Inside Retail

APRIL 17, 2024

Successfully navigating the retail landscape hinges on recognising the backbone that is our frontline team. These individuals aren’t just stocking shelves and ringing up purchases; they’re the heart and soul of the shopping experience. And despite the crucial role these workers play in our economy, many are left undervalued and underappreciated. Frontline retail is a mixed bag – it’s both an exciting adventure and a daily challenge.

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Inside Retail

MARCH 12, 2024

Apparel brand Superdry has confirmed it is in discussions with financial services company Hilco regarding additional funding to support its turnaround efforts. The British retailer is seeking to increase its lending facilities by approximately £10 million (US$12.8 million) for the implementation of its ongoing turnaround plan and cost reduction program.

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Inside Retail

MARCH 12, 2024

Lego increased sales of its colourful plastic bricks last year despite a decline in China and grabbed market share in what it called the most downbeat toy market in 15 years, the Danish toymaker said on Tuesday. In a global toy market that declined 7 per cent, Lego said its consumer sales grew 4 per cent last year, driven by strong growth in the United States and Central and Eastern Europe.

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Inside Retail

MARCH 12, 2024

Square is revolutionising the way small and medium-sized retailers can manage inventory and payments through a combination of next-generation hardware and custom-built software. Square’s Square for Retail POS is designed as a smart partner to connect every tool that keeps your retail business moving, allowing you to grow at scale, incorporating payments, inventory, e-commerce and beyond.

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Inside Retail

MARCH 12, 2024

The owner of an online alcohol seller that attracted more than 130 customer complaints during December 2023 and January 2024 says the decision to stop operating the business was made before state regulators approached the business. Sydney-based Liquorkart Australia was established in 2020 and described itself on social media as “one of Australia’s leading online alcohol marketplaces and one of the fastest-growing start-ups”, with more than 6000 products on offer for delivery across most Australi

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Everyday fine jewellery brand Kklue has unveiled its first offline pop-up store in Hong Kong’s iconic Harbour City mall. Founded by Kellyn Zhou, who stepped away from a successful career in corporate investment to pursue her passion for jewellery design and gemology, Kklue is known for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to originality, quality, and transparency.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

The rapid rise of fast-fashion e-commerce retailers such as Shein and Temu is upending the global air cargo industry, as they increasingly vie for limited air-cargo space to woo consumers with rapid transit times, more than ten industry sources said. Shein, PDD Group’s Temu and ByteDance’s TikTok Shop, which recently began online shopping in the US, ship the majority of their products directly from factories in China to shoppers by air in individually addressed packages.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Victoria’s Williams Landing Shopping Centre has been sold for $60 million after owner Cedar Woods accepted an unconditional offer which also includes one hectare of adjacent development land. The shopping centre has a Woolworths supermarket, 30 specialty stores, a childcare facility, and two levels of office space. The property development company expects a net profit tax of about $16.8 million directly from the sale, most of which will be realised this year. “Having developed Willia

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Discount variety retailer The Reject Shop has reported sales of $458.3 million for the first half of FY24, a 4.2 per cent increase year on year, with comparable store sales up 2.3 per cent. The company said the growth was driven by an increase in customer transactions and units per basket, which it attributed to a new and improved merchandise offering.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail and entertainment, Sunway Malls has emerged as a beacon of success, defying economic headwinds and setting new benchmarks for growth. In 2023, the mall operator reported 5 per cent year-on-year growth, surpassing its own record-breaking achievements of 2022. At the helm of this success stands HC Chan , the CEO of Sunway Malls and Theme Parks, whose strategic vision and leadership have propelled the company to new heights.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

As part of The Iconic’s commitment to supporting First Nations brands, the online retail giant teamed up with not-for-profit organisation First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD) to create an incubator program to spotlight Australia’s Indigenous fashion talent. The program kicked off in April 2023 and over nine months the First Nations designers selected to participate were given access to tools and resources to help commercialise their creative brands.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

The Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold is set to have a ripple effect throughout the economy. While the smart money says rates probably won’t go down until well into the July-December half, very few people – if any – are predicting more rises. Add to that news of pending tax cuts that will impact a large number of Australian taxpayers, and finally, the light at the end of the tunnel is showing.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Australian athleisure brand LSKD has appointed its first chief retail officer, the former director of retail for Lululemon ANZ Alex Shaughnessy, as part of its strategy to become a world-class retailer. During her time at Lululemon, which spanned 13 years from 2012 to 2020, Shaughnessy led over 40 stores and oversaw the brand’s national wholesale and community presence in ANZ.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Generation Z was predominant in the retail industry last year, accounting for 50.4 per cent of the sector’s employees, a report by workforce management firm Deputy shows. The proportion of Gen Z employees in the sector increased from 45.5 per cent in 2022, the report added. Millennials accounted for 27.9 per cent of the retail workforce in 2023, down from 30.5 per cent in the previous year.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

