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Bunnings is the retailer 2500 Australians surveyed by KPMG believe offers the most excellent customer experience.

KPMG surveyed more than 20,000 people globally and over 2500 in Australia asking which brands deliver the best customer experience.

The Body Shop ranked second while Mecca landed third among the top 10 Australian non-grocery retailers, followed by Specsavers and Chemist Warehouse.

“In the retail sector, the digitisation of customer journeys across channels has been a differentiator that has helped move the bar for customer perceptions in Australia,” said Carmen Bekker, partner-in-charge at KPMG customer.

“Leading brands have been able to integrate these digital journeys with in-store experiences, recognising many Australians have retail journeys that begin online but also include an in-store touchpoint.” 
 

The report noted that customers generally are seeking more value for money, along with more seamless, omnichannel processes and more personalised experiences from brands.

“We see customer perceptions of value formed by how they feel about service and support. It is also formed by how organisations demonstrate their purpose, relevance, and ability to have a positive long-term impact on the environment and society,” said Bekker.

The Iconic, Bendigo Bank, Dan Murphy’s, Apple, and JB Hi-Fi are also featured in the top 10.

The study found that customer perception of experience excellence fell 3.8 per cent across all markets and that 61 per cent are willing to pay more to a company seen as ethical or giving back to society. Almost all respondents – 97 per cent – said the cost of living has impacted their recent purchasing decisions.

Propel Group is selling its water-resistant coat and apparel brand Driza-Bone to billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart via her S Kidman and Co pastoral company. 

The deal, whose value has not been disclosed, marks Rinehart’s foray into fashion retail. 

Driza-Bone, acquired by Propel Group in 2008, was merged with country apparel retailer RB Sellars in 2017. The brand marked its 125th-anniversary this year.

“We will bolster Driza-Bone’s expansion strategies, enabling the brand to venture into new international markets while staying true to its Australian heritage and commitment to superior quality,” said S Kidman & Co chief executive Adam Giles.

“The Driza-Bone brand is synonymous with the spirit of the Australian bush. We are committed to upholding and nurturing Driza-Bone’s legacy of Australian craftsmanship while also propelling it to new heights.”

Clothing, footwear and accessories monthly turnover has dropped by $30.6 million in October 2023, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealed.

Overall sales in fashion for October were $2.98 billion, down from $3.01 billion in September 2023. Compared to October 2022, fashion sales have fallen by exactly $20 million. 

Department store sales have also dropped by $12 million to $1.90 billion in October 2023, however, the sector is up by around $8 million compared to October 2022.

Overall Australian retail turnover fell 0.2% to $35.76 billion in October, following a rise of 0.9% in September and a 0.2% rise in August. 

"Retail turnover fell in October after a short-lived boost in spending in September,” ABS head of retail statistics Ben Dorber said. “Turnover was down in all retail categories except food retailing [up 0.5%].

“It looks like consumers hit the pause button on some discretionary spending in October, likely waiting to take advantage of discounts during Black Friday sales events in November. This is a pattern we have seen develop in recent years as Black Friday sales grow in popularity.” 

Retailers will now be banking on a windfall from the Christmas sales period, according to the National Retail Association (NRA).

“The decline in spending, despite the Halloween discount buzz, indicates shoppers are being more conservative about where they spend their money, and the RBA’s snap decision to raise interest rates in November was ill-advised,” NRA director Rob Godwin said.

"We implore the new RBA Governor Michele Bullock to hold interest rates in December to give retailers a fighting chance this Christmas. 

“Consumers can expect competitive bargains to ramp up in the 12 days before Christmas as retailers pull out every trick in the book to make up for a flat year of sales.”

Victoria experienced the biggest decline in retail sales at 0.8%, while Queensland experienced a 0.6% sales boost, which NRA claim could be attributed to the record number of cars sold across the state in October.

However, despite the monthly drop, overall retail sales lifted by 1.2% year-on-year, up $421 million from October 2022.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra said this yearly positive lift is mostly attributed to spending on essentials such as food. 

“Shoppers are increasingly feeling the crunch of the cost-of-living crisis and interest rate increases, making it a challenging time to be a discretionary retailer,” he said.

“October’s underwhelming results also came amid the Reserve Bank of Australia’s last interest rate pause. We expect retail sales will be impacted even more by November’s interest rate hike.” 

Zahra said retailers will be watching for November’s retail trade results with interest, given the prevalence of this year’s Black Friday sales.  

