Worrying Signs For Australian Economy
As GDP Tumbles:
The ABC is
reporting that Australia’s economy is growing but at a worryingly slow rate. “The result was dragged down by weak
household spending, slowing further from last year and up just 1.8 per cent
over the year, with households cutting back on their discretionary spending,
particularly in new household items, recreation and hospitality. However,
spending rose in non-discretionary, essential areas such as insurance, power and
health.”
Here is the
link to the full article - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-05/australian-economy-slows-to-levels-last-seen-in-gfc/11180688
And for more
information on April Retail Sales - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/retail-sales-april-2019/11176730
The Dilemma Of Empty Shops:
It would
seem that the idea to put shops at the ground level of large new apartment
complexes has proved a failure and there are other systemic problems creating
empty retail shops around Melbourne. Details here -https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-06/ghost-shops-haunting-new-developments/11184644
The Answer to Modern Effective
Customer Engagement Is Not Everything:
Omnichannel
has been a popular buzzword in retail with its proposition that retailers
(Traders) need to be all things to all people - online/bricks’n’mortar/all the social
media channels, and so on – but a key retail adviser is suggesting that is all rubbish.
In fact,
rather than throw everything out there as some sort of catch-all net, we should
be focusing on what is appropriate for our particular customers.
Steve Dennis
writes for Forbes Magazine and is considered a top global influencer on many
things retail. Here is his article on the death of Omnichannel. - https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevendennis/2019/06/03/omnichannel-is-dead-the-future-is-harmonized-retail/#12617c7e65e8
Ikea, The Furniture & Homewares
Company, Moves Into Clothing:
Ikea has compiled
a limited range of clothing from sustainable, socially conscious,
manufacturers. Details here - https://www.fastcompany.com/90357173/ikea-is-getting-into-fashion-again
Woolworths To Give Greater Focus On Customers: