Today
Metcash calls for action on organised crime as tobacco sales plunge
The grocery wholesaler reported a 20 per cent drop in cigarette sales during this year due to a surge in black market trade.
This Month
Former Debenhams boss to run Country Road Group
Steven Cook, the former co-chief executive of the British department store will join the Australian retailer in July.
Puffers are out at Kathmandu as retailer drops profit warning
The clothing brand would have breached its banking covenants due to poor trading, but it has been given some breathing space by its lenders.
Ultra Violette’s cult sunscreen under scrutiny in feud with Choice
Consumer advocates and the popular skincare brand have accused each other of misleading behaviour amid questions about the effectiveness of the company’s products.
Freedom Furniture sold to Quadrant-backed rival ahead of potential IPO
The combination of the two well-known furniture retailers will create a $1 billion giant that could hit the ASX as soon as next year.
Britain’s retail tough guy, Mike Ashley, sets his sights on Australia
The billionaire has turned one sports store into a global empire. Now Sports Direct is coming Down Under, with big plans to shake up the market.
Mosaic may have traded insolvent for years, administrators say
FTI Consulting told creditors of the collapsed apparel brands business that they could potentially bring an insolvent trading claim for $77 million.
Wittner poised for rescue by retailer behind Jo Mercer, Novo Shoes
The voluntary administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with The Shoe Group for the sale of most of the iconic retailer.
Cettire downgrades profit again, shares crash 30pc
A surprise trading update by the luxury platform reveals a big miss in analyst consensus expectations and the possibility of a capital raising.
David Jones slides into loss as private equity owner works its debt
Anchorage Capital Partners says it is “working on a new capital structure” to support the business amid challenging conditions for department stores chains.
Shein shifts Australian marketplace to Singapore, raising tax question
The Chinese online fast fashion giant, which has expanded rapidly with low prices and a large range of merchandise, moved transactions to an overseas entity.
David Jones, Qantas loyalty tie-up will challenge Wirth’s Myer reboot
The country’s two department store chains are going head-to-head in the battle to leverage customer loyalty, both relaunching rewards programs within weeks.
Country Road Group chief executive exits after four years
Raju Vuppalapati had been with the fashion retailer since 2021 and overseen the repositioning of brands from Trenery to Witchery, Mimco and Politix.
Mark McInnes to earn $2m for executive role at Lovisa
The retailer is adding to his responsibilities with Brett Blundy’s empire, joining the jewellery group which the billionaire chairs.
Wesfarmers switches Kmart boss John Gualtieri into Officeworks role
After more than six years in the top job at Officeworks, Sarah Hunter will be succeeded by Gualtieri, who has worked at Wesfarmers since 2008.
May
Myer sees opportunity in turning retailer into loyalty giant
The company’s executive chairwoman, Olivia Wirth, has laid out a strategy that will substantially increase the Myer one program to grow margins and profits.
Tabcorp unleashes promotions, but turns off commissions for 1300 pubs
The wagering giant’s chief Gillon McLachlan told publicans the company had “some serious structural challenges … but it’s not just us that needs a change”.
ACCC, supermarkets clash over product checks in fake discount case
The competition regulator wants 12 grocery items to be reviewed – down from more than 200. Coles and Woolworths want six different items to be considered.
Kmart chief plots global expansion to deliver $20b sales target
The discount department store took centre stage at a strategy day hosted by its owner, Wesfarmers, outlining plans for new store formats and more Anko stores.
Myer says discount war is eating into margins
The retailer faces a challenge to turn around sales at Apparel Brands, the five clothing chains Myer acquired from Solomon Lew in January.