Inside Retail Australia
Asia-Pacific retail news and insights.
Tribunal Partially Overturns Ruling on Bunnings Privacy Breach
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) partially overturned the Australian Information Commissioner’s finding that Bunnings breached privacy law with its facial‑recognition trial. While the tribunal accepted Bunnings’ reasonable belief that the technology was necessary to combat retail crime, it cleared the company of a breach under APP 3.3 but upheld violations of transparency and notification requirements. Bunnings ceased the trial on 30 November 2021, and the OAIC is now reviewing the ART’s decision. The case underscores the tension between security initiatives and privacy obligations in retail.
How Zegna Accepts Full-Year Revenue Pressure to Reset Its Luxury Growth Model
Ermenegildo Zegna Group posted €1.92 billion in full‑year 2025 revenue, a 1.5% decline year‑on‑year, while the fourth quarter saw organic sales rise 4.6% driven by direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) growth across Zegna, Thom Browne and Tom Ford Fashion. The group accelerated its strategic shift toward...
Viva Energy Taps Former Myer Exec Teresa Sando as Retail CEO
Viva Energy Group has appointed Teresa Rendo as CEO of its convenience and mobility retail division, bringing more than 25 years of experience from Big W, Woolworths and Myer. The hire follows a challenging period in which the segment’s sales fell...
Stake Launches Clothing Brand Stake Supply
Australian fintech platform Stake has entered the apparel market with Stake Supply, its first clothing and accessories label. The debut collection, called Drop 1, offers eight minimalist‑styled items ranging from apparel to a basketball, all sold online. Stake’s senior brand designer...
When Shoppers Become the Audience: How Retail Theatre Is Rewriting the Store
Retail theatre is shifting stores from pure transaction hubs to staged experiences, where staff act as cast and purchases become props. In Melbourne, the MC Takeaway pop‑up replaces food with plush collectibles, turning a simple order into a nostalgic performance....
The Social Outfit CEO on Building Commercial Success Through an Ethical Model
The Social Outfit, a Sydney‑based fashion brand that blends charity, retail and manufacturing, employs refugee and migrant women while operating its own workroom and stores. CEO Amy Low is adding commercial systems—cash handling, sourcing, inventory controls—to a model that has...
ARC ‘Thrilled’ to Launch After Seven-Year Merger Effort
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) officially launched on February 4, merging the Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association after a seven‑year consolidation effort. Members approved the merger with 92.7% support and the Fair Work Commission gave its sign‑off...
Rate Rise Reality Check: Why Retailers Must Pivot to Productivity and Cash Flow
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate to 3.85%, ending a brief period of monetary easing. The hike lifts borrowing costs for households and retailers, squeezing disposable income and prompting shoppers to trade down and chase promotions. Retailers,...
Briscoe Group Sees Record Year as Online Sales Grow
Briscoe Group posted record fourth‑quarter sales of $220.6 million and a full‑year total of $686.8 million, despite a challenging consumer environment. Online sales rose to 20 percent of revenue, up from 19.7 percent, following a migration to a new Adobe platform. Homeware sales grew...
Bain on China’s More Selective Luxury Consumer and What It Means for Brands
Bain & Company’s 2025 China luxury market report shows the mainland personal luxury segment contracted 3‑5% in 2023 after a sharper decline in 2022. Growth is now limited to affordable‑luxury and ultra‑premium categories, while mid‑priced items lag. Beauty products posted...
Retail Crime and the Price of Justification in 2026
Victoria has introduced tougher penalties for assaults on retail staff, including up to five years in prison and reclassifying ram raids as aggravated burglary with sentences up to 25 years. Retail crime incidents rose over 20% in 2025, making the...
Gymshark’s Jennifer Lai Discusses Building Range Before Chasing Titles
Jennifer Lai, a former Adidas and Dyson executive, has joined Gymshark to design and launch its first North American brick‑and‑mortar stores. She will oversee expansion, operations and people, creating a community‑first retail experience that mirrors the brand’s digital DNA. Lai...
Piccolo Me Parent Acquires SA Chain Bean Bar
Fabe, the multi‑brand franchisor behind Piccolo Me and Sol Bowl, has acquired the five‑store Bean Bar chain in South Australia, integrating it into the Piccolo Me network while keeping former owner Nitin Jakhwal to run daily operations. The deal gives...
Strong BFCM Season Underpins Significant KMD Brands Sales Boost
Outdoor‑wear retailer Kathmandu, part of KMD Brands, posted a 12.9% sales increase in the five months to December 25, driving a 7.9% rise in group revenue. The strong Black Friday and Christmas performance prompted KMD Brands to lift its full‑year EBITDA...
How China Turned Trump’s Trade War Into a Record Surplus
China leveraged Trump’s aggressive trade stance to pivot toward new partners, driving a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025. Monthly foreign‑exchange inflows surged to a historic $100 billion, while the yuan’s global settlement share more than doubled. Exports to the United...
Why ‘Natural’ Isn’t Enough: The Science of Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
Pregnancy fundamentally changes skin physiology, increasing permeability and absorption of topical ingredients, which means that products deemed safe for the general population may pose risks to mother and baby. The article debunks the myth that “natural” automatically equals safe, highlighting...
Country Road Group Increases Sales Despite Challenging December
Country Road Group posted a 2.3% sales rise for the 26‑week period ending 28 December, with comparable‑store sales up 2.5%. December performance softened to 1% growth, while net trading space grew 0.2% and online sales held at 27.2%. The newly appointed...
Avani K Chandan on Scaling The House of Ara in India’s Ready-to-Wear Market
The House of Ara, founded by designer Avani K Chandan, is scaling a craft‑led ready‑to‑wear label that translates heritage Indian textiles into modern, everyday silhouettes. The brand fills a market gap between fast fashion and high‑end ethnic wear by emphasizing slow...
Put a Face on It: Unpacking the Uniquely Australian Obsession with Heads in Logos
Australian retailers frequently feature founders' heads in their logos, a trend highlighted by Dan Murphy’s recent eye‑contact campaign. The practice taps into a cultural love for personable, “battler” narratives that signal authenticity and local origin. Both real and fictional founder...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
‘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,...
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...
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...
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...
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%....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...