Latest Retail News – 2/3/2014
1. Westfield Groups profit down 6.7% but shareholders dividend raised.
2. Coles defends fuel discounts as ACCC commences legal action.
3. ABS says more than 75% of Australia’s 15 million internet users made an online purchase in 2012-13.
4. Japanese skin care brand, Fancl, to close its Singapore stores.
5. Athlete’s Foot profit rises 9.2% for 6 months to December.
6. PayPal introduces fingerprint login for new Samsung Galaxy 5 users.
7. Luxury Italian footwear retailer, Tods, to open first Australian store in April.
8. Chinese consumer confidence reaches record high.
9. Prime retail rents in Hong Kong are 3 times those of Paris and London.
10. Good Food guide declares Queen Victoria Market “caffeine central” with latest opening of Market Lane Coffee in deli hall.
11. Bonds plans more Bonds Kids stores following successful Doncaster opening in September.
12. Flight Centre lifts first half profit by over 20% with strong performance in Australia.
13. Sony to close two-thirds of its US stores.
14. Woolworths profit up 14.5% for 6 months to December with food and liquor strong but general merchandise down.
15. Harvey Norman reports 36% profit improvement year on year.