Australia’s largest retail industry group, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and specialist legal firm Hitch Advisory have entered a strategic partnership to support Australia’s $340 billion retail sector.
As exclusive legal partner for the ARA, Hitch will focus on industry wide initiatives such as advice on government legislation, tenancy services and SMB member education along with a range of other member benefits. Addressing the legal services gap for many SMB retailers, to kick off the partnership, Hitch is offering ARA members a free 30 minute legal consultation.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the partnership will strengthen the ARA’s membership offering and ensure the ARA has access to best in class legal advice, in areas including mergers & acquisitions, leasing, consumer law, and general commercial law.
“The pandemic period has accelerated a decade’s worth of change and innovation for our sector. As our sector transforms, the ARA is working with a select community of partners to help our members capitalise on this growth. Hitch Advisory is undoubtedly one of the best firms in the retail space with expertise across most of the major industry issues that will feature throughout this period of retail rebirth. We are thrilled to welcome them to the ARA community.”
Hitch Advisory Co-Founder and Principal Olivia Hitchens said, “The entire Hitch Advisory team are thrilled to be partnering with the Australian Retailers Association. The ARA is Australia’s leading retail group and we are looking forward to bringing our Retail Law expertise to the ARA and its members. Navigating retailers through these unprecedented times and being an advocate for the industry is something we are very passionate about.”
“Whilst Hitch Advisory already advises a large number of ARA members, this partnership will allow us the opportunity to work with additional retailers and to support the ARA in delivering its initiatives and to increase the existing value delivered to members. We look forward to collaborating with the ARA to drive change in the industry – particularly in areas such as leasing and long-term Covid-19 recovery initiatives,” Ms Hitchens continued.
“As part of our partnership, Hitch Advisory will offer ARA members a free initial consultation as well as additional materials, education and support – something that is much-needed in the current uncertain climate.”
Hitch Advisory is the latest addition to the ARA’s growing community of strategic partners, which includes Fabric/TBWA, Afterpay, American Express, and Deloitte.
