Smart Cameras need demonstrations to maximise sales: Samsung
Samsung has outlined its digital imaging retail strategy for 2013, with the brand set to focus on connectivity and image sharing as one of the key selling points for its new camera line-up.
Tue 12/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Alert staff is central to stopping stock loss and shoplifting
Shoplifting is a big concern for retailers, but by staying on top of the ball and having a range of tools at their disposal, store owners and staff can drive five-finger-discounts out of their stores.
Wed 06/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Discounting leads to lowest salary increase for retail employees in 2013
Employees in the retail sector would be wise not spend their Christmas bonus in one hit after Aon Hewitt predicted only a 3.7 per cent average increase in 2013 - the lowest in the industries they survey.
Tue 11/12/2012 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 »Forget about interest rates and control what you can, says retail accountant
Accountancy firm RSM Bird Cameron has today shared five tips with retailers to help improve their businesses. RSM says business should focus on things within their control rather than worrying about issues like interest rates.
Thu 09/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »What does the Productivity Commission mean for the future of retail?
As the Retail Coalition continues to take the spotlight, no more information from the public inquiry into the future of Australian retail has emerged, read on to see how the inquiry is developing.
Wed 19/01/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Leading Index shows economic future is bright
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index was at 7.6 per cent in April. This is good news for retailers, as it indicates the likely pace of economic activity three to nine months in the future.
Thu 17/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail body slams Gerry Harvey
The Australian Retailers Association has criticised retail giant Gerry Harvey for being arrogant and lackadaisical after he recently laughed off the concerns of small retailers around the country.
Tue 15/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumer sentiment continues to fall
According to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute, the Consumer Sentiment Index fell by 5.7 per cent in June. This result has surprised economists, especially since the Reserve Bank recently held off on a rate rise.
Thu 10/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »18 arrested following police shoplifting crackdown
Police have arrested 18 people following an operation targeting shoplifting, stealing and other property offences in a Mount Druitt shopping centre late last week.
Tue 16/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Online electrical retailer amends misleading warranties and returns policy
An online retailer specialising in computers, software and electronic goods has amended its warranties and returns policy after ACCC action proved it was misleading consumers.
Mon 15/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer's expansion plans on track
According to Bernie Brookes, Myer chief executive officer, the refurbishment program for its retail stores is nearing completion. Brookes said that an expansion plan for 15 new stores is also in development.
Fri 12/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumer sentiment holds up after rate rise
According to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute, it seems consumers have not lost confidence in the economy after a fourth interest rate rise. The Consumer Sentiment Index increased by 0.2 per cent in March.
Wed 10/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Dodgy electrical retailer slammed
A leading electrical retailer and its director have been slammed by the Federal Court of Australia for engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct.
Thu 04/03/2010 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 »'We are poised to return to profitability': Strathfield
Strathfield Group executive chairman Vaz Hovanessian, announced this morning that although 2009 was tough for the retailer, it is poised for growth in 2009.
Fri 26/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Economy remains strong
It seems that Australia's economy is well and truly on the mend with the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index at 6.2 per cent for December, well above the long terms trend of 2.7 per cent.
Thu 18/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sales up 6.4 per cent at Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman Limited has just released its sales results for the six month period ending 31 December 2009. Sales across the Australian division of the company were up 6.4 per cent for the period.
Fri 05/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer sales creep up 2 per cent
Myer Holdings Limited has just released its sales figures for the first half of FY10 to 23 January 2010. The retailer recorded sales revenue of $1,797 million, which is up 2 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.
Thu 04/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Firebomb attack at Darwin Woolworths injures 15
A 44-year-old man has been arrested after he caused an explosion in a Woolworths shopping complex in Darwin yesterday. According to the police reports, 15 people were injured in the attack.
Thu 04/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »A sigh of relief from retailers as interest rates remain unchanged
The Reserve bank of Australia has decided to hold interest rates at 3.75 per cent. The Australian Retailers Association has applauded this decision as it will provide retailers with a chance to post consistent growth.
Wed 03/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »ARA warns of retail slowdown if rates rise in February
The Australian Retailers Association has warned that if there is a fourth consecutive RBA rate rise in February, retailers will suffer as much needed growth in consumer spending will be halted.
