Immediately preceding Philippa’s time with the ARA, she spent some 17 years primarily working for various major shopping centre developers and agents.
Philippa is member of the:
- Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD);
- Economics, Industry and Sustainability Committee of the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI);
- Forum of International Retail Association Executives (FIRAE): and
- Victorian Property and Environmental Law Association (VEPLA)
Philippa is a ‘go to’ person for industry comment in print and television and speaks often at industry events.
The Large Format Retail Association membership elects a board biannually at the annual general meeting. The board meets quarterly to set the strategic focus and future direction of the Association.
| Directors | |
|---|---|
|
Zac Fried (President) |
Deputy Executive Chairman, Spotlight Group |
|
Philippa Kelly |
CEO, LFRA |
|
Mike Fried (Treasurer) |
Finance Director, Beaumont Tiles |
|
Ian Robinson (Immediate Past President) |
Executive Chairman, Beacon Lighting |
|
Hector Abbott |
Property Consultant, Baby Bunting |
|
Bruce Sinclair |
Group General Manager, Property, JB Hi-Fi |
| Andrew Marks | Director, Property, Bunnings Group Limited |
|
James Scott |
General Manager, Property, Harvey Norman |
|
Michael Petricevic |
Managing Director, OZ Design Furniture |
| Alternate Directors | |
|---|---|
|
Richard O’Brien |
General Manager Property, Spotlight Retail Group |
|
Glen Robinson |
CEO, Beacon Lighting |
|
Garry James |
Acting General Manager Property, Bunnings Group Limited |
In 1999, the Bulky Goods Retailers Association, or otherwise known as the BGRA, was established to develop the bulky goods retailing industry within Australia. On 22nd August 2013, the Association changed its name to the Large Format Retail Association (LFRA). The name, Large Format Retail Association now better reflects the industry we represent.
The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) (formerly know as the Bulky Goods Retailers Association (BGRA)) was established in 1999 as an incorporated association when Large Format Retailing was emerging as a strong and distinct force in Australia’s retail landscape. On 1st July 2008 the BGRA was converted to a company limited by guarantee, an entity better suited to representing the industry on an Australia wide basis. On 22nd August 2013, the Association’s Constitution was amended to change its name to the Large Format Retail Association (LFRA).
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Each year, since 2002, the LFRA Board has awarded the Warwick Shedden Memorial Trophy to “…an individual or organisation, who has contributed over a significant period of time to the goals and ideals of the Large Format Retail Association and the betterment of the Australian Large Format Industry…” The award is in honour in memory of Warwick Shedden, founding President of the Association and Director of OZ Design Furniture.
|
| Past Recipients include: | |
|---|---|
|
2018 |
Stuart Harker |
|
2017 |
John Gillam |
|
2016 |
Ian Robinson |
|
2015 |
Leffler Simes Architects |
|
2014 |
Phil Schoutrop |
|
2013 |
David Scurr |
|
2012 |
Brad Nash |
|
2011 |
Adam Lisle |
|
2010 |
Justin Ganly |
|
2009 |
Roger Wilson, OAM |
|
2008 |
Zac Fried |
|
2007 |
Wayne Jennings |
|
2005 |
Sue Robinson |
|
2004 |
Pricewaterhouse Coopers |
|
2003 |
Richard Horne |
PricewaterhouseCoopers is a founding entity of the LFRA. Their support includes market intelligence and advice as well as accounting support. PricewaterhouseCoopers is the LFRA’s auditor of choice.