With shipping rates climbing, retailers today are far less likely to be offering free delivery with purchases to encourage purchases – but they can still attract customers by offering delivery options to suit their budgets. Denise McGrouther, VP, MD of DHL eCommerce Australia, says retailers are learning that not every consumer requires their purchase to be delivered as soon as possible – especially if they can pay less for shipping, they are willing to wait four to six days instead of two.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Cosmetics brand L’Oréal booked over $1 billion in revenue from its Australia and New Zealand businesses last year, marking a significant milestone in the region. In the South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions, the company’s annual sales amounted to US$3.72 billion, up 16.4 per cent on a reported basis. Australia-New Zealand, the Gulf Co-operation Council, and India emerged as the brand’s top three growth contributors, with sales increasing by mor

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Amazon.com beat fourth-quarter revenue expectations on Thursday as new generative AI features in its cloud and e-commerce businesses spurred robust growth during the critical holiday period. Investors cheered the results, sending Amazon shares up as much as 8% in trading after the market close. Amazon’s roster of high-spending business customers have provided it stable growth in an uncertain economy, but its position as the world’s biggest cloud provider is being challenged by rival

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

In a significant leadership transition, Lego Group recently announced the appointment of Claus Kristensen as the new Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific (Apac) region. We sat down with Claus Kristensen to delve deeper into his vision, strategy, and goals for Lego’s future in the Asia Pacific region. “My ambition is naturally to continue the success paved by Eric Maugein (his predecessor) and further build on the phenomenal growth we have achieved together.

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Skechers USA has reported record sales of US$8 billion for FY23, representing a 7.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth was primarily driven by the 13.3 per cent increase in international sales, partially offset by a 0.8 per cent decline in domestic sales. Direct-to-consumer sales rose 24.3 per cent to $683.4 million, led by EMEA with a 49.2 per cent increase, followed by Apac (22 per cent) and America (21.5 per cent).

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Apple on Thursday forecast a drop in iPhone sales and targeted overall revenue $6 billion below Wall Street expectations as its China business took a hit. This overshadowed overall fiscal first-quarter sales and profit that beat analysts’ targets, powered by iPhone growth, sending Apple shares down 3 per cent in after-hours trade. The results confirmed some analysts’ concerns that the company’s signature product is losing ground in the key Asian market where consumers are buyin

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

It’s no secret performance marketing on social media platforms isn’t what it used to be but it’s where consumers reside. A new report by Euromonitor International on the top five digital consumer trends in 2024 suggests that consumers want more power in their relationships with brands and are using social media to give them a greater voice. Michelle Evans, global lead of retail and digital insights at Euromonitor International, said in a statement that “consumers are also seeking more powe

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Inside Retail

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

It’s not a secret at this point that increased health-related concerns brought on by the pandemic and recent lifestyle trends have led to a heightened focus on the wellness market in the retail industry, especially within the food and beverage category. Products that are experiencing linear growth in particular are items that contain superfoods, a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being, ingredients and beverages with multi-layered health benefits.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 23, 2024

Scientists and innovators are working towards creating a new generation of silk fabrics that can match the textile’s positive attributes without harming the environment, according to the latest report from the Material Innovation Initiative (MII). “Fashion designers love to use silk,” said Thomaine Dolan Dow, director of materials innovation and design at MII.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 23, 2024

Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette has secured a $15 million capital from US consumer growth equity firm Aria Growth Partners, as it seeks to further expand in North America. The investment coincides with Ultra Violette’s celebration of its fifth anniversary. Aria has taken an undisclosed stake in the business in what marks the first time Ultra Violette has taken outside capital, having previously been bootstrapped by its founders Ava Chandler-Matthews and Rebecca Jefferd, (pictured above

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 23, 2024

Korean restaurant chain Gami Chicken and Beer saw its sales more than doubled in the second half of last year, upon the introduction of healthier menu options. The restaurant, first launched in 2006, saw sales growth of 172 per cent from June to December, thanks to the addition of individual menu items. Sales of the individual items surged 152 per cent during the period. “Gami Chicken has gradually introduced individual menu items such as Bibimbap, Kkochi Salad, Gochujang Chicken, and a Ga

