Today
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.
This Month
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.
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.
US-China trade war could lead to cheaper goods for Australian consumers
Ruslan Kogan, founder of online retailer Kogan.com, says Chinese manufacturers lumped with extra capacity could direct goods to Australia.
John Wylie’s Tanarra picks up stake in Dan Murphy owner Endeavour
The asset manager run by the prominent former banker has a long history of agitating for change. It joins the register at a time of board uncertainty.
Can Target save itself by becoming more expensive?
Two decades ago, the retailer was flying high with big collaborations. Now it is being beaten by Kmart, its sister brand. The plan is to go (slightly) upmarket.
Cue Clothing and its Veronika Maine brand sold to Britain’s Hilco
The womenswear fashion business was founded and run by the wealthy Levis family. Its chief executive, Simon Schofield, is also leaving after the sale.
More shoppers say Coles (not Woolworths) is their main supermarket
A survey conducted for UBS clients suggests the smaller grocery retailer is increasingly central to consumers as higher living costs strain household budgets.
Cettire recruits Accent shoe chief Daniel Agostinelli to its board
The online luxury store has overhauled its board and appointed the veteran retailer as it faces continued investor uncertainty about its outlook.
March
Woolworths slashes prices to close gap on Aldi
The under fire supermarkets are looking to show shoppers and politicians consumers are getting better deals at the checkout.
Dion Lee’s collapse blows up the wealthy Levis retailing family
Rod Levis started a clothing empire that grew from Cue to Veronika Maine to Dion Lee. Now his son says he was forced out, and is demanding his share.
‘Focus on real factors’: Coles hits back at ninth supermarket inquiry
The country’s second largest supermarket operator said politicians should focus on measures to bring down energy, fuel and labour costs to reduce the checkout prices.
Canada’s Dollarama makes $259m bid for The Reject Shop discount chain
The sale, with a big premium, is being supported by billionaire businessman Raphael Geminder, who has long been the variety retailer’s largest shareholder.
Jeanswest goes under, putting 600 jobs at risk as stores close
Over 90 stores will be closed as the mid-market retailer, founded in Perth in 1972, goes into administration.
Toys R Us auditor warns retailer’s future is precarious
Once one of the country’s largest children’s toys and clothes chains, the company has been struggling against intense competition from its larger rivals.
Coles to end Vintage Cellar, First Choice brands in liquor overhaul
The country’s second-largest supermarket retailer will rebrand 984 stores in its alcohol business as Liquorland in the biggest shake-up in decades.
Endeavour’s Ari Mervis reviews BWS owner’s sprawling operations
The company’s largest shareholder, the Mathieson family, said they were open to talking to “anyone who will help make this business succeeded”.
Fresh produce suppliers copping downside of power imbalance: ACCC
The National Farmers’ Federation says claims by fresh food producers that Coles and Woolworths have the upper hand been validated by the competition regulator.
Woolworths, Coles warn more red tape means higher grocery prices
Disputing the ACCC’s findings that they have oversized profitability, the supermarket giants say increased costs will be passed onto shoppers.
Woolworths, Coles among world’s most profitable supermarkets: ACCC
But the regulator, after a year-long investigation, concedes little can be done about their market dominance.