Father’s Day is less than three weeks away – the last gift-giving event before Christmas – and our forecasts with Roy Morgan show Australians will spend $735 million on presents this year.
Positive steps have been taken by the Federal Government to address climate change with legislation for a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 passing the House of Representatives.
As anticipated, the Reserve Bank has increased interest rates for the fourth straight month, with the cash rate now sitting at a six year high of 1.85%. Unfortunately, the economic challenges are likely to get worse before they get better, as outlined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers in his economic update to Parliament last week.
Economic challenges continue to mount with figures released today showing inflation has reached 6.1%. We are conscious this impacts retail on many levels – as customers respond to the rising cost of living, and as retailers tackle the financial pain associated with increased operating costs including fuel, energy, supply chains, rents and more.
With Covid and flu infections on the rise again, we’re pleased to see the Federal Government heed the call of the ARA and others to reinstate the pandemic leave disaster payment, which will come as a welcome relief for workers left out of pocket when they isolate.
The Federal Government has announced its much anticipated Jobs and Skills Summit, which will bring together senior Ministers, employers, industry groups and unions in September to address Australia’s economic challenges. There […]
The latest job vacancy figures released last week by the ABS confirm what many retailers are experiencing. Labour and skill shortages are getting worse, and businesses simply can’t find enough […]
It’s pleasing to see continued growth in our trading figures for May, however many challenges remain as we enter the new financial year. The retail industry continues to be hamstrung […]
Some analysts claim the retail sector is facing its worst economic outlook in 15 years, and if we take stock of the current business and consumer challenges, it’s easy to […]
Last week I had the exciting opportunity to celebrate high impact ARA charity partner Good360 Australia’s 7th birthday with a tour of their facilities in Smithfield, NSW. We look forward […]
