Myer shows slight improvement despite retail pressures
Myer has issued an update on its 2013 finances, with the retailer showing a slight uptick in sales and profits. Despite this, the company says the retail industry is facing pressures including the growth of overseas online retailers.
Thu 09/05/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »High Aussie dollar wedging Harvey Norman - time for some sympathy?
The phenomenal consistency of the dollar - at or around price parity with the US Dollar for more than two years - has been an incredible boon for some - but not Harvey Norman.
Wed 17/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Remember this epic fail? Mother's Day Click Frenzy start of frenzied 2013
Click Frenzy, the sale that stops a website, is back for another attempt at bettering mediocrity, launching a new Mother's Day online sale frenzy scheduled for the evening of 23 April 2013.
Fri 05/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith apologises for incorrect offer, refuses to honour cheap price
Dick Smith Electronics has written to its customers apologising for advertising a 32GB MicroSD memory card for only $8. It will not be honouring this price as it has a Term absolving it for honouring any offer.
Fri 08/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Australians opt for local online retail over international sites
NAB released its January Online Retail Sales Index today and, while online sales growth dwarfed bricks and mortar growth, there was good news for local retailers - their online stores are now raking in more sales than overseas competitors.
Mon 04/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman enticing newsletter subscribers, omnichannel sales with $5 voucher
Harvey Norman is currently offering a $5 discount to all consumers who sign up for the company's email newsletter. The discount can only be used on purchases made through Harvey Norman's online store.
Wed 20/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »How to stop customers milking staff for info then buying online
One of the most frustrating modern scenarios for retailers is a customer walking in their store, checking out the latest products, milking the staff for information and then going home to buy the product online.
Wed 06/02/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »New managing director announced for VideoPro
Ian Wright has replaced Shane Leaney as the managing director of Brisbane based technology retailer VideoPro. Wright has worked at VideoPro for 27 years.
Wed 23/01/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »The Good Guys eBoss: 'You can't fake what you're not good at'
In this wide-ranging interview with the manager of eCommerce at The Good Guys, we find out how the retail group is using digital to forge a new path in appliance sales. Unlike some competitors, The Good Guys is a true believer.
Mon 10/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer squares off against Government: 'Consumers want certainty'
The chairman of Myer has used his address to shareholders to take a swipe at the Federal Government today, saying the carbon levy is hurting consumer spending and the "GST loophole" for online purchases is hurting businesses.
Fri 07/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Best and Worst: How good are the traditional retailers at mobile sites?
Mobile browsing is one of the pillars of 'omnichannel retailing' - and some retailers are doing it better than others. We review The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Appliances Online, JB, Dick Smith, Betta and more in this feature.
Fri 07/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »The Good Guys partners with PayPal to make Christmas payments easier
Designed to target online, mobile and catalogue customers, these new initiatives make it easier for consumers to pay for goods and are intended to increase The Good Guys' online sales closing rates.
Thu 06/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »OP/ED: The future of path-to-purchase is customer, not retailer, centric
In this guest post, merchandising services provider David Tyc argues that traditional retailers need to take the focus off themselves and make the path to purchase easier for consumers across multiple platforms.
Wed 28/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman brings online concept to bricks and mortar
After launching its online-only daily deals website, Harvey Norman Big Buys, Harveys is now promoting a bricks and mortar iteration of the site, with five Big Buys stores now open along the east coast.
Mon 26/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Retravision Northern annual report reveals profit collapse and credit risks
The most recent publicly available annual report for Retravision Northern reveals the first stages of its slide into non-existence. An enormous decline in net profit and the growing threat of bad debts are prominent.
Mon 19/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer reports slight uplift in sales, CEO remains cautious about future
Myer Holdings Limited has this morning released a positive sales figure for its department store assets for the first quarter of the 2013 financial year.
Thu 15/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Click Frenzy is a good idea but Australia needs our own Black Friday
There's a new push to increase online sales and it's being supported, perversely, by several traditional retailers. Instead of copying America's Cyber Monday, these stores should be cloning the Black Friday sales.
