Early shoppers take heat out of Christmas sales

• 1 hr ago

Australians spent more than $25.6 billion in December, but sales for the month dipped 0.1 per cent, confounding hopes for bumper Christmas sales.

Alibaba's Jack Ma vows to use government funds to grow small businesses

Launching Alibaba's Australian headquarters, billionaire founder Jack Ma said the Chinese e-commerce giant would help Australian and New Zealand businesses share their products with the world.

'There will be casualties' from our discount addiction

February has lived up to its reputation as a tough month for retailers, with high-profile clothing chains Marcs and David Lawrence going bust.

Coffee king shows it's easy going green

It takes just a glimpse at his luggage to note that, when it comes to risk, Giuseppe Lavazza likes to hedge.

Top US retailer drops Ivanka Trump brand

US luxury department store chain is winding down its relationship with the controversial Ivanka Trump brand after boycott threats and concerns about the first daughter's conflicts of interest.

Retail rot spreads to big-name fashion chains

The collapse of national fashion brands Marcs and David Lawrence has added another 1130 workers to the retail rout that claimed close to 2000 jobs in the sector before Christmas.

1130 jobs in danger at Marcs, David Lawrence

An administrator has been appointed to fashion brands David Lawrence and Marcs amid deteriorating sales.

Nando's stares down revolt as franchisees fold over refit pressures

Nando's franchisees across the country are in open rebellion against head office moves to get them to renovate – or lose their stores for nothing.

Wesfarmers urged to sell Target, boost Bunnings

With Woolworths tipped to post stronger quarterly growth than rival Coles for the first time since 2009, a fund manager is calling on Wesfarmers to ditch its conglomerate structure.

Why I don't like self-service checkouts: retail CEO

Retailers shouldn't rely on customers to do shop assistants' work, Best & Less CEO says. But another retail expert says resistance is old-fashioned.

Struggling supermarkets rely on beer, babies and smokes

• IN DEPTH

A discounting war could make mincemeat of our supermarkets.

Domino's fobs off market fears over pay rises

High-flying Domino's Pizza Enterprises says a recent fall in its share price is not connected to the introduction of a 10 per cent surcharge on orders placed on Sunday.

Pizza Hut fines show need for change

• COMMENT

If there was any doubt that wage underpayment is thriving in the $170 billion franchise sector take a look at Pizza Hut.

Supermarket soft drink sales slump amid health fears

• EXCLUSIVE

A consumer backlash has wiped tens of millions of dollars off the value of soft drink sales at Australia's major supermarkets.

It can cost $500,000 to put a child through school

The spiraling cost of getting kids back into the classroom is driving investment in specialist education businesses at the major retailers.

Global retailers soar as Aussies brace for Amazon

Australia is home to just 16 per cent of the world's top 250 retailers, but local retailers are bracing for international giants to shake up things this year.

Supabarn scales down as Metcash faces a growing competition

Start-up seeking to become the country's biggest food and grocery wholesaler nabs part of Supabarn supermarket empire.

Woolworths to go on 'charm offensive'

Australia's No.1 supermarket chain launches a "charm offensive" on suppliers left nervous by a court ruling that it did not act unconscionably by demanding up to $60 million from suppliers.

Oroton slumps as earnings dip 10 per cent

Oroton shares slumped 14 per cent after the luxury handbags and accessories retailer flagged soft earnings.

Coles 'nervous' after Woolworths 'wins' Christmas battle

Suppliers' sunnier take on Woolworths suggest it is closing the gap to Coles faster than anticipated, UBS says.

'So sad': Pumpkin Patch to close within weeks

The collapsed childrenswear chain Pumpkin Patch will shut its doors within weeks.

Wesfarmers chief warns Woolworths could win sales race

Wesfarmers' senior management has warned investors and analysts to rein-in expectations of its second quarter sales performance amid predictions Woolworths will shake off its 29-quarter losing streak to win the second quarter sales race.

Burger boss faces jail threat over underpayment

A burger bar operator who has repeatedly underpaid workers is now facing an unusual court order from the workplace watchdog.

Is Uniqlo's Australian honeymoon turning sour?

The international fast fashion brands have snared more than $600 million in sales last year, adding to the pressure on the discount department store chains to improve their performance.

H&M; forced to scrap 'unfair' pay deal

H&M;'s bid to move its workers onto an enterprise agreement has failed after being knocked back by Fair Work on the basis it did not pass the better off overall test.

Showpo sues fellow e-retailer over data 'theft'

A 24-year-old graphic designer is facing court after allegedly stealing online fashion retailer Showpo's entire customer contact list and giving it to a rival.

Woolworths appoints Tesco veteran as supermarkets boss

Claire Peters, currently chief operating officer of Tesco Thailand, will report to chief executive Brad Banducci after taking reins in July.

Employees owed more than $1 million as Pie Face nears sale

The one-time, high-flying, hot-pie business leaves behind a trail of destruction.

Lululemon props up struggling Aussie arm

North American workout wear giant pumps $19.73 million into its operations Down Under to build market share.