David Talks Shop With Retailers

David Talks Shop with Retailers

On Thursday 4 August, David addressed over 150 members of Victoria’s business community a Retailers Lunch in Federation Square.

The lunch was held as part of the Victorian Small Business Festival and provided an opportunity for business owners to network and celebrate the fundamental role played by the small business retail sector in the Victorian economy.

David addressed the group as a representative of the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher, and highlighted the huge contribution that retailers make to the Victorian economy.

“Retailing generates about $62 billion in sales each year and employs hundreds of thousands of people throughout the state,” he said.

“Currently the industry is still feeling the effects of the GFC and events like this lunch are intended to help small business retailers drive their enterprises forward in 2011.”

David emphasised the Victorian Government’s commitment to ensuring that retail remains a key economic driver of the state’s economy. This commitment is reflected by the government’s support for the festival.

“Ninety-six per cent of the state’s 46,000 retailers are classified as small businesses and with this in mind the Victorian Small Business Festival is aiming to encourage and reinvigorate retailers with new information and business skill development,” he said.

In addition to David, the attendees also heard from multi-award winning Australian retailer, business woman and presenter, Angela Vithoulkas, who discussed the different ways that retailers can stand out, innovate and evolve in a dynamic economic climate.

The 2011 Victorian Small Business Festival runs from 1-31 August and includes numerous events offering advice to small business owners and celebrating inspirational stories of business success.