Tue 13/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »David Jones cuts prices, boosts online & explores property development
After posting a 40 per cent drop in full-year profits today, David Jones has outlined its plan for growth including "cost price harmonisation", greater investment in online and the potential of developing or selling its 4 CBD property sites.
Wed 19/09/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi sees serious growth in online and digital offerings
Despite relatively weak profit results across the whole JB Hi-Fi group, the company's online and digital offerings are showing real strength, with JB Hi-Fi Online posting a 77 per cent increase in sales.
Mon 13/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »WOW Sight & Sound online superstore launches, with much exclamation!
After WOW Sight & Sound went into administration and the brand was sold to new "bronze presidential" owners, the long awaited, pure-play-online "superstore" has finally launched.
Mon 30/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Day 55 of WOW watch, and we're still waiting
It's been almost 2 months since WOW Sight & Sound's new bronze presidential owners were due to launch their online store. No news yet, but UnderCurrent can reveal what the store may soon sell...
Wed 25/07/2012 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 »Masters takes hardware and appliance shopping online
After forecasting the arrival of a "transactional website" in April this year, Masters has quietly launched a new online shopping option on its website.
Fri 29/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Charity driven Buy Nothing New Month divides opinion
This October will be the second 'Buy Nothing New Month', a movement designed to curb consumerism and excessive or unnecessary purchasing. The Current.com.au team debates the merits of such an initiative.
Wed 27/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »David Jones focused on Facebook and new webstore as sales slump slightly
David Jones Limited has recorded a slight decline in total sales for the third quarter of the 2012 financial year - down 2.9 per cent year-on-year to just under $400 million. Meanwhile, the company has added 20,000 new Facebook fans.
Thu 31/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Retravision Northern building up for sale as unification nears completion
The Retravision Northern building is currently being sold and there is only a handful of staff left at the head office. At store level, however, things are going well and it's business as usual, according to the CEO.
Wed 23/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer sales steady as online presence grows
Myer has recorded resilient sales for the third quarter of its financial year - $651 million. Although this is down 0.9 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, Myer notes that this is a "solid result in a challenging environment".
Wed 23/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »WOW Sight & Sound to relaunch with new 'Bronze Presidential' owners
Following the collapse of WOW Sight & Sound earlier in the year, the brand name has been bought by a new company and is set to relaunch as an online-only venture in June.
Tue 22/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Betta sales increase as rebranding of ex-Retravision stores begins
The BSR Group has revealed a slight sales increase for the group's March 2012 financial year, while the integration of ex-Retravision members is coinciding with the rebranding of the network's trading name to Betta Home Living.
Wed 16/05/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Investing in the online space: Dick Smith's e-commerce strategy
With online sales and omnichannel retail pushing their way into the industry consciousness, Current spoke to Dick Smith about the company's focus on e-commerce and the importance of finding the balance between clicks and mortar.
Mon 30/04/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith's $1 Sale: Retailer offers apology with gaming discounts
Following a bungled sale at the beginning of the month which saw disgruntled consumers walking away empty handed, Dick Smith has extended its "Game On" gaming sale, offering products for as little as $1.
Wed 11/04/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »The "store of the future": DJs outlines its plans for online retail
Despite company profits falling 20% over the last 6 months, David Jones has outlined a bold new plan for expanding its "Omni Channel Retail" offering. So what will the new online strategy involve, and will it save the department store?
Fri 23/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Gerry Harvey's employees tell him he's right up there with e-commerce
Although Gerry Harvey admits to having doubts about whether he was in touch with the modern retailing reality, even to the point of seeking counsel, he ultimately decided he was still at the vanguard.
Mon 19/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Perfect appliance storm of Facebook, customer service and $50,000
John Winning, the founder and CEO of Appliances Online, has offered a rare insight into how he turned a $50,000 grant from his family into the country's most successful online appliance retailer.
Tue 06/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »CE Retailers use deals to lure online shoppers: so what's on offer?
Online shoppers are increasingly gravitating towards discounted deals, according to new research from technology analysts Telsyte. So just what are Australian appliance & CE retailers offering their loyal online followers?
