Retail

OfferMe, known for its integrated group buying and online store platform, has reported its retailers’ online stores are now generating more sales than do their daily group buying deals.

A Sydney-based start-up has received backing from AMP Capital Shopping Centres to get its iPhone app off the ground, which promises to assist retailers in engaging shoppers and boosting in-store traffic.

It’s impossible to ignore that the local retail environment is struggling to make ends meet, as local consumer behaviour shifts and retailers look to international suppliers in an effort to circumvent local wholesalers and manufacturers.

Businesses are being urged to get involved with Facebook’s new Check In Deals discount service, which promises to generate awareness, encourage in-store traffic and increase repeat business.

One can easily describe the current retail market as “it was the best of times; it was the worst of times”. On one hand, retailers are being slammed from a number of directions, but on the other, internet activity has doubled in the last 4 years and will directly contribute $70 billion to the economy within 5 years.

Retailers remain concerned about the impact of the carbon tax, with a survey revealing 83 percent expect the tax will mean consumers spend less and an even larger number reporting it will have a negative impact on profitability.

Poor performance has led Harvey Norman to decide to axe the Clive Peeters and Rick Hart brands, with seven stores to be closed and a further 16 to be converted into Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne formats.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has found AquaDepot Imports engaged in resale price maintenance by refusing to supply an online retailer which discounted products below a specified price.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten has spoken about the Productivity Commission (PC) draft report into the future of the retail industry released last week, declaring the review makes it clear the Australian retail sector has a bright future but needs to continue to innovate and change.



The Victorian Small Business Festival kicks off on 1 August, promising to celebrate the role of small business in the state with its month long program of dedicated small business events.

For those of you who are in the retail industry, you may have noticed a recent trend to clean up in-store environments – reduce shelf heights, remove dense ends and dump bins, widen aisles etc. – in order to increase comfort and make the shopping experience less stressful for customers.

Retail turnover fell a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent in May, following a rise of 1.2 percent the month prior.

Borders, Angus and Robertson, Williams and now the 23 year old, Colorado chain all closing their doors – what is happening to retail in Australia? To survive today’s challenging economic conditions and successfully fight the onslaught of online shopping – bricks and mortar retailers need to re-invent the way they do business.

The Good Guys Capalaba, Queensland is taking big steps in reducing their carbon footprint by aiming to become Australia’s first zero waste business.

With a strong focus on sustainable business practices, The Good Guys Capalaba has already made an impact on their carbon footprint by reducing their waste by 80% since 2006.

Colette Hayman tried to retire after selling tween jewellery success story Diva but found it too boring. She tells JEN BISHOP how she’s back and starting from scratch, putting her name to another retail jewellery concept, Colette Accessories.

Brad Smith’s story is a classic example of a passionate hobby unfolding into small business success. From quiet beginnings in the backyard shed with his Dad, his passion, drive and energy have helped him build a retail chain of braaap stores.

Trying to crack the fashion industry and wondering where to start? You can now ask accessories queen Samantha Wills. The jewellery designer is giving fans the chance to post their questions and she’ll answer them via video.

Small businesses are hurting as tobacco laws unintentionally push smokers to large grocery outlets and illegal tobacco traders. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) says regulations must change.

The milk price war that the big supermarket chains are engaging in is hurting the smaller businesses in the food production chain and farmers, cafes and independent food outlets are demanding the Federal Government steps in.

Australians have a love-hate relationship with their banks and research released today confirms what many banking customers already know: banks aren’t listening but they know very well what people want from them.