With Forums on Hold During COVID-19 LFRA Launches Live Webinar Series

The LFRA launched its webinar series on 16 July with Bunnings Managing Director Michael Schneider joining LFRA CEO Philippa Kelly for a chat about how Bunnings navigated through COVID-19, the importance of the Bunnings culture, and the many elements and key drivers of the Bunnings business.

LFRA President Zac Fried was proud to introduce the webinar and praised the Large Format Retail sector’s resilience and ability to quickly adapt during COVID-19.

“Over the past three months we had to adapt to a new way of living and working to ensure that we all stay safe and protect the health of those around us. Fortunately, the Large Format Retail industry was able to trade continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although we cannot host our quarterly forums with travel and gathering restrictions in place, webinars are a way for LFRA members to remain connected during this tough time.

“When restrictions ease and public gatherings can resume, the LFRA will once again host quarterly forums to bring the industry together.

“The forums underpin the unique and collaborative culture of the LFRA where retailers, landlords, developers and service suppliers, come together to work collaboratively for the common good of the industry.

“However, in the meantime the LFRA will host a webinar series, sharing valuable information and expertise with the sector,” concluded Mr Fried.

LFRA CEO Philippa Kelly joined Unwrap for a post-webinar interview and said she was pleased with the successful launch and revealed that “this webinar series is only the beginning”. Members are encouraged to have their say in what they would like to see in LFRA’s webinars.

“It’s a new way of communicating and sharing knowledge with the Large Format Retail sector and staying connected with our members,” said Mrs Kelly.

“In addition to LFRA’s 6-month membership extension offer to its members, we will continue to find ways to support our members during this unprecedented time.

“The big box industry led the way with ensuring consumer safety.

“Our industry was one of the first, if not the first, to offer contactless purchasing. Large Format Retail stores have a large footprint and are often situated at street level so shoppers have felt safe to shop whilst maintaining social distance,” Mrs Kelly added.

Read about the webinar launch event with Bunnings Managing Director Michael Schneider here where he revealed Bunnings’ plans for COVID-19 and beyond.