Tue 06/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »At Harvey Norman, the customer is always in the middle
Amongst the pages and pages of information submitted by Harvey Norman to the Australian Securities Exchange this week was an interesting graphic...
Fri 02/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi CODB up for first time in 7 years, online booming, grey market growth
The most interesting and relevant take-outs from JB's investor briefing are here, with cost of doing business rising for the first time in seven years, online booming on back of grey growth, NOW going alpha and entry into musical instruments.
Mon 13/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Bricks and mortar retailers innovating with online video customer service
One of the biggest hurdles retailers need to overcome when designing an online portal for their bricks and mortar stores is maintaining the same level of customer service on a website as they do in a store. Two companies are doing this well.
Fri 03/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Zanui.com.au responds to Appliances Online's customer service concerns
Online retail aggregator Zanui.com.au has responded to criticism from Winning Appliances and Appliances Online CEO John Winning, saying its business delivers the best customer service available in the industry.
Thu 02/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »OP/ED: Online marketplace sites can be bad news for your retail brand
In this special guest post, Appliances Online CEO John Winning explains why it's not a good idea to accept every offer that comes through the door. He'll work with some online affiliates, but definitely not all.
Mon 30/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman defends direct imports: 'consumers are demanding it'
Despite a history of rallying against online retailers, Harvey Norman launched its own direct import online store last year. The retailer has now come out to defend the move, saying it was a case of "if you can't beat them, join them".
Tue 17/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman MD criticises low value import "loophole"
The managing director of Harvey Norman, Katie Page, has criticised the Federal Government for not closing a GST "loophole" on online sales, despite the company launching a direct import website just one month ago.
Mon 16/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Positive response to new Whitfords showroom and website
The launch of the new Whitfords of Five Dock showroom has been well-received, with more space to showcase products and the introduction of two new brands. Plus, there's a new website offering multichannel retailing.
Thu 12/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Discounting unnecessary and online threat overstated, claims think tank
Two-thirds of Australian consumers are indifferent as to whether a desirable product is on sale at retail level, with only 36 per cent of respondents to a national survey saying that they only buy products when the price is discounted.
Thu 12/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Woolworths breaks into daily deals with Door Buster website
Woolworths Limited - owner of Dick Smith, Big W and Masters retail chains - has launched a new 'deal-of-the-day' style online store, offering discounted consumer electronics, appliances and FMCGs.
Wed 11/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Government responds to retail concerns over low value imports
The Federal Government has responded to the Productivity Commission's inquiry into Australian retail, establishing a taskforce to assess the importing of low value goods, as well as a Retail Council to assist in policy development.
Mon 12/12/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Forget classifieds, Appliances Online turns to Facebook to recruit staff
Ever the innovator, Appliances Online, the web sales portal of Winning Appliances, is using Facebook to recruit new staff members. So far, almost 60 social networkers have applied to work at the company since the launch in late November.
Tue 06/12/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Jolly old Saint Click: 72% of us will shop online this Christmas
According to new research released by Appliances Online, as many as 72 per cent of Australians will be shopping online this festive season, with only 16 per cent completely avoiding online retail.
Wed 30/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Best price or lame duck? Harvey Norman defends competitive pricing
While Harvey Norman's Best Price Guarantee doesn't take into consideration grey imports and products from online stores, the company has insisted that the prices it offers are 'the best it can possibly do in the market'.
Wed 30/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Spot the difference as Joyce Mayne and Domayne follow Harvey Norman online
In the haste last week to cover the online launch of Harvey Norman, the even quieter launches of Joyce Mayne and Domayne online went by almost unnoticed. Interestingly, the three sites are noticeably different.
Tue 29/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »'No trade off for franchisees': Harvey Norman talks up online venture
Harvey Norman has gone online - but what exactly does it mean for the company's franchisees and everyday punters? Current spoke to the head of Harvey Norman's Computers' Division to find out.
Tue 29/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »The fiend in the fine print: Just how competitive is Harvey Norman Online?
Following the launch of Harvey Norman Online last week, Current takes a look at the fine print on prices and procedures. Is Harveys really offering the Best Price, and will other franchises ultimately pay the cost?
