LFRA closes 2025 with insight and momentum
The Large Format Retail Association has wrapped up the year with the 2025 VIC Explore & Forum, an energising finish to a year defined by collaboration, industry leadership, and continued progress across Large Format Retail, one of Australia’s most significant and dynamic retail channels.
Zac Fried, President of the Large Format Retail Association and Executive Deputy Chairman, Spotlight Group, opened the Forum with his President’s address, warmly welcoming members and setting the tone for a day of thought leadership and forward momentum.
The Forum program featured exceptional presentations from an outstanding lineup of speakers, including:
- Mark Teperson, Managing Director & CEO, Baby Bunting – “The Courage to Change: Reimagining a 45-Year-Old Business”
- Bill Fragos, Special Counsel, Moray & Agnew – “A Paradigm Shift: The New ACCC Mergers & Acquisitions Regime”
- Phil Schoutrop, Director, Buchan – who led the LFRA 2025 Overseas Study Tour panel discussion (Dallas & Miami) and announced the 2026 Study Tour destinations: Denver and Phoenix
- Garth Francis, Consumer Sector Analyst, MST Marquee
It was an inspiring way to conclude the year, bringing members together, showcasing industry insights, and reinforcing the important role of the Large Format Retail sector in Australia’s broader economic landscape.
Philippa Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Large Format Retail Association, said, “As the sector evolves amid complex economic, operating and regulatory conditions, the Large Format Retail Association continues to advocate for greater clarity, consistency and certainty across planning and zoning frameworks, property taxes and the regulatory systems that shape the sector.
“Driving policy reform to unlock investment, support growth and create more opportunities for businesses and consumers is only made possible through the ongoing engagement and support of our members.”
As we close out 2025, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead, with an exciting 2026 already taking shape despite some challenges.
The Large Format Retail Association looks forward to welcoming all members to the next major event, the LFRA 2026 NSW Forum, to be held on Wednesday 11 March in Sydney at Crown.
