Rapid growth for Masters a highlight in Woolworths' quarterly results
Woolworths is going strong in the home improvement sector, with Masters seeing sales growth of almost 40 per cent this quarter. Woolworths' quarterly results also showed positive growth for Big W, despite difficulties in Home Entertainment.
Thu 11/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths finally discusses its Big W product recall problem
Big W has the worst product recall record of any supplier in any industry in Australia. Eight Abode small appliances have been recalled since May 2011. In every case the defect could lead to a user suffering physical harm.
Mon 08/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Appliance Retailer magazine hits shelves with all the big industry news
The April edition of Appliance Retailer magazine is set to hit retailers this week, bringing with it plenty of insights on the electrical retailing industry, the newest products due in stores and the major trends in appliances.
Thu 04/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail brand rankings show a steep drop at Harvey Norman
International brand management agency Interbrand has announced its rankings of the top retail brands in Australia, with Woolworths topping the list for the second year in a row, and Harvey Norman falling considerably since last year.
Fri 22/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Vivo TV sold exclusively through Big W recalled due to crushing potential
A Vivo International plasma TV sold exclusively through Big W has been recalled. The neck in the stand on 50-inch model can break unexpectedly, "potentially crushing nearby consumers".
Fri 22/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Apple defends local retail pricing at Parliamentary Inquiry
The MD of Apple Australia has taken to the stand in Canberra for the House Committee Inquiry into IT Pricing, saying that Australian Apple prices differ to global prices due to variables in foreign currency and unique local costs.
Fri 22/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sunbeam recalls overheating StickMaster cordless blender
Sunbeam has recalled a cordless stick blender sold through various electrical retailers between May 2011 and March 2013. The StickMaster Cordless Stick Blender (SM8700) has a Lithium-ion battery that may overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Tue 05/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W's shame continues: two 'shocking' Abode toasters recalled
Big W has this morning enacted another recall on products in its Abode range - its seventh in two years - this time on two toaster models sold nationally through its stores.
Thu 21/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Aldi's expansion to the west puts electrical retailers on notice
Aldi is looking to expand its Australian store network, with the retailer set to invest $2.5b for new facilities in South Australia and Western Australia. With a strong offering of low-price appliances, electrical retailers may see increased competition.
Wed 13/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W recalls AWA-branded DVD player
Following Dick Smith's recall of four house-branded portable DVD players yesterday, Big W has also recalled an AWA-branded portable DVD player due to similar problems with the internal battery.
Wed 19/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Abode recall shame continues with sixth recall in two years: Convection Oven
Woolworths has instituted yet another recall on its Abode house brand - its sixth in two years - after learning that a convection oven sold through its Big W stores "may ignite and catch fire".
Thu 13/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths releases final disappointing Dick Smith sales results
Woolworths Limited has released its sales for the first quarter of the new financial year with Masters and Big W faring well. But for Dick Smith's last stretch with its former owner, sales were down.
Thu 18/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Open Letter to Woolworths CEO regarding your appalling recalls record
In light of Woolworths today issuing its FIFTH product recall notice this year on its Abode brand, we demand the CEO takes action to protect its consumers from serious injury.
Fri 10/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W recalls Abode electric blankets
Big W has issued a recall on products from its house-brand Adobe electric blanket range, including single, single fitted and queen/double units.
Fri 10/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W redefines cheap with its new 'in-house' TV commercials
Big W stores have been creating their own TVCs and posting them online as part of a campaign to promote how cheap the stores are. Judging by this collection, they certainly are cheap.
Mon 30/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big names in appliances counted as Australia's most trusted brands
Sony, Westinghouse, Breville and Dyson have been voted as some of Australia's most trusted brands, according to the Reader's Digest 2012 Trusted Brands rankings, while Bunnings has been deemed an Australian icon.
Thu 26/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters has a cracker as Woolworths releases yearly sales results
Woolworths Limited released its yearly sales results today, posting a 4.7 per cent increase in sales across the group. While Big W only climbed by 0.5 per cent, Masters saw an increase in sales of almost 25 per cent.
Mon 23/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Costco looks forward to healthy competition with Masters
The head of Costco Australia has welcomed the opening of a Masters store around the corner from Costco in Canberra, saying it will be good for competition and consumers. But, he said, Costco's prices are "better and sharper".
Fri 20/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters takes on Costco in Canberra
Woolworths' dedicated home improvement retailer Masters has opened a new shopfront in Canberra's Majura Park shopping precinct, almost a year to the day after Costco opened its doors around the corner.
Wed 18/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W recalls house brand Abode Stainless Steel deep fryer
Big W has issued a recall of its house brand Abode 3 Litre Stainless Steel Deep Fryer due to a potential safety hazard.
Thu 12/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Clicks and mortar strongly represented in online shopping survey
Australia's big bricks and mortar names have taken four of the top six spots in a recent Canstar Blue survey on online shopping. Big W, Target, Kmart and Myer all figured in the poll, which also found that Australians prefer to shop locally.
