For independent retailers, social media is more than just a place to post updates—it’s a powerful tool to connect with local customers and drive real-world foot traffic. When used effectively, it can boost visibility, increase engagement, and bring more people through your doors. 1. Share What Makes You Unique Use your social media platforms to […]
Using Social Media to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store Read More »
Major supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths have dismissed Labor’s pledge to launch a taskforce investigating grocery price inflation if re-elected. Coles stated that after a year-long inquiry, neither the government nor the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found evidence of price gouging. They argued that rising costs in energy, labour, insurance, and logistics were
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A fire that began in the electrical box of Gnowangerup IGA has spread into the roof, with emergency teams working urgently to contain the blaze and protect the town’s only supermarket. Emergency services were alerted at 1:24pm on Wednesday following a triple-0 call reporting the incident. Firefighters from Gnowangerup and Tambellup volunteer brigades are on-site,
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Professor Gary Mortimer, a retail marketing and consumer behaviour expert from Queensland University of Technology, stated that increasing competition should, in theory, drive prices down. However, he acknowledged that fostering competition remains a challenge. He pointed to the ACCC’s recommendation of reducing red tape to make it easier for independent supermarkets to open, but ultimately,
Consumers Hold the Power to Drive Change Read More »
Independent supermarkets in regional Australia are urging shoppers to take action as they battle to remain competitive against the dominance of major retail chains. A recent investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Coles and Woolworths account for two-thirds of the country’s grocery sales. Since 2008, the number of IGA stores
Independent Supermarkets Struggle in Competitive Retail Landscape Read More »
Australia’s supermarket industry would benefit from greater competition, though an ACCC executive stopped short of calling Woolworths and Coles a duopoly. Speaking to the ABC, ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh stressed that increased competition was the best way to keep profit margins in check. He noted that competition enables consumers to make informed pricing decisions
Competition Key to Australia’s Supermarket Industry Growth Read More »
Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies supermarkets, has struggled to expand his chain, opening only two new stores in the past decade. His growth plans have been repeatedly hindered, particularly as competition regulators have failed to address ‘land banking’. Harrison argues that securing undeveloped ‘greenfield’ sites is nearly impossible for independent chains. He cites a recent
Ritchies IGA: The Fight Against Land Banking Read More »
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its final report on the supermarket sector, making 20 key recommendations to address competition concerns. The inquiry found that ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths rank among the most profitable supermarket chains globally, with their average product margins increasing over the past five years. Key Recommendations for a
ACCC’s Supermarket Report Released Read More »
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), a not-for-profit organisation serving remote First Nations communities, is investing an additional $500,000 in price reductions to ease cost-of-living pressures. Effective immediately until 1 July, this initiative ensures more affordable grocery essentials for those in isolated areas. All CEQ-operated stores across the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula, Doomadgee, and Palm Island
CEQ Invests in Price Reductions to Support Remote Communities Read More »
Woolworths has received widespread praise for an unexpected act of generosity, surprising shoppers who had to restock their fridges after recent power outages. Chantelle, the creator of Fat Mum Slim, shared on Facebook that she had received a $10 voucher while shopping at Woolworths. She was curious whether others had received one, as a staff
Woolworths Praised for Generosity Amid Power Outages Read More »
No matter how well you run your independent retail business, customer complaints are inevitable. How you handle them can make the difference between losing a customer and turning them into a loyal advocate for your brand. Here’s how to manage complaints effectively while maintaining your reputation. 1. Listen and Acknowledge When a customer raises a
How to Handle Customer Complaints Effectively in Retail Read More »
Coles CEO Leah Weckert has highlighted the intense competition in Australia’s $120bn supermarket industry as it awaits a major regulatory review. Speaking at The Australian’s Global Food Forum, Ms Weckert suggested the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report—expected soon—could introduce stricter regulations. These may focus on greater transparency in supplier contracts, particularly pricing and
Supermarket Industry Faces Intense Competition Amid Regulatory Scrutiny Read More »
For independent retailers, the way you present your products can have a huge impact on customer engagement and sales. Effective visual merchandising doesn’t just make your store look good—it encourages browsing, enhances the shopping experience, and ultimately boosts revenue. Here’s how to get it right. 1. Create Eye-Catching Displays Your window and in-store displays should
The Power of Visual Merchandising in Retail Read More »
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