Mon 28/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Appliances Online CEO reveals startling insight into business success
The boss of Appliances Online, CEO John Winning, has offered a rare insight into the business success of the retail website he founded in 2005. This information would please Harvey Norman, which launched its own online site last week.
Mon 28/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman v Good Guys v JB and the rest: Guide to clicks and mortar
Harvey Norman yesterday took its long-awaited e-plunge - find out how its offer compares to The Good Guys, Betta, Dick Smith, Retravision, Appliances Online, JB Hi-Fi, Bing Lee and WOW Sight & Sound.
Thu 24/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Breaking News: Harvey Norman starts selling online
After months of speculation, Harvey Norman has finally moved into the world of e-commerce. Take a first look at the much-anticipated world of Harvey Norman Online.
Wed 23/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »UPDATE: Canon issues fighting words to JB Hi-Fi over grey imports
Canon is disappointed by JB Hi-Fi's decision to directly import cameras, issuing a thinly-veiled threat to move its business elsewhere if the move causes any changes in sales results.
Mon 21/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Overseas Samsung and LG websites exploring new online sales strategy
Samsung and LG are both using their American websites to direct browsers to online stores selling their products. This idea presents an interesting case study in how to transition browsers to sales without selling directly.
Mon 21/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Nikon Australia's five point response to the rise of the Grey Market
So pervasive is the threat of grey imports to Nikon, the manufacturer has provided a five point guide to why purchasing its products from authorised resellers instead of parallel importers.
Mon 21/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »JB CEO defends grey imports: Full interview with Terry Smart
Following JB Hi-Fi's decision to direct import DSLRs, CEO Terry Smart spoke exclusively to Current to defend the move, saying it was necessary to educate consumers on grey products, and JB was "not telling them what is right or wrong".
Mon 21/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »90 years later, Whitfords is expanding and going online
The Whitfords store in Sydney has been in the family for almost a century. Next month, a new showroom will be opened and the retailer will commence online trading.
Mon 21/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »We are the 62%: ACMA report finds majority of Aussies shop online
The majority of Australians using the internet are shopping online according to a new report released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) this week.
Fri 18/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »UPDATED: JB starts direct importing "grey market cameras"
JB Hi-Fi has a new Direct Import offering on its online store - at prices significantly lower than the 'hot prices' found elsewhere on its site - despite saying the local supply chain "supports the Australian economy and jobs".
Fri 18/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Retravision to introduce online selling, new commercial division created
Retravision will begin selling through its website in early 2012, with Southern CEO Tim Cockayne saying the brand is transforming itself to attract new customers. Also, a new commercial division has been created.
Tue 15/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »2nds World launches new online sister company: Savvy Appliances
Factory seconds retailer 2nds World has started a new online store, called Savvy Appliances. In a departure from the "Tiny ding, huge savings" theme of its bricks and mortar stores, Savvy Appliances promotes itself as retailer of first run products.
Thu 10/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »John Winning the new CEO of Winning Appliances, John Murphy steps down as GM
John Murphy, a 32-year veteran of Winning Appliances, has today announced he will step down from his general manager role. John Winning, who is currently the CEO of Appliances Online and Big Brown Box has been appointed the new CEO.
Thu 10/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer focusing on 'omnichannel retailing' as sales dip slightly
Myer CEO Bernie Brookes was upbeat today despite the listed department store recording slight dips in total sales and like-for-like sales for the first quarter of the 2012 Financial Year.
Wed 09/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters explodes out of the blocks but Dick Smith under formal review
Sales in Woolworths' five new Masters stores are "well ahead of budget", according to Woolworths Limited CEO Grant O'Brien, who outlined the reasons for placing Dick Smith under strategic review.
Wed 02/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Appliances Online celebrates 6th birthday and a Winning strategy
Appliances Online, the e-tailing branch of Winning Appliances, is celebrating its 6th birthday this year. But far from resting on his laurels, CEO John Winning has set ambitious targets for the future.