Mon 02/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Lasoo, Target and Hasbro donate $20,000 worth of fun to Children's Hospital
Catalogue aggregator Lasoo, part of the Salmat company, in conjunction with retailer Target and toy supplier Hasbro, has today donated $20,000 worth of electronics, games and toys to The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Tue 26/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Complaints pile up as United Warranties stays silent
More consumers and businesses have come out to complain about issues with United Warranties, which was dropped as warranty provider for a number of major brands and retailers yesterday, and which has all but vanished off the radar.
Fri 15/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W joins Myer in dropping United Warranties
Following news yesterday that Myer had ceased selling warranties due to issues with its provider, United Warranties, Big W has confirmed to Current.com.au that it has also ditched the embattled warranty company.
Fri 15/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer suspends warranty sales as United Warranties flails
The future of United Warranties is in doubt, with major retail and supply partners withdrawing their support for the warranty provider. One such brand is Myer, which has been forced to cease sales of warranties altogether.
Thu 14/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Major restructure at David Jones as new sales and marketing team installed
David Jones CEO Paul Zahra has today announced a restructure of the company's head office, with a large number of ins and outs at the publicly listed department store.
Wed 09/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »The future of Dick Smith: Exclusive Interview (Part 2)
Yesterday, Current presented an exclusive interview with Dick Smith regarding the future of the company and the current state of the retail industry. Today, we present part two of this special Q&A.
Fri 04/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Exclusive: Insight into Big W's new store layout and CE strategy
When Big W opened the doors on its new Canberra store last month, the brand took the opportunity to show off a new store format. We take a look at what Big W is offering its average "mum with kids" customer on the retail floor.
Mon 23/04/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters sales up 30%, online sales coming soon
Woolworths has released its third quarter sales results, with Masters reporting a sales jump of almost 30% and a website in the works. While Dick Smith posted a slight decrease in sales, the retailer was largely ignored in the results report.
Mon 23/04/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »How Apple and the major retailers have responded to ACCC iPad 4G demands
It's been one week since Apple promised to provide notification on its website as to the lack of 4Gness of its new iPad. Apple has delivered, updating its website to include the prescribed text, as have several of its authorised resellers.
Tue 03/04/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Out on the Patio, we swoon: Jamie Durie's outdoor range hits Big W
At the opening of Big W's newest store yesterday, Jamie Durie was on hand to spruik his new Patio by Jamie Durie range of barbecues and outdoor furnishings.
Fri 30/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths & Big W fan heater recall
Woolworths has announced a recall of a 2000-watt Oscillating Fan Heater sold under the Home Collection brand at Woolworths, and under the Abode brand at Big W.
Wed 14/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »The big retailers that have aced Facebook, and how to emulate their success
A new report has tracked the big department stores and general retailers that have found success on Facebook by engaging with consumers. The report also outlines tips for growing the strength of your brand or business.
Wed 22/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony PS Vita launches in Uncharted Sydney waters
Sony launched its newest gaming device, the PlayStation Vita, in Sydney's Farm Cove last night. The event was a showcase for the wide lineup of launch games, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Wipeout 2048.
Wed 22/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters, Big W & Dick Smith take on Costco in Canberra's Majura Park
Costco is set to go up against new large-format Masters, Big W and Dick Smith stores over the coming months, as Woolworths expands its presence in Canberra's Majura Park retail precinct. Current takes a look at the new contenders.
Tue 07/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths to sell off Dick Smith & close up to 100 stores
Following a formal strategic review, Woolworths has announced it will be selling off the ailing Dick Smith chain. Big W will be Woolworths' new focus for CE, while 100 "underperforming" Dick Smith stores face the chop.
Tue 31/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W Abode Multi-Functional Blender recall
Woolworths Limited has issued a recall of its Abode Multi-Functional Blender, sold in Big W stores, due to risks posed by the appliance's rubber seal.
Wed 12/10/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Online must be part of your core business strategy: Dick Smith GM
Following a successful night at the Online Retail Industry Awards, where the company was named Best Multichannel Retailer, Dick Smith GM Debra Singh talks about the company's successes in the online world.
Thu 29/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »UPDATE: Kindle e-reader exclusive to Dick Smith, Big W for Christmas
For light travellers and book fanatics alike, Dick Smith and Big W are set to be the first Australian retailers to sell the Amazon Kindle e-reader in online and bricks and mortar stores.
Thu 11/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters Home Improvement set to neighbour with Costco Canberra
Woolworths' new hardware retail chain, known as Masters Home Improvement, will be playing neighbours with Costco Canberra when it opens next year. The store is also set to offer appliances in amongst the hardware aisles.
Wed 03/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith rebranding helps to boost sales
Woolworths Limited, parent company of the consumer electronics retailer Dick Smith, announced its fourth quarter sales results yesterday, reporting a 2.1 per cent increase in its CE sales in Australia.
