AACS: MEMBERS HOLD KEY TO UNITED VOICE IN TOUGH ECONOMY

August 14 2013

With signs the Government is at long last recognising the need for a more level playing field in the Australian retail sector, Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) CEO Jeff Rogut said it’s more important than ever for retailers, suppliers and others interested in improving competitive conditions for the convenience industry to band together.

Encouragingly, according to Mr Rogut, is the Government’s recent commitment to addressing issues such as the major chains’ use of petrol dockets on purchases including alcohol, as well as investigations into the competitive legitimacy of excessive bread and milk discounts.

However there is still a long way to go and the key to address the issue of competition for smaller retailers is to ensure a strong, united voice, Mr Rogut said.

“Only through the maintenance and growth of a strong association can we ensure our industry has a unified voice that demands recognition. This has proven over the last 12 months to be much more effective in enacting meaningful change than various smaller bodies attempting to speak on behalf of the industry,” Mr Rogut said.

“Any individual or business with a direct or indirect interest in the convenience channel is encouraged to join the AACS so that your interests are represented, your voice is heard, and our industry can receive due recognition for the vital role we play in the context of the national economy.

“A prominent, unified voice for small business is critical in an increasingly tough economy and this is best demonstrated by a strong membership front,” he said.

For all membership enquiries AACS CEO Jeff Rogut can be contacted on 0467 873 789.

The AACS has been the voice of the Australian convenience industry for the past 23 years and has worked tirelessly to achieve more direct engagement with Government, regulatory bodies and other authorities today than ever before.

AACS membership provides an avenue to effective lobbying on issues vital to the convenience industry, which has in recent times resulted in positive outcomes on issues relating to graphic health warnings for tobacco and solutions to petrol drive offs. The association continues to lobby Government with a view to deregulating the sale of packaged alcohol so that convenience stores may participate in this category, as international stores are able to do.

But the benefits of AACS membership go much further, Mr Rogut explained.

“From comprehensive networking opportunities, exclusive access to the insights of prominent industry speakers, overseas delegations, scholarship programs, product launches, international study tours, sustainability resources and cutting edge training resources and simulations, the AACS is focused on providing compelling business opportunities for members,” Mr Rogut said.

“We are focused on ensuring we offer value to our members with a variety of cost effective membership options available and a focus on facilitating real platforms to build and improve their businesses.

“The Convenience Leaders Summit, which brings together high profile industry professionals to share their collective wisdom, and the AACS /CCA Convenience Innovation Challenge, which encourages and facilitates innovation in the channel, are two prime examples of the initiatives we’ve developed as important resources, information and opportunities for our members.

“We recognise the need for strength in unity, which is why the AACS has also become a member of the Council of Small Business of Australia recently,” he said.

AACS members also enjoy free access to the annual State of the Industry Report, the most comprehensive and real research tool available on the industry, which provides extremely detailed information and statistics relating to the performance of the channel, different categories, consumer behaviours and trends, as well as an international perspective.