Fri 28/10/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »'Move now before opportunities dry up': 5 steps to success in online retail
Deloitte has issued a report outlining the five key areas that Australian retailers must focus on in order to succeed in online retail, arguing that many retailers need to set a strategy before it is too late.
Mon 24/10/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Retravision appoints new executive director and launches new branding
Retravision recently announced the appointment of Paul Holt, CEO of Retravision (WA), as an executive director to the Retravision Board. In other news, the company has launched a refreshed website and company logo.
Tue 04/10/2011 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 »Appliances Online & Dick Smith awarded as leaders in online retail
The Online Retail Industry Awards were held in Sydney overnight, with Appliances Online and Dick Smith picking up two awards each. Dick Smith was also named the 2011 Online Retailer of the Year.
Wed 28/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Apple and Canon comment on Kogan's latest move, plus industry feedback
The source of the name brand stock currently being sold on the Kogan online website is uncertain, with none of the brands, or Kogan itself, providing details of their relationship.
Thu 15/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Kogan selling Apple, Nikon, Canon, Samsung; including Galaxy Tab 10.1
UPDATED WITH APPLE & KOGAN QUOTES: In a major change of strategy, pureplay online retailer Kogan today began selling name brands, with Apple, Samsung, Nikon and Canon all now available.
Wed 14/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Winning Appliances mentality key to new Brisbane showroom success
John Winning has spoken openly about why he and the other key decision makers at Winning Appliances chose to open a new, full service showroom in Brisbane.
Sun 04/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman to launch online store and software on demand service
Following on from the release of its yearly profit results today, Harvey Norman has announced that it will be launching new online initiatives as well as new retail complexes in Victoria and Queensland.
Tue 30/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »OP/ED: 'Canon is now a competitor' says leading camera retailer
Peter Michael's family has been in the camera business for 95 years. For the first time, he now considers leading brand Canon to be a competitor.
Tue 30/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Canon launches online store to sell direct to consumers
Canon Australia has today launched a local online store that will sell direct to Australian consumers and "complement" the brand's existing distribution channels.
Mon 29/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Bunnings talks competition with Masters
As Masters prepares to open its first store in Melbourne next month, Current.com.au talks to one of its key competitors about the changing home improvement retail landscape and shifts in online trends.
Tue 23/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Masters Home Improvement to have "integrated" online offering
The Masters Home Improvement chain is coming to Australia, and with it will come a dedicated online sales portal that will be integrated with the bricks and mortar offering.
Fri 19/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi defies downturn to post sales and profit growth, new stores planned
JB Hi-Fi has continued to defy the doom and gloom surrounding traditional retail, posting an improved normalised net profit after tax result of just over $134 million for the 12 months to July 2011.
Mon 08/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Good news for Gerry as report recommends more online GST
The Australian Government Productivity Commission issued a draft report today, providing "in-principle" support for the introduction of GST on imports below $1,000, but ultimately rejecting the measure as inefficient...for the time being.
Thu 04/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Logitech to compete directly with retailers through online sales site
Logitech Australia has today followed the lead of brands such as Apple and Sony, opening up its own online store to sell directly to consumers.
Wed 20/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Smartphone internet use is rampant but shopping not so popular
Consumer electronics is the most browsed product on smartphones, though only a small number of Australians have actually used their handsets to compare prices and features before purchase.
Mon 11/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »A slow retail market? Online sales aren't totally to blame
Online sales are on the rise, but according to figures released today by Macquarie Equities Research, e-commerce shouldn't take all the blame for a lagging retail economy.
Tue 05/07/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Betta launches online selling with curious delivery process
BSR Group has today launched Betta Electrical's online store, with the group running a potentially $1 million competition to promote the new site. The overall model is similar to The Good Guys, though the delivery option is unique.
Mon 06/06/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Kitchen HQ to go online: Rick Hart
One of Australia's original appliance retailers has told Current.com.au that Kitchen Headquarters will be embracing the online market, eventually.
Mon 02/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »The Good Guys adds delivery to its online sales offering
The Good Guys has modified its online sales model, with franchisees now delivering stock to consumers. Previously, consumers that had purchased products on The Good Guys central website would pick up their goods from the nearest store.