Thu 21/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith and Big W set to open next to Canberra Costco
Retail giant Woolworths Limited yesterday announced that it plans to open a new Dick Smith retail shopfront near Canberra Airport - right next to the site of Costco's new Canberra warehouse store.
Tue 28/06/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Big W heater recalled due to smoke, fumes and fire risk
A Woolworths house brand heater sold through Big W stores has been recalled due to its potential fire risk.
Wed 25/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Link Technology recalls dryers nationwide
The supplier of Mistral, Rank Arena, Homemaker and Signature clothes dryers has issued a nationwide recall after a design defect affecting certain models has been deemed a 'life threatening' hazard.
Mon 07/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »E3! appoints new national sales manager
E3!, who source and develop consumer electronics products for retailers and distributors worldwide, have expanded their Australian operation to further develop the company's retail and distribution channels.
Wed 02/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith reveals weak growth
Dick Smith and Big W parent company, Woolworths, has revealed anaemic consumer electronic sales for Q1 in Australia, requiring its investment in India to bump up the average sales growth to 4.1 per cent.
Wed 20/10/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths snubs Visa and MasterCard for debit card transactions
Woolworths Limited will no longer use MasterCard and Visa networks to process debit card payments. All future transactions will now go through the Australian EFTPOS network across its entire network of stores including Big W and Dick Smith.
Thu 01/04/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths expands Everyday Mobile offering
In August 2009, Woolworths launched Everyday Mobile with the aim of offering consumers a cheap and easy to understand prepaid mobile option. Due to its popularity with consumers, the company has expanded its service with a new plan.
Tue 16/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Over $1 billion in net profit for Woolworths
Woolworths Limited has posted a net profit after tax of $1.095 billion for the 27 weeks ending 3 January 2010. This represents an 11.4 per cent increase compared to the previous period.
Mon 01/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »H1 sales up 6% at Woolworths
According to its first half year sales results, Woolworths Limited witnessed a 6 per cent increase to $27.2 billion for the 27 weeks to 3 January 2010. Sales across Woolworths, Big W and Dick Smith stores all showed signs of growth for the period.
Wed 27/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Shocking Logitech power adapter recalled
Logitech Australia Computer Peripherals has issued a product recall for a power adaptor on one of its iPod and iPhone alarm clocks due to a risk of electric shock. Big W, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys have all sold this product.
Thu 10/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths gains from frugal customers
At the Woolworths Limited Annual General Meeting, CEO Michael Luscombe has outlined the strong performance of the entire company's retail stores and how they have taken advantage of the economic downturn.
Fri 27/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Three consecutive years of double digit growth for Big W
Big W was a dominant player in Woolworths' latest financial results, recording its third straight year of double digit growth in revenue and earnings. Dick Smith and the Consumer Electronics market also had positive reports.
Thu 27/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths soars with just under $50 billion in sales
Woolworths has released its final profit report for the 52 weeks ending 28 June 2009; the results show that the company is continuing its dominance across the retail market with a net profit after tax of over $1.83 billion and sales just under $50 billion
Thu 27/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Quickflix announces bundle promotion with Harvey Norman
Quickflix, Australia's leading online movie rental company has just announced a new consumer promotion where it is giving away free subscriptions to Harvey Norman customers.
Tue 11/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths enters the telco arena
Woolworths Limited has just announced that it has joined forces with Optus to launch Woolworths Everyday Mobile, a new prepaid mobile service to offer consumers a simple and low-cost prepaid mobile phone service.
Mon 03/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths and Big W continue to dominate in downturn
Woolworths released its FY09 results yesterday and as reported by Current.com.au, Dick Smith and the CE sector performed very strongly. In addition to this the supermarket division and Big W also witnessed exceptional growth in these tough times.
Thu 23/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Philips and Crest team up with Big W and Dick Smith to help sick kids
Philips Consumer lifestyle and Crest Electronics have just announced that it is supporting the Children's Hospital foundations Australia by donating $5 from every sale of their selected headphones at Big W and Dick Smith stores.
Tue 23/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Pioneer and Pure officially launch digital radio range
At an event held at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art last night, Pioneer Electronics Australia officially announced its partnership with UK digital radio distributor Pure and launched a wide variety of its new DAB radio offerings.
Fri 29/05/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths records sales of $12.3 billion over third quarter
Woolworths has just revealed its third quarter sales figures for the 13 weeks to 5 April 2009, recording an impressive $12.3 billion, Big W and Dick Smith also recorded exceptional results.
Fri 17/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths guns for CE No.1 spot
Woolworths has announced it wants to take its Dick Smith's consumer electronics retailer to number one in CE retailing in Australia, with a strategic review of the business to be conducted similar to the successful Big W re-vamp.
Tue 26/02/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »
