After the disintegration of Ecommerce New Zealand (ENZ), of which Retail New Zealand was a partner, the company has become more digitally focused.

Effectively since 2014 Retail NZ, under its CEO Mark Johnston, has become more involved in e-commerce and training thereof, as well as taking on more of a consultancy role.

ENZ was mandated in June last year to provide clear, concise and actionable business strategies to assist small and medium-sized businesses meet customers’ digital needs. It was intended to be a counterpart to other online retail bodies in Australia, the US and UK.

According to Johnstone, e-commerce training and education seminars for members focusing on website development and mobile optimisation are imminent.

In addition to setting up an e-commerce adversary group to provide external advice, Retail NZ is also advocating the benefits of shopping locally, closing GST loopholes, raising awareness on retail crime, regulating the sale of alcohol, representing local issues, addressing shop trading hours, balancing the needs of employers and employees, ensuring new legislation works for retail, keeping an eye on latest developments in biometrics, and managing safety and product standards affecting the sector.