The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) has announced a 4.2% rise in the minimum wage, which will come into effect in October this year. The rise, equivalent to $21.66 per week, has been met with concern from the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). ANRA believe it will put increasing cost pressures on retailers who are already feeling the pinch, with the ACCI adding that it is “economically risky”. “We... ...Read more »
The colour, vibrancy and range of choices of a good seafood retail display are a sight to behold. Thus, whilst there can be no doubt that the numbers of independent fishmongers are declining we are fortunate in Australia that they are still a key part of the seafood industry. Reputedly, the oldest fishmonger operation in Australia is Canals Seafood, now in its 77th year of trading at the same address in Nicholson Street, North Carlton, Victoria. Michael and Delores Canals started their Melbourne... ...Read more »
ABS Retail Trade figures for May 2008, released yesterday, indicated that there is still some resistance to the rising cost of living by consumers.ANRA (Australian National Retailers Association) CEO, Margy Osmond, believes the figures, while more positive than in recent months, are still worrying for some retailers. “Retail turnover has picked up, rising by 0.7 per cent in May. This is the best result by far for the year to date,” she said. “Consumer spending has been strongest... ...Read more »
NCR, a leading global technology solutions company, has today announced that prominent Australian retail food brand manager and franchisor, Retail Food Group Ltd, will deploy over 1,000 NCR RealPOS point-of-sale (POS) touch screen terminals. The high-tech terminals, which integrate NCR’s POS terminals with Task Retail Technology’s Xchangexec software suite, allow for the creation of “bounce back” vouchers by individual stores, customised in-store promotions, product ordering... ...Read more »
The self-service revolution is upon us, as Australian consumers demand greater choice and retailers begin to understand the considerable benefits of the new technology. It is changing the way businesses operate and interact with consumers; with supermarkets, airlines and banks key symbols of the trend. The introduction of ATM’s some 40 years ago can be attributed to the growth of self-service options, but it has only been in the past 5-10 years that self-service technology has really taken... ...Read more »
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has supported the reforms to NSW trading hours, which are due to come into effect on July 1, but acknowledge that it may create a delicate balance for smaller retailers. Currently retail trading hours throughout NSW are regulated under the Shops and Industries Act 1962 (the Act) but the Shop Trading Bill 2008, which was passed through parliament on June 17, is set to ‘modernise’ this legislation. The Bill will de-regulate shop trading... ...Read more »
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced today that it will oppose the proposed acquisition of the Karabar Supabarn supermarket by Woolworths Limited. Woolworths proposed the takeover of the Queanbeyan Karabar Supabarn supermarket on April 7 and the ACCC has since been researching the potential impact on competition. With Woolworths operating a large supermarket in central Queanbeyan, the ACCC was concerned about the effect a takeover would have on competition in the area.... ...Read more »
What’s considered to be one of the most important developments for seafood consumers in over 200 years was launched today Australia-wide. It is a program whereby seafood retailers displaying the “Approved Fish Names” logo guarantee to use nationally standardised fish names, helping to remove the confusion that reduces consumers confidence in purchasing seafood. Mr Ted Loveday, Managing Director of Seafood Services Australia, believes today’s launch of the Fish Names Brand... ...Read more »
Major legislation changes are likely to be recommended when the ACCC release their report into the competitiveness of the grocery industry, based on comments made by ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel yesterday. Speaking at a lunch hosted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Mr Samuel indicated that he thought certain companies may have provided them with information that they would have preferred to keep secret.”The public hearings enabled us to put some people under the pump to find... ...Read more »
The issue of plastic bags has been the source of great debate over recent years with some calling for a blanket ban or levy to discourage use. In April, the idea of a levy was discussed at a meeting of State and Federal Environment Ministers but was dismissed due to concerns it might be unfair to households already struggling with rising interest rates and inflation. The Australian Greens Party has since introduced legislation to the senate to apply a 25c levy on plastic bags. According to the Greens,... ...Read more »