Mon 01/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Pace of economic recovery improves
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity three to nine months in the future, has been released. The November figure is at 7.6 per cent, well above its long term average of 3.0 per cent.
Fri 29/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumer Price Index increases 0.5%
According to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 0.5 per cent in the December quarter of 2009, compared to a one per cent rise in the September quarter.
Wed 27/01/2010 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 »Minister warns consumers about the dangers of online shopping
Minister for Fair Trading, Virginia Judge, has urged consumers to be careful when shopping online after over 3,000 complaints were received in 2009 about online trading.
Mon 25/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumer sentiment surges in January
According to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute, the Index of Consumer Sentiment has seen a massive 5.6 per cent growth in January.
Wed 20/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers wary of new Fair Work laws
The Australian Retailers Association's latest survey on the effects of the Fair Work Act has highlighted that 72 per cent of retailers don't understand their obligations under the new laws and are wary of the effect it will have on their business.
Tue 12/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »JB boss discusses Hill and Stewart closures in New Zealand
According to JB Hi-Fi CEO, Richard Uechtritz, the company's Hill and Stewart branded stores are in the process of closing down or have been closed throughout New Zealand.
Tue 12/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Early retail figures hint at strong Xmas season
Recent Retail Trade Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that sales for the month of November were up 1.4 per cent on a month-by-month basis and up 7.3 per cent year-on-year.
Fri 08/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »We can beat 2009 records: JB Hi-Fi boss
Not content with setting new sales records during a recession, JB Hi-Fi boss Richard Uechtritz has said there is no reason the boom retailer can't go even better in 2010.
Wed 06/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Police stop fraudulent gift card scammer
NSW Police have charged a man over an elaborate scheme where fraudulent gift cards were used to illegally purchase consumer electronic equipment.
Mon 04/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »$6.77 billion to run through the registers at post-Xmas sales
According to the Australian Retailers Association, consumers are expected to spend around $6.77 billion over the two-week post-Christmas sale period.
Thu 24/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »65% of consumers leave Xmas shopping to last minute
According to a survey carried out by the Australian National Retailers Association, 64 per cent of Australians have admitted to not finishing their Christmas shopping. The retail body is warning retailers to be prepared for a busy week.
Tue 22/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »E-commerce business breaches ACCC orders
It has been found that StoresOnline, an e-commerce marketing company that specialises in providing start-up software for internet retail businesses, has breached ACCC undertakings in regards to its misleading and deceptive conduct.
Mon 21/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »ARA expects 4.7% year-on-year growth for retail sales
The Australian Retailers Association has forecasted that the retail sector will grow by 4.7 per cent year-on-year for 2009 with sales expected to reach $38.7 billion.
Fri 11/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumer sentiment falls 3.8% in December
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer sentiment has been rattled after three consecutive rate rises, falling 3.8 per cent in December from 118.3 in November to 113.8.
Thu 10/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »CE products help boost online shopping by 4% year-on-year
According to figures released by comScore, retail e-commerce and online spending throughout November and December has increased 4 per cent year-on-year. The two strongest categories contributing to this were consumer electronics and computer hardware.
Wed 09/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail sales inch higher over October
According to the latest retail turnover figures from the ABS, sales for the month of October were up 0.3 per cent. Despite this, major retail bodies are warning retailers to prepare for the figure to drop, after three consecutive rate rises from the RBA.
Fri 04/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Third successive rate rise will hurt retailers
According to two of Australia's leading retail bodies, the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to rise the official interest rate for a third consecutive month will dramatically effect Christmas sales figures for retailers.
Thu 03/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »"Our stores have never looked better": David Jones CEO
At the company's Annual General Meeting yesterday, David Jones CEO Mark McInnes has highlighted that the retail chain is set for a bumper Christmas season and he is excited about the future growth of the company.
Tue 01/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailer admits to misleading advertising campaign
A retailer has admitted that a sale held last year was likely to mislead and deceive customers after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns over its 'two-price' advertising.
Fri 20/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Strong sales of gift cards expected this Christmas
According to the recent American Express Annual Christmas Survey, the most popular present this year may be the practical gift card. This poses a challenge for retailers, to see who will be able to drive the most consumers to their store.
Thu 19/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Now is the best time to buy a TV says Sony
Christmas is fast approaching and many suppliers are taking advantage of this with a variety of promotions. In regards to flat panel TVs in particular, Sony Australia thinks there has never been a better time to grab a new display.
