Australia news

Aldi Australia has launched its first lunchbox initiative, which is designed to help parents put together a nutritious lunchbox for their children. Creating balanced lunchboxes Aldi Australia has teamed up with Healthy Kids Association to create this new initiative that provides users with the information and support they need to create a lunchbox with a high nutritional content. A bold...

Woolworths has released its half year results for the period ending 31 December 2012, with group EBIT for continuing operations up 6.1% to AU$1,934.7m and net profits after tax for continuing operations before significant items up 5.5% to AU$1,247.2m. All business divisions contributed to EBIT growth with Australian and New Zealand supermarkets' EBIT growth recorded at 6.0% and 8.9% respect...

This week, Metcash has announced the appointment of Ian Morrice as CEO, and revealed details of a major new supply agreement with Supabarn Supermarkets.  Mr Morrice takes over at end June Mr Morrice will officially take over as chief executive on 30 June 2013, upon the retirement of Andrew Reitzer.  He has been a director of Metcash since June 2012 and before that was group CEO and MD of...

Coles has become the first Australian supermarket to trial a mobile wallet payment system, a significant move as the retailer looks to better leverage the use of the smartphone. Contactless mobile payment and flybuy points with a single swipe Coles has begun trials with 60 customers to test the new Coles Mastercard Mobile Wallet. The new app for smartphones will enable customers to pay for...

Wesfarmers has released its half year results for the period ending 31 December 2012, with EBIT for its retail division increasing 9.4% to AU$1,705m.  Coles' earnings grew an impressive 15.1% to AU$755m, with both Bunnings and Kmart also recording solid profit growth. However, costs incurred implementing Target's transformational plan meant the retailers earnings reduced 20.4%. Coles strateg...

Aldi Australia has confirmed that it plans to expand its store portfolio into both the states of Western Australia and South Australia. Increased competition for Coles and Woolworths In Australia, Aldi trades over 280 stores which are focused around the eastern seaboard. Outlets are currently located in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. However, ...

Costco's performance in Australia appears to be going from strength to strength, with revenue for the 53 weeks to 2 September 2012 more than doubling on the previous year and profits turning positive for the first time. Strong sales and profits In the retailers FY to 2 September 2012 Costco Australia saw revenues more than double to AU$609.5m and net profits reach AU$9.73m. The rapid incre...

Woolworths has released half year sales for the 27 weeks to the 30 December up 3.2% to AU$30,679m, with sales for continuing operations up 4.8% to AU$30,037m. Its supermarket division continues to grow well with sales up 3.7% to AU$26,194m. Australian Food and Liquor shows steady progress Australian Food and Liquor sales for the half were up 4.7% to AU$20,488m, with like-for-like (LFL) ...

Coles has reported half year sales up 4.7% to AU$18,333m in the 27 weeks to 30 December 2012. Strong growth was maintained across the half with an improving growth trend in Q2 for almost all of Wesfarmers' retail divisions. Food & Liquor continues to grow volume ahead of sales Coles' Food and Liquor sales grew to AU$14,301m in the half, with sales up 5.0% or 3.8% on a like-for-like (LFL)...

As the retailer looks to reinvigorate growth in its liquor formats in 2013, Coles has launched a new private label brand into the beer category. Three ales all with their own Aussie personality Coles has entered the craft beer market with the launch of its own private label branded beer. The new Steamrail Brewing Company brand has the slogan of 'Ale with a Tale', claiming that behind every...