Inside Retail Australia
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Asia-Pacific retail news and insights.
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Deals•Mar 2, 2026
InStitchu Secures $12.8M Equity Injection From Dayang Group, Raising Stake to 35%
Australian menswear retailer InStitchu announced a $12.8 million equity injection from Chinese partner Dayang Group, increasing Dayang’s ownership to 35% from 20%. The restructuring also involved the sale of InStitchu’s 45% stake in Jerome Clothiers and divestiture of its Taper.ai software arm, aiming to streamline operations and drive retail growth.
Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Feb 19, 2026
Winning Group Set for Sale to Private Equity Firm Ellerston Capital
Australian retail conglomerate Winning Group is slated for sale to private equity firm Ellerston Capital, according to sources. The transaction marks a strategic move for Ellerston to expand its portfolio in the retail sector. Deal terms and valuation remain undisclosed.
Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Feb 16, 2026
Genki Global Dining Concepts Acquires Sushi Sushi for $160M
Japan’s Genki Global Dining Concepts has agreed to acquire Australian sushi chain Sushi Sushi for more than $160 million. The deal aims to accelerate Sushi Sushi’s expansion, leveraging Genki’s portfolio of brands such as Uobei, Genki Sushi and Senryo. The acquisition was announced...
Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Feb 2, 2026
Fabe Acquires Bean Bar Franchise Chain in South Australia
Fabe, the multi‑brand franchisor behind Piccolo Me and Sol Bowl, announced the acquisition of the Bean Bar franchise chain, which operates five stores in South Australia. The deal will integrate Bean Bar into the Piccolo Me network, with former owner...
Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Feb 2, 2026
Woolworths to Sell $300M Property Portfolio to Forest Endeavour
Australian supermarket chain Woolworths Group is finalising the sale of a shopping‑centre portfolio worth about $300 million to Forest Endeavour, a company controlled by Taiwan’s Lin Family. The transaction covers up to eight east‑coast sites and is part of Woolworths’ strategy...
Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 29, 2026
Liquidations, Rents and the ‘Disappointment Gap’ Holding Back Kiwi Retail
New Zealand’s retail sector entered 2026 amid a wave of closures, with 61 stores shutting in just ten days, including the high‑profile liquidation of ANCZ’s Miniso, Yoyoso and Acecco brands. The collapse follows weak 2025 Christmas sales, rising rent costs...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 28, 2026
Science-Led CX: Why Proof Builds Loyalty in Health Retail
Health‑focused retailers are moving beyond flashy trends to a science‑led customer experience, where proof of efficacy replaces hype. Consumers in wellness, skincare and family‑health categories now demand clinical backing, clear ingredient origins and regulatory compliance before they commit. Brands like...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 28, 2026
Inside Amazon’s Big Bet on Harris Farm
Amazon Australia has partnered with premium grocer Harris Farm Markets to bring fresh produce, meat and berries to its platform, marking the first time fresh food is available on Amazon.com.au. The rollout starts in more than 80 Sydney inner‑city suburbs,...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 28, 2026
Harris Technology Takes ‘Another Leap Forward’ in Sales Growth
Harris Technology reported $4.4 million in sales for the October‑December quarter, a 16% increase over the previous period. Refurbished technology drove the growth, with each month surpassing $500,000 in sales for the first time. Gross margin improved to 37.2% and operating...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 28, 2026
What Jaimee Vilela Learnt Building a $3m Haircare Business
Jaimee Vilela grew Cooki from $179,000 to $3 million in revenue by keeping the business capital‑light and founder‑led. She limited growth channels to Meta advertising for acquisition and email for retention, avoiding agencies, investors and extra staff. A strategic rebrand from...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
ShopTalk Luxe: How Luxury Leaders Are Redefining Growth in Volatile Markets
At ShopTalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi, Chalhoub Group CEO Michael Chalhoub detailed how the 14,000‑employee luxury retailer navigated sudden missile threats in Qatar and Bahrain, placing employee safety above all else. He highlighted the firm’s historic resilience, having rebuilt after...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
Inside L’Oréal’s US$380 Million Bet on AI, Data and India
L’Oréal announced a US$380 million investment to build a global beauty‑technology centre in Hyderabad, India, backed by an initial commitment of over 35 billion rupees. The hub will serve as an AI‑driven innovation platform, targeting 2,000 technology jobs by 2030 and feeding...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
Michael Hill Expects Strong Earnings Uplift as Sales Grow
Michael Hill International forecast a 12‑24 percent rise in comparable EBIT for the half year to December 28, targeting $27‑30 million. Group sales increased 3.1 percent to $370.3 million, led by a 6.2 percent surge in Canada and modest gains in Australia and New Zealand. Same‑store sales...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
C&I Expo Returns to Sydney as Convenience Retail Decision Makers Gather
The Convenience & Impulse Retailing Expo returns to Sydney on March 17‑18, gathering Australia’s petrol, convenience and independent grocery decision‑makers. Organisers project 1,200‑1,800 senior attendees and more than 120 exhibitors showcasing food, beverage, technology and store‑fit solutions. The event emphasizes...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
What Does It Mean to Be Visible in an AI-Curated World?
AI is reshaping FMCG product discovery by moving visibility from shelf placement to algorithmic shortlists that act as trusted advisers. Brands that lack structured, natural‑language product data risk disappearing from these AI‑curated conversations. Experts cite earned‑media signals—reviews, awards, editorial coverage—as...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 27, 2026
Metcash Names Bruce Sabatta as CEO of Foodservice and Convenience
Bruce Sabatta will assume the role of CEO of Metcash Foodservice & Convenience on March 2, bringing more than three decades of industry experience, including a six‑year stint as COO of Primo Foods. He replaces Superior Foods founder Craig Phillips, who...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 26, 2026
Retail’s Supply Chain Divide: Who Survives – and Who Won’t
Retail margins are tightening, making supply‑chain efficiency a make‑or‑break factor. Supply‑chain specialist Peter Jones splits the sector into "haves" – retailers that have invested in automated, next‑generation warehouse technology – and "have‑nots" still reliant on manual pick‑and‑pack processes. The COVID‑driven...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 23, 2026
‘Made Right Here’: $20 Million Campaign Urges Australians to Buy Local
The Australian Made Campaign has launched a $20 million "Made Right Here" initiative to encourage Australians to purchase domestically produced goods. Backed by the federal government, the campaign runs nationwide until June 30 across TV, radio, print, out‑of‑home, digital and social channels,...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 23, 2026
Optus to Bring All 80 Licenced Retail Stores Back Under Its Control
Optus announced it will assume ownership of all 80 licensed retail stores, ending the third‑party model that currently covers one‑third of its 240‑store footprint. The decision follows a $100 million Federal Court fine for unconscionable sales conduct and a high‑profile network...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 23, 2026
How First Thing Built a Defensible Position in a Noisy Market
First Thing, an Australian intimates brand founded by Georgia Gazal, has carved a defensible niche by focusing on comfort‑first, everyday wear rather than high‑glamour marketing. Its flagship strapless bra, sold out six times and purchased every 34 minutes, solves long‑standing...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 23, 2026
Guzman Y Gomez Sides with Uber Eats as Exclusive Delivery Partner
Guzman Y Gomez (GYG) has signed a multi‑year exclusive agreement with Uber Eats, making the platform the sole delivery channel for its Australian outlets from February 22. The deal includes joint investment aimed at enhancing value, choice and convenience for...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 23, 2026
Why Sa Sa’s Recovery Is Not a Return to the Old Tourist Retail Model
Sa Sa International posted a 12.5% rise in quarterly turnover to HK$1.16 billion, driven by both brick‑and‑mortar and online channels. Offline sales in Hong Kong and Macau grew 11.8% year‑on‑year, with same‑store sales up 14.7%, while average transaction value rose 9.4%....
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 22, 2026
Little Étoile Mothers’ Care: Raising the Standard in Maternal Wellbeing
Little Étoile Mothers’ Care, launched by Max Biocare, introduces a science‑led skincare line for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women. The range is formulated in a GMP‑licensed Australian facility and vetted through a proprietary “inscreen” safety protocol that screens for reproductive...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 22, 2026
Back to School Spending Set to Rise – with Smaller Pool of Shoppers
Australian Retailers Association data shows back‑to‑school spending will rise to $2.9 billion, up $200 million from last year, driven by a 9.1 % increase in average spend per shopper. However, only 21 % of adults – about 4.5 million people – plan to shop, down...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 22, 2026
Reminder: When Fuel, Grocery Retailers Are Required to Accept Cash
The Australian Government’s cash‑mandate, effective this month, requires fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash for in‑person purchases of $500 or less between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Small businesses with annual turnover under $10 million are exempt unless they operate under a...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 21, 2026
Myer to Launch Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Brands in Australia
Myer will introduce the complete Fenty Beauty portfolio—including Fenty Skin and the Australian retail debut of Fenty Eau de Parfum—across all stores and its e‑commerce platform starting in May. The rollout stems from a new partnership with Kendo Brands, the...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 21, 2026
Why Beginning Boutique Collabed with ‘the Most Famous Woman in Men’s Tennis’
Beginning Boutique, the Brisbane‑based e‑tailer famed for party dresses, has unveiled a 20‑piece capsule with influencer Morgan Riddle, dubbed the most important woman in men’s tennis. The collection, blending festival flair with tennis‑inspired aesthetics, launches alongside the Australian Open to...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 21, 2026
Kennedy Sells Patek Philippe Boutique to Cortina Watch
Singapore‑based Cortina Watch has agreed to purchase Kennedy’s Patek Philippe boutique located in Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre. The deal is part of Cortina’s aggressive expansion into Australia, following its recent launch of a Franck Muller store. Kennedy says the sale will allow...
By Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Jan 21, 2026
Cortina Watch Acquires Kennedy's Patek Philippe Boutique in Australia
Australian jeweller Kennedy has agreed to sell its Patek Philippe boutique at Chadstone Shopping Centre to Singapore‑based Cortina Watch. The acquisition expands Cortina's Australian footprint while Kennedy refocuses its portfolio. Deal value was not disclosed.
Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 20, 2026
Lacoste’s Next Serve: Inside the Brand’s Big Australian Push
Lacoste is transitioning its Australian presence from wholesale to a direct‑to‑consumer model under distributor Accent Group. The partnership leverages Accent’s 25‑year relationship with Lacoste and its expertise scaling global footwear brands to build a bespoke retail footprint, beginning with a...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 20, 2026
Reminder: Trading Restrictions for Retailers on Australia Day
Retailers are adjusting operating hours for Australia Day on January 26 after the National Retail Association, Australian Retailers Association and Shopping Centre Council released joint guidance. While all states allow trading, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia impose specific hour limits. Queensland permits...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 20, 2026
Why China’s Wedding Dress Sellers Are Pinning Their Hopes on More Marriages
China’s marriage rate jumped 8.5% in the first nine months of 2025, reversing a decade‑long decline. A May 2025 policy allowing couples to register marriages anywhere in the country has spurred demand at Suzhou’s Huqiu Bridal City, home to over...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 20, 2026
Secrets Shhh Rescued, Sold to UAE Jewellery Group
Australian jewellery retailer Secrets Shhh, which entered administration last month, has been rescued after administrators sold its business and assets to Dubai‑based Amaar Jewels for an undisclosed sum. The transaction transfers the majority of its 23 boutique stores and more...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 20, 2026
Why Headline Growth Hasn’t Translated Into a Broad Retail Rebound in China
China’s economy met its 5 % growth target in 2023, but retail sales barely rose, with December’s year‑on‑year increase of just 0.9 %. The slowdown reflects lingering effects of a property downturn, tepid wage growth and consumer uncertainty, even as inflation ticked...
By Inside Retail Australia
Deals•Jan 20, 2026
Secrets Shhh Sold to Dubai‑based Amaar Jewels After Administration
Australian jewellery retailer Secrets Shhh, after entering administration, has been sold to Dubai‑based Amaar Jewels. Administrators executed binding documents to transfer the business and assets, including over 100 staff and most retail stores, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition aims...
Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 19, 2026
Speed and Transparency: The New CX Imperatives for 2026
Humii’s 2024‑2025 data shows e‑commerce speed is stagnating while shoppers demand clearer timelines. Mismanaged expectations—not slow service—are the primary cause of churn, especially around dispatch, live‑chat, and return authorisations. Young‑fashion retailers outperform the industry with five‑day refunds, whereas segments like...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 19, 2026
How to Scale Your Shipping Strategy in 2026 to Meet Customer Demand
Australian e‑commerce sales are projected to hit $87 billion in 2026, driving retailers to upgrade shipping, inventory, and returns processes. ShipStation’s 2025 benchmark shows 43% of shoppers now expect two‑day delivery, and 69% would switch brands for better fulfillment options. Integrated...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 19, 2026
How Pattern Beauty’s CEO Sets up Brand Strategy to Win in a Multi-Channel World
At the NRF conference, Pattern Beauty co‑CEO Christiane Pendarvis detailed the brand’s rapid multi‑channel expansion, launching its DTC site and adding Ulta within ten days before partnering with Target, Sephora, Nordstrom, Amazon and Macy’s. She explained that each retailer is...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Jan 19, 2026
Return Fraud, Counterfeits and Other Scams: 2025 Was a Banner Year
2025 proved a banner year for retail fraud, with the OECD and EUIPO estimating counterfeit sales near US$467 billion and Liquidonate reporting US$127 billion in fraudulent returns alone. Online returns now outpace in‑store returns three‑to‑one, creating fertile ground for tactics like wardrobing,...
By Inside Retail Australia