Australia

Australian department store Myer has suffered a 22% profit slide, but expects the year ahead to improve as recent store refurbishments help lift sales.

A research study by RMIT University has found that 40% of all food shopping in Australia – which is equivalent to 2.7 million tonnes each year – is binned.

The experiences of two Australian companies show how small and medium-sized retailers can harness technology to break into international markets. Richard Seah finds that how retailers are empowered by IT. 

Dematic, a materials handling and logistics automation company, has helped Oxford Cold Storage in Australia implement a mobile pallet racking system that increases by 30% the capacity of its new freezer housing at Laverton North in Melbourne.

In an illustration of the use of big data, AdNear, a big data company that leverages geo-location to drive advertisement targeting across mobile devices, has shared insights about Australian shoppers garnered from its latest research.

Australian retailer Myer has announced a series of executive appointments to put in place a strong executive team for its next phase of development.

Retail is not a one-trick pony, says Bernie Brookes, CEO of Myer Holdings, and therefore he bets on a strategic five-point plan aimed at delighting and inspiring customers and gaining their loyalty. Sharon Tian learns more from the world-class retailer.

Australia lags behind the rest of the world in the race to meet global consumer demand for novel vegetable products. On average, less than 2% of products containing vegetables launched globally are released in Australia.

AUSVEG has organised a forum in June to discuss vegetable product innovation. The Produce Innovation Seminar will hear from industry figures from the US and Europe in product innovation and sensory science.