Your weekly pulse on retail in Australia and New Zealand. WE 9 March 2025 delivering a sharp, insightful recap of the biggest headlines shaping the industry.
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‘Unacceptable’: The Warehouse Group’s first-half sales decline
The Warehouse Group reported a 1.6% drop in sales to $1.61 billion, with EBIT expected between $18M–$20M. Interim CEO John Journee described the company’s performance as “unacceptable”, outlining a turnaround strategy that includes fixing legacy issues, improving product offerings, and driving operational efficiencies. The retailer remains hopeful for an economic recovery later in the year, but discretionary spending pressures continue to weigh on performance.
Insights from a year of profiling remarkable women
Inside Retail’s #IRWD365 initiative has spent the past year highlighting female leaders in the retail industry, showcasing their achievements and career insights. Interviews with executives from David Jones, Rebel, Catch, and Go For Zero have explored key themes, including the importance of mentorship, breaking industry bias, and the value of taking on new challenges. With retail leadership still skewed toward men, these stories offer both inspiration and a call for greater gender diversity at the top.
Thousands of Panda Mart products seized over safety concerns
Australian authorities have seized thousands of household and electrical products from Panda Mart, issuing a public safety warning over non-compliant goods. The regulator is investigating concerns that some of these products may fail to meet safety standards, posing potential risks to consumers. This follows growing scrutiny on imported goods and the responsibilities of retailers to ensure compliance.
ComCom files criminal charges against two Pak’nSaves
The New Zealand Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Pak’nSave Silverdale and Pak’nSave Mill Street [Hamilton], alleging misleading pricing practices. This move increases scrutiny on supermarket transparency, particularly around price discrepancies between shelf tags and checkout totals. The case marks another escalation in New Zealand’s ongoing grocery sector review, where regulators have been tightening their grip on pricing fairness.
Petbarn unlocks Uber loyalty integration
Petbarn has partnered with Uber Eats, allowing Friends for Life members to unlock Petbarn member pricing directly on the platform. This marks the first loyalty program integration of its kind on Uber Eats in Australia. Thousands of pet products, from food and treats to grooming supplies, are now available for on-demand delivery, offering greater convenience for pet owners.
Retail workers take up four-day work week, but union officials say new expanded proposal isn't a fair deal
The debate over work-life balance and productivity takes center stage as retail workers are included in a four-day work week trial. While proponents argue that reduced hours increase efficiency and improve well-being, critics question its practicality in retail, where operating hours and staffing demands remain high. The trial aims to assess whether this model can be successfully applied to customer-facing industries.
Incoming KMD Brands CEO to start work on March 24
Brent Scrimshaw will officially step in as CEO and MD of KMD Brands, replacing Michael Daly. Appointed in October 2024, Scrimshaw brings 30 years of experience in brand development and consumer strategy. He has stated that his focus will be on deepening customer connections and driving innovation across KMD’s brands, including Rip Curl and Kathmandu.
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