Fri 29/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Harvey Norman online faces stiff competition
The household name retailer intends to turn over $100 million in the next two years but exponential growth in the online discount and coupon boom could dampen the dream, according to industry experts.
Thu 28/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Faster internet speeds will increase consumer time online: Nielsen report
Australians with faster internet speeds spend longer online than those with slower speeds, suggesting that instead of reducing the time spent online due to the better efficiency of higher speeds, consumers will increase online usage.
Mon 11/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Betta Electrical new online platform will support retailers: BSR
The new e-commerce and online strategy for the Betta Electrical group to be rolled out later in the year will focus on maximising the local community support role that its retailers already fulfil, according to BSR.
Thu 07/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Fed Govt furthers the push to online retailing
The Australian Retailer Association is conducting a seminar to assist Australian retail businesses establish an online trading platform. Called 'Engage with E-tailing', this conference will be held in Melbourne on 13 April 2011.
Tue 05/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Appliances Online reveals its winning strategy
In six years of operation Appliances Online have exceeded their own expectations, doubling both profit and revenue by more than 100 per cent every year. In an exclusive interview with John Winning we find out how and where to from here.
Tue 05/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Reducing the $1,000 GST threshold not worthwhile: Productivity Commission
Retailers hoping for a lowering of the $1,000 GST free threshold for overseas online purchases have been dealt a blow in the Productivity Commission's preliminary conclusions.
Mon 04/04/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Gerry Harvey set to "cannibalise" his stores with online trade
Harvey Norman is set to join retail rivals JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys and Bing Lee by starting online trading within the next 12 months. Chairman Gerry Harvey used the word 'cannibalise' to describe its possible effect.
Wed 30/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »David Jones in no rush to expand online trade
While some retailers gallop towards expanding their online trade and multi channel offering, David Jones has said the cost-benefit analysis of furthering online operations will be well considered.
Thu 24/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer details its online expansion, myfind.com on trial
Myer has described the inherent differences and the future directions of its two online shopping websites in today's first half year sales report.
Thu 17/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Analysts deny online trade will destroy high street
In a report titled 'Defying the odds: Industries triumph over online adversity', analysts suggest resourceful operators have repositioned their offerings in order to meet the online challenge. How will buying power and reputation trump online offerings?
Wed 16/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Facebook and the consumer/brand connection is a revolution: online expert
Three quarters of Australians are "tapping" into other consumers' opinions as seen on social media sites, according to a Nielsen Online report. How this will impact their purchasing decisions depends on how the interaction is managed.
Tue 15/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi has the best multichannel offering, expert analyst says
Domestic high street retailers are trailing behind JB Hi-Fi, whose early adoption into the online market has resulted in a fully integrated offering that presents significant sales potential, according to a Macquarie Securities Group analyst.
Thu 10/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Australian online retailers lag behind the rest of the world: survey
Two in five people questioned said they think Australia is behind the rest of the world in online retailing and over half believe online stores offer greater choice than bricks and mortar retailers, according to a new consumer survey.
Mon 07/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer trumps Kogan but online venture more lost than found
If ever there was a pyrrhic victory to be regretted, it's Myer's win over Kogan in the bet to launch an online site out of China.
Tue 01/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi online covers all the bases: CEO Terry Smart
Online sales for the company grew by 35 per cent in the first half of the financial year. JB Hi-Fi CEO Terry Smart tells us what he predicts the next six months will hold for the online enterprise as well as his take on social media.
Thu 17/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »E&S Trading: socialites of the appliance world
They are promoting themselves via the full gamut of social networking tools but for E&S Trading, focussing on online transactions is secondary to driving traffic into stores.
Wed 16/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Why Nintendo is NOT price gouging on the 3DS
Okay, so it costs $350 here but only $250 in the US - we're getting ripped off, right? Only on face value, with a closer look revealing we're not being overcharged that much at all.
Fri 11/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Selling online can increase revenues: Senator Conroy
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has announced an Online Retail Forum to help Australian businesses take advantage of online opportunities.
