Our latest insights

Australian consumers are demanding more from retailers – better value, faster service, and consistently high quality. Discover what drives Australian retail and how to meet rising expectations.

A strong festive season, driven by Black Friday and year-end sales, has set a positive tone for retail in 2025. However, shifting consumer behaviours, economic uncertainty, and global trade dynamics present challenges that retailers must navigate. Success in 2025 will require agility, innovation, and a strong focus on consumer engagement and strategic pricing.

Australian charities are feeling the pinch of rising costs and increased demand as over 3.3m people live in poverty. From streamlining operations to diversifying funding streams and using technology like AI, leaders are finding ways to meet rising demand and stay resilient in today’s cost-of-living crisis.

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.

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 aged care overhaul is here, with major reforms shaping the future of care for older Australians. From funding shifts to enhanced home care options, these changes will require careful planning from businesses in the sector. Find out how the $5.6b investment into the quality, viability, and accessibility of aged care services and related reforms will affect providers and why strategic planning is crucial for the year ahead.

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.

While consumer spending was strong during Black Friday weekend, consumers are seeking value for money as household discretionary spending becomes tighter. As a result, they’re making more considered purchase decisions for bargains to save in the long run. Read more about how consumer behaviour has changed, and how this will impact the Retail sector in 2023.

Whether you’ve just secured the coveted role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or you’re on the cusp of becoming one, one thing’s for sure: you’re embarking on a high-stakes, high pressure role.

It‘s a challenging environment for independent schools in Australia.