Retail sales jumped in the month of October, increasing by 0.7 per cent - which was well above expectations. The ABS data came out hours before the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to cut rates by 100 basis points, reducing the cash rate to just 4.25%. “The Australian economy has been more resilient than other advanced economies, but recent data nonetheless indicate that a significant moderation in demand and activity has been occurring,” RBA Chairman Glenn Stevens advised. “With... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said new research released today in the ARA Retail Christmas Expectations Survey showed retailers are cautiously optimistic about trading during the holiday season, with 43% expecting sales to be the same or better than last year’s record trade. ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the ARA Retail Christmas Expectations Survey indicated over 59 per cent of those retailers who were optimistic about the 2008 Christmas trading... ...Read more »

Around the world, people have been shaken into uncertainty by the economic crisis, but there have been reasons for optimism and hope in recent weeks. Looking ahead to 2009, market and consumer intelligence firm Mintel believes consumers will adapt and make the best of the coming year in five major ways. As a backlash against the fast pace of the modern world, people will try to take greater control of their lives and find pleasure in the simple things. Faced with financial insecurity, shoppers will... ...Read more »

Liquorland, Wesfarmers’ largest alcohol chain, has permanently cut their prices in an endeavour to reposition the brand. A Liquorland spokesman told the Australian Financial Review that the price cut represented “an integral part of our strategy to deliver better value to our customers.” The move has been made following a review of liquor operations since the purchase of Coles Group by Wesfarmers last year. Since the review they have also managed to lure former Dan Murphy’s... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in its final opportunity to present to the full bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC), today submitted a costings analysis of the draft modern retail award, indicating an average 14 per cent wage bill increase for retailers across Australia.ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said this is an unnecessary financial imposition on retailers who are already struggling with the tightening economic environment.... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has applauded the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to further cut the cash rate by .75 percentage points today. The news of a rate cut is further positive news for the food retail sector, following the release of trend figures for September showing food retailing up 0.6 per cent. Cafes and restaurants, among the hardest hit by the downturn, made a slight comeback - with trend figures climbing 0.2 per cent. ARA Executive... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said it was optimistic the 0.2 per cent increase in September 2008 retail trade figures released today would continue the upward trend in the months leading into Christmas. According to the ARA’s Executive Director Richard Evans, the September retail trade figures will come as welcome news for struggling retailers, indicating consumers with disposable dollars are likely to inject much-needed funds back into the retail sector... ...Read more »

Australians are likely to be sensible with any cash benefits they receive from the Government’s stimulus package and either put it towards their mortgage or save it, a survey by the Australian National Retailers Association has found. ANRA, which represents Australia’s leading retailers, undertook a poll of 1,000 Australians late last week, asking how consumers will spend their part of the Federal Government’s stimulus package. “Close to 40 per cent of people will put the... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) left optimistic the Rudd Government is providing the leadership needed to respond to the global financial crisis following the Small Business Summit on Friday, but added that more could be done to help small business. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Small Business Minister Dr Craig Emerson announced a number of new measures on Friday including: 1. Small Business Support and Advice during the financial crisis from Business Enterprise... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) yesterday called on retailers to get involved with environmental debates, including the proposed emissions trading scheme and plastic bag bans. Speaking to an auditorium of over 300 at the Future’s So Bright Green conference, ARA Executive Director Richard Evans encouraged retailers to embrace the opportunity in the challenge to ‘go green’ by engaging with governments. “Whether you agree with the science... ...Read more »