Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said it welcomed news the ACCC will phase out all restrictive provisions in supermarket leases.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman congratulated Coles and Woolworths on a cooperative negotiation that will put an end to anti-competitive lease arrangements limiting consumer choice of supermarket retailers.
"An open retail market free from restrictive and anti-competitive leasing arrangements provides greater choice for consumers in regards to product and price in one location," Mr Zimmerman said
"Today's announcement allows new entrants to Australia's supermarket and grocery sector, including ALDI, to take out leases in shopping centres where they have previously been excluded.
"The ARA now calls on the Rudd Government, COAG and the ACCC to support harmonized lease legislation across all states to allow equal and fair access to shop space on competitive terms for all retailers," Mr Zimmerman said.
For over 105 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292billion retail sector which employs over 1.5 million people. A
s an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia.
Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
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