Retail News
Briefs – 10/9/2017
Amazon Could Open By Christmas – there
is speculation that the progress by Amazon in preparing a South Dandenong warehouse,
recruiting staff, and placing product orders, could mean an opening a soon as
mid-October 2017. With much to learn about the Australian market, it is
expected that initially Amazon will concentrate on price cutting as its key
offer.
Stagnant Retail Sales In July –
Australian retail sales in July went nowhere as a disappointing result in June
continued to influence sales trends.
Aldi and Homewares – Aldi have always
had a homewares component in their discount offer but the recent introduction
of a “Style Revolution” with “upscale
refinement to your home” suggests they are getting more serious about
this category.
Nike’s
One Hour Shoe Designs – we reported recently on Victraders about major sports
shoe manufacturers using 3D printing technology to manufacture shoes. Nike are
experimenting in New York with a workshop where you can select from thousands
of graphics or create your own on the spot phrases and have your shoe design on
your feet in one hour.
Driverless Pizza Delivery – Dominos Pizza
and Ford are working together in the US to trial pizza delivery by driverless
cars. In simple terms, you order your pizza online, track the delivery vehicle,
and when it arrives, go out and open up the boot for your order using a unique
code.
Shopping Centres Off the Market –
Global private equity firm, Blackstones, has taken its retail portfolio (including
Sydney’s Top Ryde and Melbourne’s Greensborough Plaza) off the market and
instead will concentrate on improving the properties. Interested potential buyers
included AMP and Lendlease.
Plastic Bag Ban In Queensland – from mid
next year shoppers will not be able to get their purchases in single use
plastic bags. The ban will include degradable and biodegradable bags.
Coles Experiments With More Delivery
Options – Last week we reported on the link between Coles and Uber for home
deliveries and now Coles have announced a trial with Deliveroo, the bicycle
based fast food delivery service. Deliveroo have been delivering “food packs” such as BBQ essentials in
Melbourne’s inner-east since earlier in the year and all with a 30 minute
timeframe.
Aldi Upgrades Fresh Food Offer –
Analysts are saying that Aldi’d decision to increase fresh food floor space
from 15% to 25% has proved a winner as they eat into the market share of the bigger
supermarket chains.