Sunday 11 March 2012

Latest Retail News – 8/3/12

Latest Retail News – 8/3/12
1.       Woolworths rated Australia’s most valuable Asia-Pacific retail brand.
2.       Harvey Norman scales back online expectations as sales disappoint.
3.       US officials arrest 29 members of counterfeit import ring involving UGG boots, Nike sneakers, Burberry, Gucci,  and Louis Vuitton.
4.       Jamaica Blue coffee pulls its sponsorship of TV show, The Circle, following offensive comments about Australian soldier.
5.       Reserve Bank sees no reason to change official interest rate in March review.
6.       Julia Gillard asks business for ideas on cutting red tape.
7.       Woolworths launch Baby & Toddler Club for online access of baby and food advice.
8.       Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards pick Aldi and The Good Guys.
9.       Suppliers dob in Coles and Woolies to ACCC for unconscionable conduct.
10.   US children’s footwear brand Stride Rite opens two stores in Melbourne.
11.   Deals Direct buys Extrastock, a world leader in ebay clearance concepts.
12.   Australia’s worst trade deficit in 2 years surprises market.
13.   ACCC accuses Flight Centre of trying to set minimum prices on flights.
14.   Go-Lo, Crazy Clark’s, Sam’s Warehouse and Chicken Feed group announce cost cutting and job losses.
15.   Australian unemployment rises to 5.2% with predictions of 5.5% by September.
16. Toshiba develops cameras based recognition to replace bar code scanning for all items including fresh food.