NewsBite

Carrie LaFrenz

Today

JB Hi-Fi is known for its low-cost model, with a strong emphasis on productivity and minimising unnecessary expenditure.

JB Hi-Fi sees robust sales outlook on consumer demand for tech

Stores continue to perform well, but sales momentum slowed in the third quarter for the electronics retailing giant in a competitive market.

Yesterday

Macquarie Group chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake says Australia must not be complacent about its ability to weather the Trump storm.

‘Complacency’ is an issue for Australia amid global turmoil: Macquarie CEO

Against a backdrop of growing uncertainty and US president Donald Trump’s trade war, Australia’s top CEOs say there is no room for complacency in Labor’s second term.

Wesfarmers CEO says trade friction could cut prices for shoppers

Wesfarmers boss says his company is well-placed to weather any fallout from the US-China trade war.

This Month

Angus (Left), Tristan and Luke (right) Harris from Harris Farm at a store in West End in Brisbane.

Losses triple at Harris Farm Markets to $22m

The high-end grocery chain’s losses blew out to $22 million last year as problems with a new business software system resulted in stock loss and higher costs.  

Ari Mervis, the executive chairman of Endeavour which owns Dan Murphy’s bottle shops, recently appointed a new CEO Janyne Hardlicka.

Endeavour chair looks to reassure investors on Hrdlicka availability

Despite a strong performance from its pubs, the Dan Murphy’s owner grappled with less demand for alcohol and lingering supply chain disruptions in the third quarter.

Advertisement
Meg O’Neill says Labor should fully implement its future gas strategy, which was announced last year.

Business calls for productivity push, more gas in Labor’s second term

Australia’s top CEOs want Anthony Albanese to reform the tax system, fix productivity and give them a seat at the policy table in his second term.

Woolworths has been slashing prices.

Woolworths sales growth picks up but Big W is a massive worry

While the nation’s biggest grocery retailer enjoyed a 3.2 per cent sales bump, losses at its variety chain are now almost double its initial estimate.

Former Super Retail Group chief legal officer Rebecca Farrell (left), former company secretary Amelia Berczelly (centre) and their lawyer Michael Harmer are locked in a legal battle with the retailer.

Super Retail executives dragged into alleged CEO affair stoush

One senior manager, according to new claims filed with the Federal Court, witnessed an intimate moment at an offsite work meeting three years ago.

April

Aldi is paying billions in dividends to its parent group Hofer KG in Austria.

Aldi shows its discount appeal with sharp rise in profit

The German discount supermarket chain has paid out billions of dollars in dividends to its parent group Hofer KG in Austria.

Coles said total supermarkets price inflation was broadly stable at 1.5 per cent in the March quarter.

Coles sees healthy sales growth as shoppers flock to home brands

Supermarket giant maintains its advantage over rival Woolworths, with group sales up 3.4 per cent in the third quarter to $10.4 billion.

The outlook for the luxury sector remains bleak globally as weak trading conditions cripple margins at high-end retailers.

Cettire slumps to first loss in three years, further pain expected

Shares in the luxury platform tumbled more than 17 per cent after earnings were crushed by discounting and weak demand.

Cue Clothing owns its own label and Veronika Maine. It is now under new ownership, having been acquired by Britain’s Hilco Capital this month.

Cue Clothing poaches next chief executive from Country Road

Melanie Remai is the latest departure from the South African-owned fashion house. Her appointment comes weeks after British investors took control of Cue.

Baby Bunting CEO Mark Teperson.

Baby Bunting’s novel solution to conquer parents’ indecision

The country’s largest nursery goods retailer says its research shows shoppers are mired by indecision. It is reworking its shops in the hope of boosting sales.

Trump’s abrupt cancellation of the so-called de minimis rule, which allowed packages valued under $US800 to enter the US duty-free is bad news for Shein.

Shein’s Australian sales top $1b in online fast-fashion surge

Revenues at the Singapore-headquartered ultra-cheap goods retailer soar 25 per cent over the last year as local rivals struggle in a cost-of-living crunch.

Richard Wallis has been appointed Flynn Group’s president for the Asia-Pacific region.

Pizza Hut, Wendy’s recruits new boss as it targets mega expansion

Flynn Group, one of the world’s biggest operators of fast-food restaurants, has appointed former KFC executive Richard Wallis to run its regional business.

Advertisement
Wittner, known for its quality boots and shoes, has been placed into voluntary administration.

Wittner the latest retailer to hit the wall, calling in administrators

The shoe company was founded in 1912 and had more than 20 stores and 25 concessions in Myer and David Jones. But costs have risen as sales have struggled, it said.

Shoe boss Daniel Agostinelli will roll out at least 50 Sports Direct stores over the next six years.

British sports giant launches aggressive push to take on Rebel

British retail giant Frasers is opening its Sports Direct chain in Australia in a tie-up with Accent Group, where it is now the biggest shareholder.

Ryan Baker is the chief operating officer of Bunnings. He sees a big opportunity in auto parts.

Can engine oil be Bunnings’ next big break? Auto rivals hope not

The Wesfarmers-owned hardware giant has already expanded into pet care and cleaning. Now it sees a $1.5 billion opportunity too good to pass up.

Aldi does not have any stores in Tasmania. The Greens want it to open to boost competition and help lower grocery prices.

Greens flag $30m to lure Aldi to Tasmania

As part of an election pitch, the Greens are seeking to lure the discount supermarket chain to the Apple Isle to help boost competition and lower grocery bills.

The JD Sport store in Pitt Street in Sydney. The company has made leadership changes as it expands.

JD Sports hires former Rebel executive as it eyes expansion

The sporting goods business has brought in a new head of stores as the athletics wear sector braces for the arrival of British retailing giant Sports Direct.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/carrie-lafrenz-11bwz7