Retail
Rate cuts tipped for next year as shoppers slash spending like it’s 1991
The biggest fall in the volume of goods bought by shoppers in over 30 years has economists warning the Reserve Bank will have to cut interest rates in 2024.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
Fenton & Fenton customers left out-of-pocket as administrators step in
The Melbourne-based interior and homewares brand terminated nearly 60 employees and ceased trading on Wednesday afternoon.
- by Jessica Yun
Barbie hoax targets Mattel over plastic toys
Climate activists have staged an elaborate hoax that claimed that all Mattel toys, including the iconic Barbie doll, would be plastic free by 2030.
- by Livia Albeck-Ripka and Orlando Mayorquin
Bunnings working to keep things simple as tech pays dividends
The boss of DIY giant Bunnings says the company’s push to simplify its back office should translate to a better experience for customers seeking bargains.
- by Emma Koehn
Australian skincare brand Bondi Sands sold to $26b Japanese giant
In a deal estimated to be worth more than $400 million, self-tanning brand Bondi Sands is the latest Australian business to be sold to an international conglomerate.
- by Jessica Yun
The bubble burst on its biggest rival, but SodaStream says it’s still growing
Despite SodaKING entering administration and the broader slowdown in consumer spending, SodaStream’s global boss says sales in Australia are increasing.
- by Jessica Yun
Opinion
Amazon
Amazon is under attack – there may only be one solution
The stage is set for an epic series of legal battles as Amazon tries to keep its corporate empire together. But breaking itself up would be the first thing for it.
- by Matthew Lynn
Department stores take hit from national belt-tightening
Living costs are making trading conditions tough, but the boss of DJs hopes the consumer outlook will lighten.
- by Emma Koehn
Dad shoes to supermodel attire: New Balance’s youth focus is paying dividends
The long-running athletic footwear business still hasn’t run out of puff. It’s moving into new Melbourne digs with an eye on the future.
- by Emma Koehn
Discount retailers, holiday travel operators cash in as cost of living bites
A slew of data in July made it clear what the retail sector is facing – and yet, there could be some winners.
- by Emma Koehn
Shopping pullback another sign RBA likely to hold rates steady
The drop in monthly retail turnover follows better than expected inflation data, giving the RBA more reason to pause rate rises next week, economists say.
- by Rachel Clun