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 23, 2024

Pureplay, listed online retailer Kogan said its gross sales fell in the first half of the current fiscal year amid inventory reduction as the company continues its evolution into a more light-capital business. Kogan’s gross sales fell 5.6 per cent year over year to $445.4 million in the first half ended December 31 last year. However, gross profit increased 42.1 per cent to $89.5 million and gross margin improved to 36 per cent.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 14, 2024

In the fast-paced world of footwear and fashion, few mass-market brands have managed to leave an indelible mark quite like Skechers. A name synonymous with innovation, style, and performance, Skechers has become a global phenomenon. Behind the scenes of its Southeast Asia success story is Zann Lee, a powerhouse with 24 years of experience in sales and retail, currently serving as the managing director of Skechers Southeast Asia.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 14, 2024

Australian business Funlab will unveil its second US site for mini-golf concept, Holey Moley Golf Club in late March. Holey Moley made its US debut in Denver in September 2023. The company has plans for new sites in Houston and San Francisco later this year. The 500-person capacity Holey Moley Austin includes three golf courses inspired by iconic moments and pop culture.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 14, 2024

The retail world of general merchandise, apparel and personal care is currently in a transformative phase. Consumers of today are discerning, informed and values-driven. The year 2027 has been set by global industry as a timeframe to work towards transitioning retail point-of-sale systems to scan 2D barcodes worldwide. 2D barcodes are set to revolutionise the way we do business.

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Inside Retail

JANUARY 14, 2024

When Shea Marie launched swimwear label Same back in 2015 there was no blueprint or incubator to help convert her influence into a brand. The path from blogger to designer wasn’t seamless, but the result is a luxury swimwear brand that can stand alone. “The most important thing to me when building Same was that the brand would be able to be successful on its own without me attached to it, which is why I’m never the face of our campaigns,” Marie told Inside Retail.

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Inside Retail

DECEMBER 18, 2023

McDonald’s latest restaurant concept goes after the Gen Z market with a calculated marketing trifecta of nostalgia, convenience and bespoke products. CosMc’s is a new addition to the “McDonald’s Universe”, inspired by a retro TV character that will allow customers to customise beverages in the seamless drive-thru experience they are accustomed to. The first CosMc’s outpost opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois, in early December as a pilot before McDonald’s begins expanding the spin-off franchise.

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Inside Retail

DECEMBER 18, 2023

Shoppers in Australia will spend an additional $9 billion during the final week before Christmas, according to the re-forecast by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with Roy Morgan. This will bring spending for the November-December 24 trading period up to $67.4 billion, an increase of 1 per cent from last year. Across the pre-Christmas period, food spending is expected to reach $27 billion, up 3.2 per cent from last year.

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Inside Retail

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

The 7-Eleven Australia convenience store chain has been sold for $1.71 billion to 7-Eleven International (7IN) a joint venture of the brand’s Japanese-listed parent Seven & I and the US business. The Withers and Barlow families which own 7-Eleven in Australia have been looking to sell the business since early this year and there were reports they were hoping to secure as much as $2 billion for it.

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Inside Retail

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Online beauty retailer Adore Beauty has reported revenue of $47.5 million for the first quarter ended September 30, up 4.7 per cent year over year. The increase was supported by growth in active customers, successful loyalty and promotional activity, and a record 497,000 returning customers, the company said. Tamalin Morton, CEO of Adore Beauty, described it as a “solid start” to FY24 although trading conditions remain challenging.

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Inside Retail

OCTOBER 29, 2023

Online fashion retailer Shein has signed a strategic agreement with brand development platform Authentic Brands Group to design, manufacture and distribute a line of Forever 21 products. The Shein x Forever 21 collection, which includes sportswear, activewear and swimwear among others, will be available for sale exclusively on Shein sites in the US, parts of Europe and Australia.

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Inside Retail

OCTOBER 29, 2023

Underwear for Humanity and My Little Bookshop took the spotlight at the recent National Retail Awards, bagging the titles of Small Retailer of the Year – Online and Small Retailer of the Year – Shopfront, respectively. Underwear for Humanity claims to sell underwear made of sustainable materials and produced at certified ethical factories that pay 60 per cent above of living wage with good conditions and benefits.

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Inside Retail

OCTOBER 29, 2023

Retail sales rose 2 per cent year on year to $35.87 billion in September, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed. The data prompted both the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) to urge the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep the current interest rates to encourage more consumer spending. “The Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary decision [tomorrow] will be pivotal to the success of retailers during the most important trading time of the

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