Fri 13/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Jaycar Electronics opens new Capalaba store
Jaycar Electronics has just opened the doors to its newest store in Queensland. The Capalaba store is the 62nd store to open throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Wed 11/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »David Jones new flagship store to open in time for Christmas
David Jones Limited has announced that Stage One of its new flagship Bourke Street CBD store will open in Melbourne on 28 November 2009. The company is claiming it will be a on par with the likes of Selfridges in London and Bloomingdales in New York.
Tue 10/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail sales on the rise
According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics retail turnover for September in comparison to the same period last year rose 6.4 per cent in 2009. Sales also grew 1.4 per cent over the quarter.
Thu 05/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Visa to scrap credit card signatures to combat fraud
Visa has announced that over the next four years it will completely transition over to chip and PIN technology for all its credit card transactions, in a move to stamp out credit card fraud at the retail level.
Wed 04/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »WA EFTPOS skimmers take over $150k
There has been an update to the WA EFTPOS card skimming scam reported on Current.com.au yesterday, with police now confirming that an amount in excess of $150,000 has been stolen.
Fri 09/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers warned over EFTPOS card skimming scam
WA Police are warning retailers and consumers about a recent credit/debit card skimming and pin capturing scam occurring at retailers through compromised EFTPOS point of sale devices.
Thu 08/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »'Reserve Bank is ignoring retailers': ARA
The Australian Retailers Association has slammed the Reserve Bank for raising its interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent, and the damaging effects this will have on sales in the lead up to Christmas.
Wed 07/10/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Camera retailer slammed for under paying worker
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, a camera retailer has been fined over $15,000 for failing to pay severance pay to a employee that was made redundant.
Wed 30/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Australian retailers miss out on $1 billion through poor sales skills
A mystery shopper survey has highlighted a major problem in the Australian retail sector, uncovering that due to poor sales skills, over $1 billion in sales have walked out the door.
Thu 24/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »New stores and refurbishments to further improve David Jones sales growth
In addition to its impressive profit results just released, David Jones CEO David McInnes, also highlighted that its proposed new stores and refurbishments are set to boost sales a further 15 to 25 per cent.
Thu 24/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Record profits for David Jones
David Jones has just announced its results for the FY09 ending 25 July 2009. The retailer performed exceedingly well, recording its highest full year profit result and dividend since listing in 1995.
Thu 24/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »ARA helps educate retailers over new workplace laws
The Australian Retailers Association, with support of the Australian Government, is launching a series of free seminars to educate retailers and their employees about their obligations under the new Fair Work legislation.
Wed 23/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Stimulus package saved Australia from high unemployment
The Federal Government would undoubtedly be pleased with a new report by the OECD, which outlines that the Government's stimulus spending definitely saved Australia from higher unemployment levels.
Fri 18/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »New addition to the Myer Board
Myer has just announced the appointment of Anne Brennan as non-executive director, effective immediately.
Thu 17/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »CEO appointed at new Woolies hardware joint venture
The chief executive officer of the new Woolworths/Lowe's home improvement joint venture has just been announced, with the former president of Lowe's Canada coming on board.
Fri 11/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Net profit up 14.8% at Myer
Myer has just released its full year financial results to 25 July 2009, and despite the fact that the company is currently 39 months into its 50 month turnaround phase, the company performed exceedingly well.
Fri 11/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Australian business confidence back on track
According to a leading business expectations survey, Australian businesses are regaining confidence in the economy and are confident that their sales and profits will increase in the lead up to Christmas.
Wed 09/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Organised shoplifting ring smashed by police
Newcastle police have smashed what it believes to be an organised shoplifting ring operating across Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.
Wed 09/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Employers ready to start hiring again
According to a leading quarterly survey, the hiring intentions of Australian employers is improving and is a clear indication that the economy is recovering.
Tue 08/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers urged to recognise changing consumer habits
According to a recent report released by AMP Capital Shopping Centres, Australian consumers haven't stopped shopping, they have just changed their habits and mindset.
