Australia news

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...

Following the departure of Tony Buffin, Coles have appointed Rob Scott as its new finance director. Internal appointment shows strong management pipeline Rob Scott will move from his current position as Managing Director of Wesfarmers insurance, to head up the finance division at Coles . The move follows the decision of outgoing Coles Finance Director, Tony Buffin to take a senior role a...

Woolworths has moved to double the discount it offers on fuel, matching a similar offer which Coles currently has in place, but also offering a few extra hidden benefits.  Customers can start saving today Woolworths is doubling its popular fuel discount from 4c off a litre to 8c off a litre. However, in what it claims to be an industry first, it is backdating the savings to customers who...

Australia's market leading supermarket has launched a new local food sourcing initiative that will see it support more small to medium sized local companies and introduce more locally produced food to its shelves. Supporting local producers fits with range tailoring stratgey The first locally sourced products will start to arrive in Woolworths stores in late January, with the first being...