60 seconds with the 2022 LFRA Overseas Study Tour scholarship recipient

Today Unwrap speaks with Hannah Baker, who was the 2022 LFRA Overseas Study Tour scholarship recipient.

As the national peak industry association for Australia’s Large Format Retail sector, the LFRA seeks to foster and encourage the next generation of sector leaders.

The scholarship application process was open to all employees of LFRA Retail and Associate members, however individuals that have participated in a past LFRA Overseas Study Tour/s, LFRA Directors, and Alternate Directors were ineligible for nomination.

Hannah is an Assistant Property Development Manager at Bunnings, the leading retailer of home improvement and outdoor living products in Australia and New Zealand.

Hannah’s journey with Bunnings began 10 years ago when she was appointed as a member of the leadership team at the Seven Hills Warehouse.

In addition to full-time work Hannah is studying part-time at Deakin University, with the support of Bunnings.

Thanks for joining us today Hannah.

Unfortunately, we missed you at the LFRA NSW Forum when you were announced as the winner of the scholarship. How did you feel when you were notified and had you given yourself any chance of winning?

Whilst I wasn’t able to attend, I was watching the Forum live via zoom and was absolutely elated when I heard the announcement. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be awarded the scholarship and was simply grateful to participate in the selection process. I’m very humbled by the experience and am proud to be able to represent Bunnings.

 

Who or what encouraged you to apply for the scholarship?

The Bunnings team supported and encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. In fact, I nominated for the previous scholarship program in 2019 where I was unsuccessful, although fortunate enough to be shortlisted and interview with the judging panel. I recall how that discussion inspired me to invest in my professional development and growth, as well as how I could become a strong contributor to the LFRA in the future.

 

How have you benefited from being involved in the recent LFRA Overseas Study Tour?

The opportunity to connect and build relationships with the tour group was invaluable. It was great to network with such a diverse group of individuals representing many areas of the Large Format Retail Association.

 

We visited many hardware stores across San Francisco and Los Angeles, including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Home Depot, and Harbour Freight Tools. In what way did they differ from what we have at home?

When comparing these retailers with the hardware offers we have in Australia, it is clear that we have high standards including the ability to offer drive thru lanes for commercial customers in particular. I also found it interesting that there is a limited range of leading tool brands available to purchase in store and are primarily available online only. It is also evident that Australia is a world class leading nation in all aspects of safety

 

Name two key ideas you learnt on the Study Tour.

On the tour I really enjoyed seeing the breathtaking architecture and repurposing of existing buildings – a fantastic example of this was Helms Bakery District in LA where an industrial bakery was repurposed into retail showrooms and restaurants.

A strong theme throughout our travels was also the co-location of lifestyle and amenity in the retail environment and how the integration of these concepts influence the customer experience.

Do you think you will incorporate or implement these ideas?

As a member of the Large Format Retail industry, I believe we can certainly draw on inspiration when considering how we can repurpose existing buildings or position assets within these co-located environments as such.

What was your personal highlight of the Study Tour?

My personal highlights included the US market overview presentations by CBRE and FTI Consulting, as well as meeting with Nick Nichles (Australian Consul-General and Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner). These discussions gave us great insight into the current US economic conditions and how COVID has affected the retail industry in particular.

And of course, who could forget the Bass Pro experience in San Jose!

And finally, why should people consider getting involved in the next LFRA Overseas Study Tour?

The tour is incredibly well organised, led by Phil Schoutrop, and with Philippa Kelly & Michelle Wong’s efforts behind the scenes. The focus points of this tour included Large Format Retail developments, key store visits, economic insights and business strategies, leasing & operational understanding, and graphic focus – all extremely relevant to the Large Format Retail industry.

 

This interview is a part of a 10-segment series covering the 2022 LFRA Overseas Study Tour.