Wed 02/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Which Australian state shops online the most?
A consumer research report has said it expects online shopping to grow by 4.6 per cent in 2011 and account for 3.4 per cent of all retail expenditure in Australia. So, which state is letting its fingers do the buying?
Fri 21/01/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »A win for Gerry Harvey as Government inquiry into e-trading announced
Just weeks after Gerry Harvey called for a more protectionist Government stance on online retailing, a cabal of Ministers have announced an inquiry into the future of Australian retail.
Mon 20/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Kogan launches TradeLeaks for 'retail trade transparency'
Will Kogan be the consumers' champion in the way that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been flagged the people's hero (or villain) for politics?
Thu 16/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Making an in-store sale out of online shoppers
Sales staff are throwing their arms up in exasperation after advising consumers who are clearly checking out merchandise in-store before purchasing through a different online retailer.
Thu 09/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »ACCC cautions online shoppers this Christmas
Echoing the Australian Federal Police warning two days ago, the consumer watchdog has placed online shopping third in a list of 10 scams to watch out for this Christmas.
Wed 08/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »The Good Guys online a clear winner in exclusive poll
Its new Clicks and Mortar online sales proposition might be a little confusing for some, but The Good Guys website has been voted the best online experience amongst the traditional retailers. Find out how Harveys, JB and Retra fared.
Wed 08/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers won't be sidestepped by suppliers selling online
In response to yesterday's story on the threat to retailers if consumers purchase directly from manufacturers, one insider has said that it will be a "long, long time" before this actually happens, if at all.
Wed 08/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Will manufacturers steal the online show?
While some scoff at Bernie Brooks' and Gerry Harvey's so-called bluff, new research has revealed 94 per cent of Australians are interested in bypassing retailers altogether to buy direct from manufacturers.
Tue 07/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Dick Smith launches unique, intriguing 'Click to Collect' concept
First announced on Twitter this morning, Dick Smith has introduced a new way for consumers to purchase products using the internet.
Tue 07/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Cheap can be nasty: Fed Police issue online shopping warning
It's not all cheap prices and convenience when shopping online: the Australian Federal Police has issued warnings today telling consumers to watch out online. No such warnings are in place for bricks and mortar stores.
Mon 06/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Kambo's and Good Guys now trading online, and very differently
WA retail legend Peter Kambouris has opened up an online store to attract more consumers away from the cheap online players. The Good Guys is trading online too, but with a different model.
Thu 25/11/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer takes on new online strategist
A new online operations manager will replace David Leckstrom, who has been responsible for Myer's digital brand presence including its corporate website, e-commerce site, social media networks, smartphone services and digital marketing.
Wed 10/11/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Kogan to launch in the UK...watch out Gerry
Ruslan Kogan has confirmed he will be opening a business in the UK within weeks, in a move which is likely to re-open the conflict between the online retailer and its arch-rival Gerry Harvey who operates stores in Ireland.
Wed 13/10/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Online retailers invest in technology in hope of 30 per cent sales growth
Australia's small online retailers are growing quickly, selling internationally, and performing well, according to a report released today by Forrester Research.
Fri 20/08/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Harveys, Good Guys blamed for Australia's low online sales growth
Australia's underdeveloped consumer electronic commerce market is due to the lack of an online presence by large retail chains such as Harvey Norman and the Good Guys.
Wed 21/07/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Most consumers going online before going into a store
A new survey has shown that 90 per cent of Australians are likely or very likely to research a purchase online before going into a bricks-and-mortar store to make the purchase.
Mon 31/05/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Seminar designed to help online retailers
In a noteworthy week for online retailing, digital relationship marketing agency, Permission, has announced an upcoming industry seminar titled Online Retailing: Get set for Success.
Fri 23/04/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »New online store Big Brown Box, a Pandora's Box?
Radio Rentals officially launched its online retail store, Big Brown Box, with the promises of "great deals, everyday" and free delivery, to most areas in Australia. But will this be open a Pandora's Box on discounting in an already margin-poor industry?
Thu 27/11/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »
