Understanding the Retail Award: A Complete Guide

The Retail Award is one of Australia’s most widely applicable modern awards, covering employees in the retail industry. If you work in a shop, department store, or any retail establishment, this award likely applies to you.

Who Does the Retail Award Cover?

The Retail Award covers employees who work in:

• Retail shops and department stores
• Clothing and footwear stores
• Supermarkets and grocery stores
• Hardware and homewares stores
• Pharmacies
• Newsagents
• And many more retail establishments

Minimum Pay Rates 2025

Full-time and part-time retail employees are entitled to minimum hourly rates based on their classification level. As of 2025, Level 1 (entry-level) rates start at $24.15 per hour.

Penalty Rates

One of the most important aspects of the Retail Award is penalty rates:

Saturday: 125% of ordinary rate (time and a quarter) Sunday: 150% of ordinary rate (time and a half) Public Holidays: 250% of ordinary rate (double time and a half)

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of their base rate in lieu of paid leave entitlements.

Common Issues

Many retail workers are underpaid due to:

1. Incorrect penalty rate calculations
2. Not receiving casual loading
3. Unpaid meal breaks
4. Incorrect classification levels

If you suspect you’re being underpaid, Justiico can help you validate your pay against the Retail Award.