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Consumer spending

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Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey.

Minority government would be ‘terrible’ for the economy, warns Gerry Harvey

Consumers are holding up better than expected, said the outspoken 85-year-old retail billionaire, with premium prices helping Harvey Norman to solid profits.

  • Jessica Yun

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Despite Kmart profits rising, spurred by growth in its private label Anko products, uncertainty over interest rate cuts could bring gloom on the horizon for the big retailer.

‘We’re not out of the woods yet’: Kmart owner says rate cut not enough to entice shoppers

Although consumers continue to flock to Kmart in search of better deals, Wesfarmers’ CEO remains cautious.

  • Cindy Yin
Dreamfarm’s flat-design juicer ‘Fluicer’ has been ripped off by Kmart and Temu. Dreamfarm founder and ceo Alex Gransbury.

Alex’s invention made global headlines. Then he saw it at Kmart for $5

Designer and inventor Alex Gransbury saw his award-winning citrus juicer reproduced in a $5 knock-off – and there’s not much he can do about dupe culture.

  • Jessica Yun and Daniel Lo Surdo
JB Hi-Fi chief executive Terry Smart has warned that the price of white goods is set to rise.

Electric appliance prices set to rise, JB Hi-Fi boss warns

The electronics retailer has heard “chatter” among white goods suppliers that they are readying to charge more in coming months.

  • Jessica Yun
Australians tipped more generously and with greater frequency in 2024, with increased ease of gratuity-giving among the reasons proposed for the surge.

Despite rising prices, Australians are tipping more

Melbourne and Brisbane tippers were the most generous and Sydneysiders among the most frugal as Australians tipped more in 2024.

  • Daniel Lo Surdo
Catch.com.au will be shut down in the coming months.

Online retailer Catch.com.au to shut down; 190 jobs to go

The website has failed to compete with the likes of Amazon, Shein and Temu, and parent company Wesfarmers is cutting its losses.

  • Jessica Yun
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Laura Boyd.

Could you buy nothing for a whole year? The Aussies curbing their shopping habits

A no-buy challenge may sound restrictive, but for those who have done it, it’s brought freedom.

  • Lauren Ironmonger
People walk past Mecca’s flagship store in Sydney.

The lipstick effect: How our $5.9 billion beauty splurge became a ‘necessity’

It’s one area we don’t stop spending on when times are tough – and businesses are seeking to cash in.

  • Jessica Yun
Hungry Jack’s World Square. ADD MORE HERE

Are the burgers really better at Hungry Jack’s? Its boss thinks that’s not enough

The burger chain has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing food chains by going back to basics, says its CEO.

  • Jessica Yun
The price of beer is seldom displayed in pubs. But it should be.

How a $13 schooner pushed me past the pint of no return

Why can’t we know how much a beer costs before we buy it?

  • Paul Marshall

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/consumer-spending-1ncf