Mon 07/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Labor denies Perth retailers extended trading hours
Despite strong support from the community, the WA Labor Party has denied Perth retailers the opportunity to extend their trading hours. Leading retail bodies have slammed the decision claiming it would have given consumers more choice and created new jobs
Thu 20/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »New NRA appointment will help retailers in NSW
In efforts to provide NSW retailers with direct access to industry specific advice and assistance, the National Retail Association has appointed Michael Lonie as its NSW state director and revealed its new Sydney office location.
Tue 18/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Perth residents want extended trading hours
According to Labor surveys the majority of Perth residents are opposed to the possibility of extending weekday trading hours, but a leading retail body's latest findings are drastically different.
Mon 17/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailer admits to misleading 'storewide' sale
After the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns, a retailer has admitted to engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct in reference to a storewide sale held in February.
Fri 14/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Despite positive news, it's still going to be tough for retailers
A leading provider of industry research, analysis and forecasting services has come out and warned retailers not to get too comfortable with the economy despite positive reports circulating that the worst is over.
Wed 12/08/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail sales staff aren't doing enough to close the sale
According to almost 40,000 mystery shoppers, Australian retail staff's selling skills are in trouble, with numbers dropping in regards to creating upsell opportunities and closing a deal.
Mon 27/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »ARA calls for full five year transitional period for new retail award
At the recent AIRC hearing on Wednesday, the Australian Retailers Association has called for a full five year transitional period to be utilised when introducing the new retail award.
Fri 17/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »40% of Aussies wouldn't last a month on their savings
According to Dun & Bradstreet's Consumer Credit Expectations Survey, almost 40 per cent of working Australians would struggle to live on their savings for 30 days if they lost their current job.
Thu 16/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Online electronics retailer accused of deceptive conduct
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has just announced that it has instituted legal proceedings against an online electronics retailer for alleged breaches of the Trade Practices Act.
Thu 16/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail employee found with $250,000 worth of stolen electrical goods
NSW Police have charged a man that worked in a Sydney department store, for allegedly stealing $250,000 worth of electrical goods from its home entertainment section.
Mon 13/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers worried about access to credit and cash flow problems
A major retail body has revealed that despite rising confidence in the retail environment, retailers are very concerned that banks aren't doing their part to provide adequate cash flow.
Tue 07/07/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail sector continues to lose jobs
According to the latest jobs data out of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the retail sector has been hit hard over the last three months, with 6,400 workers made redundant in the sector.
Fri 19/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »ACCC warns retailers about false advertising
The ACCC is starting to really crack down on retailers who participate in false advertising, especially catalogue sales that offer false price comparisons.
Fri 19/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer improves profit expectations after strong fourth quarter
Myer has just issued a report to the ASX outlining that it has revised its previous economic outlook for the year after strong customer response to promotional offers, improved store presentation and local marketing.
Wed 17/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumers think retail sector is in trouble
According to a recent survey carried out by a global research company, consumers across Australia, USA, UK and Canada are increasingly pessimistic about the economic future of the retail sector.
Mon 15/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail body slams economic commentators
One of Australia's leading retail bodies has publically slammed economic forecasters, who predicted that the economy was in a recession, claiming they are responsible for frightening consumers into financial hibernation.
Fri 05/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Consumers start spending again
According to two of the leading retail industry groups the ANRA and the ARA, Australian consumers are starting to regain their confidence in the economy and retailers are starting to see small improvements.
Fri 08/05/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Employment stability is the key to economic recovery
According to the Australian Retailers Association the Rudd Government should have a strong focus on jobs and strategies to keep prices low for the Federal Budget in May.
Mon 27/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Tenancy crisis hits retail sector
According to the Australian Retailers Association, retailers around the country are facing a tenancy crisis, but the Government aren't doing anything to solve the problem.
Fri 24/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers trying to retain staff despite tough times
The Australian Retailers Association has released the March Australian Retailers Index 2009, highlighting that despite difficult economic times a large proportion of retailers are trying to retain current staff levels.
Mon 20/04/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Retailers were saved by strong December sales
Recently released ABS figures for the final quarter of 2008 have proven that shopping in December saved retailers from what was going to be a very ordinary year in terms of sales.
Thu 19/02/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Myer CEO outlines the retail industry's biggest challenges
Sustaining the growth experienced in the past two years is the single biggest challenge facing the retail industry in the future, according to Myer CEO Bernie Brooks, followed by differentiation in a crowded retail environment.
Tue 13/11/2007 12:00:00 / Read More »
