Our latest insights

Black Friday results so far point to a strong festive season ahead for retailers. Consumers are balancing growing confidence with a focus on value and quality, while mobile commerce and strategies like personalisation are driving growth. Retailers must adapt to maintain this momentum, prioritising new product launches and standout experiences in December.

In today’s competitive retail landscape, consumers expect more value than ever. From affordable options to personalised experiences, the challenge for retailers is clear: how to consistently meet and exceed these expectations.

Retailers are re-evaluating procurement strategies for not for resale goods in response to ongoing global crises, emphasising cost control, vendor consolidation, and resilience. By shifting procurement from a tactical to a strategic role, retailers can improve transparency, secure better rates, and enhance service levels.

Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviour are pushing many retailers to the edge. Taking immediate action to reduce operational expenses and prioritise cash flow management can give businesses the breathing room they need. Retailers must adapt quickly to survive these challenging market conditions and avoid insolvencies.

As Retailers face increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, Robots as a Service (RaaS) is emerging as a game-changer in warehouse automation. Offering a scalable, subscription-based model, RaaS allows businesses to integrate cutting-edge robotics without the burden of upfront investment.

The USA is preparing reforms to its de minimis exemptions, a change that could significantly affect Australian retailers selling goods manufactured in China and exporting to the USA. With higher tariffs and stricter customs regulations on the horizon, businesses may face increased costs and compliance challenges, requiring a reassessment of supply chain strategies.

In today's shifting global landscape, businesses face ongoing supply chain challenges such as port congestion, soaring freight costs, and material shortages. Domestically, labor shortages and increasing costs add to the strain. To stay competitive, companies must do more with less. Refurbishing existing supply chains can lead to immediate cost savings and service improvements.

Australians are currently struggling with cost-of-living increase including essential goods such as housing, utilities, petrol and groceries. Consequently, household budgets are being altered across the country to tighten spending and temporarily alleviate financial pressures.

While the retail industry has faced significant challenges due to COVID-19, it also showed significant resilience and adaptability throughout the pandemic. From changes in demand to major supply chain issues and labour market uncertainties, the last three years have tested the innovation and adaptability of businesses. Through a comprehensive retail benchmarking analysis of the past three years, we gained valuable insights into the industry's evolution from 2021 to 2023.

Despite a decrease in M&A deal volumes and IPO activity in the face of economic uncertainty, Australia’s retail sector remains appealing to investors. Through our analysis of Australian retail M&A and equity markets in the 18 months to 31 December 2023, we saw the retail sector face a mix of challenges and opportunities.

Watch our seminar exploring prospects of the evolving retail landscape based on insights gathered at this year’s NRF conference: Retail's Big Show in New York.

PepsiCo appealed a court decision that found it owed the ATO AUD 3.6m in royalty withholding tax for FY 2018 and 2019.