Australia news

SPAR International has reported worldwide retail sales up 2.8% in 2012, and revealed its new strategy: "Growing our future together." International expansion has always been a strategic goal SPAR's new strategy builds on its long-term objectives. It sets out the strategic objectives for 2013-2015 under three broad headings: Growing our partners - Developing a multi-format presenc...

Australia's market leading grocery retailer has installed a convenient Click & Collect location at Australia's second busiest airport. Walk-in or drive through service available The concept is located outside the airport next to a new public pick up lane.  Woolworths hopes that passengers returning from trips will be able to order fridge and pantry essentials up to a week in advance of their ...

Coles has cut the prices of some of Australia's most popular brands in the latest round of price reductions under its popular 'Down Down' campaign. Great value on four big brands The latest round of cuts will see 40 new products added to the retailer's 'Down Down' list of EDLP products. However, following customer research that found 75% of Australians would purchase big brands when discounte...

Woolworths has declared its rollout of iPads to its store managers a success, with the initiative allowing them to spend an extra working day every week on the shop floor. Technology enabling more time in customer facing roles In August 2012, the retailer issued all of its 890 store managers with iPads, enabling them to free up time traditionally spent in the backroom in front of a computer a...

Costco has received planning approval to open its first depot in the Australian state of Queensland. Decision signals entry into fourth state Member club cash and carry operator Costco has been given planning to open its first depot in Brisbane. The development will see the retailer enter a new state, building on its existing coverage where it already has stores in ACT, New South Wales and...

Wesfarmers has released Coles' Q3 results for the 12 weeks to 24 March 2013, with sales up 6.4% to AU$8,351m. Food and Liquor sales up 6.6% to AU$6,491m Despite overall food and liquor price deflation of 1.3% in the quarter, like-for-like (LFL) sales grew 5.3% in Q3. Coles saw strong volume growth, with customers benefiting from the retailers continued focus on fresh food quality, a better...

Metcash is to roll out a new marketing campaign that aims to showcase shoppers favourite brands and also highlight the role IGA stores play in their local communities. Leveraging IGA's points of difference The campaign, which will run over the next year, will involve television, digital, catalogue and point of sale activity in all 1,400 IGA supermarkets across Australia . Metcash will in...

Woolworths has reported third quarter sales for the 13 weeks to 31 March 2013, with sales fromcontinuing operations up 5.7% to AU$14,432m. Its Supermarket Division saw sales continue to grow well, up 5.0% to AU$12,817m. Australian Food and Liquor sales up 5.6% to AU$9,945m Like-for-like (LFL) sales growth in Australian food and liquor continued to recover, increasing 3.8%, compared to 2.4%...

As it looks to strengthen links with key suppliers and form longer term partnerships. Coles has agreed deals with two of Australia's dairy co-operatives, Murray Goulbourn and Norco. Contracts will supply private label milk Australia's largest dairy co-operative, Murray Goulbourn, which has 2,500 member farms, has signed a ten year contract, which will see the company supply the retailer's...

Aldi is reported to be investing up to AUD 2bn in its Australian business in the next few years. Supporting strong growth Local press, Australian Daily, reports that Aldi Australia is set to receive AUD 1bn to support its rapid store expansion programme, with a further AUD 1bn to follow in the future. Expanding into new states Aldi has not confirmed the specific figures released...