“Black Friday has been forecast to be record-breaking this year, with shoppers desperate to cross off their Christmas wish-lists during the biggest pre-Christmas sale event of the year, which is likely to impact December’s numbers. 

“Retailers and Australians will be anxiously awaiting the RBA decision next week, which will affect the final few weeks of Christmas spending. 

“Whilst much has been said about the cost-of-living crisis, retailers are also experiencing a cost of doing business crisis and will be concentrating on offering the best service and value for budget conscious shoppers during the all-important Christmas trading period.” 

Luxury fashion retailer Oroton Group says its profit more than tripled on the back of higher sales and stricter cost and inventory management in FY23.

The company booked a net profit of $8.2 million in the 12 months ended July 30, up 3.5 times from last year. 

This comes amid a 25 per cent growth in overall store sales, with same-store sales up by 12 per cent, attributed to investment in in-store experience, additional trading days, and a return to physical retail after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online sales grew 3.4 per cent.

During the year, Oroton opened stores in Paddington and Mosman in NSW, and at Claremont (WA), along with a pop-up store at Melbourne International Airport.

“Our customers are responding well to our revamped digital channels and quicker and more reliable fulfilment, along with more targeted and relevant content and communication,” said Jennifer Child, CEO at Oroton. 

Oroton has also expanded its efforts to offer more sustainable fabric options including plant-based leathers.

“Oroton customers prize quality over quantity and they are increasingly conscious of their impact on the world. We see huge potential value in offering customers new ways to rent, reuse and resell Oroton apparel and accessories to extend their life and enjoy more variety with less environmental impact,” said Child.

The company expressed confidence in business to go through more challenging macroeconomic conditions ahead.

Retail sales rose 2 per cent year on year to $35.87 billion in September, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed.

The data prompted both the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) to urge the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep the current interest rates to encourage more consumer spending.

“The Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary decision [tomorrow] will be pivotal to the success of retailers during the most important trading time of the year – and we urge the RBA to hold interest rates considering this,” said ARA CEO Paul Zahra.

ABS data revealed that cafes, restaurants, and takeaway sales rose 6.1 per cent to $5.45 billion while food sales jumped 3.5 per cent to $14.16 billion.

“Food and takeaway again led the spending growth, and this is consistent with what we’ve seen all year – shoppers are prioritising the essentials in a cost-of-living crisis,” said ARA CEO Paul Zahra. 

Other retailing composed of recreational, sporting goods, and cosmetics rose 1.6 per cent to $5.5 billion, while department store sales went up 1.3 per cent to $1.92 billion. Clothing, footwear and personal accessory sales inched 1.1 per cent higher to $3.02 billion.

“Pausing interest rates again this month will allow consumers to spend more freely during the November/December sales period and will set retailers up for the coming silly season,” said NRA deputy CEO Lindsay Carroll.

“We hope consumer sentiment increases as retail’s biggest sales season approaches, resulting in a positive start for retailers moving into 2024.”

One of Australia’s biggest retailers, Cotton On, backed by billionaire Nigel Austin, is advancing its international push after opening more than 100 overseas stores last year.

The Australian market still makes up over half of group sales, which reached a record $2.2 billion, up 4 per cent, over the 2023 financial year across its various brands including its namesake chain, Typo, Supre and Rubi, according to accounts lodged with the corporate regulator.

The Geelong-based fast-fashion behemoth’s bottom line was dented by higher rent and finance expenses, as well as a jump in materials costs and wages over the year to June 25.

Net profit was just $5.9 million, reduced from $114.2 million in 2021-22, the accounts of parent entity COGI Pty Ltd showed.

Sales growth in Australia was strong, up $53 million to $1.2 billion. North America achieved sales exceeding $401 million, Africa $183 million and Asia – retail and wholesale – $274.8 million. 

After stripping out $56.6 million in dividends, retained earnings were $189.5 million at balance date.

During 2022-23, Cotton On increased its offshore retail footprint by 15 per cent. The group also invested in new distribution facilities.

“International expansion remains a key strategic priority for the group, in line with our vision to take Aussie lifestyle brands to the world, delivering good along the way,” the account said.

Cotton On’s borrowings reached $326 million, up from $215 million.

The company also rejigged its operating model into two primary divisions: Cotton On, which includes Cotton On, Kids, Body and Rubi; and Emerging Brands, which includes Factorie, Typo, Supre and Ceres Life.

Cotton On was founded by Tania Austin and her former spouse Nigel Austin, starting with two stores in 1991 to 1500 stores today across eight brands in 22 countries. Ms Austin left the business in 2008, and bought retailer Decjuba.

