Yesterday
Retailers buoyed as shoppers swarm Boxing Day sales
Customers are also predicted to splash out a further $2.4 billion during the last days of December, research shows.
- Updated
- Adrian Black
This Month
- Opinion
- Economics explained
Why price discrimination can be a good thing
The online age may make it easier for companies to predict what we’re willing to pay. But it also makes it easier for us to share stories of nasty corporate behaviour.
- Richard Holden
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
What’s really at stake in Coles and Woolies’ pricing fight with ACCC
Coles and Woolworths know they’ve already lost their fight with the ACCC over allegedly dodgy discounts in the court of public opinion. But there are two reasons they’ll still want a legal victory.
- James Thomson
November
Small retailers give a ‘hard no’ to Black Friday and the big sales
Dr Dough Donuts boss Kristy Bannister says discount blitzes like Black Friday do more harm than good for smaller retailers by creating “unsustainable” expectations.
- Gus McCubbing
October
- Updated
- Wesfarmers
Don’t play politics with big business, warns Wesfarmers chairman
The prominent businessman said politicians should acknowledge that large companies are a “vital part of the economy” and “generate enormous benefits”.
- Simon Evans, Mark Wembridge and Tom McIlroy
Big-box chains not like Coles and Woolies, business warns MPs
Furniture giant IKEA says its business model did not allow deceptive price setting and it treats suppliers of live plants and food market items co-operatively.
- Tom McIlroy
September
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Coles, Woolies go ‘Down Down’ in the court that matters
Lawyers may tell Coles and Woolworths to fight the ACCC. But this is much more than a legal battle.
- Anthony Macdonald
- Opinion
- Supermarkets
Did ‘illusory’ discounts from Coles, Woolies really mislead consumers?
The murky legal issue for the ACCC case against the big two supermarkets is what constitutes a “reasonable” period between a price increase and a subsequent promotional saving.
- Robert Hadler
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Inside Bunnings’ six new growth bets
Beyond the populist silliness over price-gouging, Bunnings boss Mike Schneider has a growth challenge on his hands. Here’s how he plans to solve it.
- James Thomson
- Exclusive
- Spending
Bunnings CEO: Price gouging claims ignore lowest-price promise
The chief executive of hardware giant Bunnings, Mike Schneider, says the chain takes its promise to beat any competitor’s price seriously, and critics will not find evidence that it has engaged in price gouging.
- James Thomson and Tom McIlroy
August
Date night swapped for meal kits as consumers feel the pinch
“We have cut back on everything,” says Alexis Hurditch, who now prefers to spend Friday night eating meals kits at home rather than heading out to a restaurant.
- Gus McCubbing
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Banducci’s last Woolies profit is his worst misstep and finest moment
CEO Brad Banducci leaves the retail giant in a difficult spot. But the strategic decisions he’s made can drive the group’s turnaround.
- Updated
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
How Coles stopped the thieves and beat the petty politics of profits
Populist politicians will probably claim Coles is price gouging. But its results tell a more nuanced story that’s resonating with investors, if not voters.
- James Thomson
Zip nails comeback, predicts huge US transaction growth
Zip shares took a breather after a strong run driven by its pivot to profitability.
- James Eyers
Bunnings faces grilling as Nats turn on ‘big-box’ retailers
Price-setting practices, land acquisitions and supplier relationships of major retail brands set to be scrutinised in a new Nationals-led Senate inquiry.
- Tom McIlroy
Card payment surcharge billions under RBA microscope
The RBA has brought forward an inquiry into card payment costs amid increased political scrutiny of the estimated $4 billion that Australians pay in fees each year.
- Updated
- James Eyers
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
JB Hi-Fi’s results weren’t great. Here’s why its shares still soared
The retailer’s stunning share price surge shouldn’t distract investors from the pressure we’re seeing on profit margins as the economy slows.
- Updated
- James Thomson
‘Heartbreaking’: Melbourne stores bite the dust as workers stay home
Small-business owner Chelsea McIntosh has been forced to close down six out of seven gift shops she ran in Melbourne’s CBD as the retail sector has been rattled.
- Gus McCubbing
July
- Special Award
- Sustainability Leaders
Showing the way: Major brands embrace new recycling symbols
Making it easier for households to recycle packaging for food and consumer goods has won Australasian Recycling Labels a special award for Education Enabler.
- Alexandra Cain
June
Why avoiding Coles and Woolies will save you 25pc
A basket of everyday groceries is $17 cheaper at Aldi, research by consumer group Choice shows, with little difference between the big two supermarket chains.
- Tom McIlroy