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As Microsoft shuts stores in China, are authorised retailers still relevant?

Inside Retail

The reported closure of Microsoft’s brick-and-mortar stores managed by authorised retail partners in China has raised questions about the tech giant’s strategy in the world’s second-largest economy and whether the move is counterintuitive when the market’s consumer electronics sector has seen a sign of recovery. billion, in 2023.

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Consumer class action launched against JB Hi-Fi over ‘junk’ warranties

Inside Retail

They were of little or no value because – the class action argues – customers already had the same rights for free under the Australian Consumer Law.

Consumer 264
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Costco to invest $150m in three new Vic stores

Inside Retail

Costco plans to open three new stores in Melbourne and Geelong within the next two years, investing up to $150 million. Costco currently boasts 200,000 members and sells a mix of goods from fresh food, groceries, meat, consumer electronics, clothing, diamonds and even coffins. billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion last year.

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Decoding Chinese consumer spending behaviour in 2025 

Inside Retail

Health and wellness take center stage: With 41 per cent of consumers planning to increase spending on health-related products, demand for supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, and fitness-related goods is surging. The focus is shifting toward quality, timeless value, and selective purchasing.

Consumer 130
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Retail at the end of the world: How JB Hi-Fi aims to disrupt the NZ market

Inside Retail

Australian consumer electronics giant JB Hi-Fi announced a major expansion of its New Zealand operations last week , unveiling plans to double its store count in the next three to five years. He revealed that JB Hi-Fi also plans to move its e-commerce site to the Shopify platform in the future.

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Ready, set, sale: Why your Black Friday marketing should start now

Inside Retail

Data from Google reveals that a resounding 88 per cent of Aussies believe this Christmas will be more important than last year’s; with 21 per cent of people preparing gifting plans 3-6 months before, and 47 per cent of people planning to do so in the 2-4 weeks leading up to December. What’s your plan? Supply-chain issues.

Marketing 238
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ARA – the voice of Australia’s retail community

Inside Retail

At the ARA, we represent some of the largest retailers in the country – from the major supermarkets, department stores, fashion outlets and providers of household goods and consumer electronics, however the vast bulk of our membership are small- and medium-sized businesses, most of whom are omnichannel retailers. .