Mr Austin, who landed at no.65 on The Financial Review Rich List with an estimated fortune of $2 billion, is notoriously private.

Womenswear brand Forever New is opening three flagship stores in Kuwait as part of its strategic partnership with fashion conglomerate Apparel Group.

The collaboration will also expand Forever New’s online presence to 6thStreet.com in the UAE.

Founded in Melbourne in 2006, the brand is known for its wearable and timeless collections that celebrate modern femininity, with over 400 retail and concession stores globally and over 30 million visitors to its websites each year. 

“We’re proud to partner with the Apparel Group to further expand our presence in the Middle East,” said Dipendra Goenka, CEO of Forever New.

“With extensive omni-channel capabilities and a strong focus on the customer, the Apparel Group will help deliver an exceptional shopping experience for our Forever New customers in Kuwait.” Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, said the partnership reflects the group’s commitment to elevating the fashion landscape in the GCC.

“Forever New’s timeless elegance and contemporary designs are a perfect fit for our market, and we are confident that the brand will be warmly embraced by our customers.”

Furniture retailer King Living is expanding its footprint into North America, opening its first US showroom in Orange County, California late this year.

“After decades of research, we’ve crafted a space that aims to both inspire Californian residents as well as reflect our inherent dedication to authentic Australian design,” said King Living founder David King.

The new showroom will feature sofas, luxurious dining ranges, contemporary bed and mattress ranges, and outdoor collections.

The company intends to open a second US showroom in Chicago, followed by a second showroom in Canada – in Calgary – next year.

“The US is key to the King Living global expansion strategy and the market provides us with an unapparelled growth opportunity,” said David Woollcott, CEO at King Living.

The Australia-headquartered company said the success of its stores in New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, the UK and China was a key factor in its decision to expand into the US.

“This isn’t about growth for growth’s sake, this is about our belief that we will improve the lives of customers who choose our furniture; we are passionate about bringing our designs and our engineering to those who appreciate the King Difference,” said Woollcott.

Sheike has partnered with Australian fashion designer Mariam Seddiq to launch a limited-edition capsule collection.

The 16-style collection features a range of eveningwear garments that took around seven months to complete. It is currently sold online at Sheike, with curated ranges in 16 stores and three stores offering the entire range.

According to Seddiq, it is the first time Sheike has done a collaboration with an Australian designer.

“They initially asked me in October last year,” Seddiq said. “So it's been a long time coming, but we didn't actually start anything until late February. I designed the collection, and then we had a meeting, and then away they went.”

As part of the process, Seddiq requested Sheike to include sizes 18 and 20 for the range.

“I've just taken all my knowledge from every single body shape that I've worked with, and mixed it up and put it in this collection,” she said. “Because the thinnest woman and the curviest woman will have similar insecurities. My job is to make them confident and just hide those bits strategically and just make them feel more sexy.

Sheike head of design Marie Ektoras said conversations on collaborating with an Australian designer have always circled the business. She said the Seddiq collaboration had a freestyle approach without the restrictions to corporate guidelines.

“It feels like a more creatively authentic process,” Ektoras said. “We wanted to include Mariam’s signature silhouettes that her devoted clients love. We’ve injected colour to keep it fun whilst also offering a sleek, moodier vibe.

“It was also important to Mariam to include a size 20 and we too saw this as an opportunity to broaden our size curve.”

Seddiq said the design process with Sheike was a completely different model to how she designs her own collections.

“We don't cut until the order is placed,” she said. “And depending on if it's ready-to-wear or custom - like made-to-measure - they would get a ready to wear piece and we'd cut it to their size, and that is like a two week to a month turnaround, depending on what it is. Then there's custom, so they'd have fittings, and that is longer. So that would be equivalent to the Sheike production time.

“But, in saying that, we've made pieces for celebrities in a day."

The designer praised the collaboration process with Sheike, noting the similarities between both enterprises.

“I'm going to miss going into their offices, because everyone's super professional, but they're also fun. We have fun when we do stuff, but we're also quite prompt as well.

“It didn't feel like work. I didn't have to compromise anything. They just loved everything I created.

“The hardest part was to cull the designs, because it's not entirely my show. It needed to be a capsule collection, rather than… you know how I do the 42 looks for Fashion Week?”

Ektoras said Sheike has another collaboration in the pipeline that will be launched at the beginning of next year.

Auto parts and outdoor equipment retailer Super Retail Group saw a slight like-for-like sales growth in the first 16 weeks of FY24 on the back of higher sales of Supercheap Auto and BCF.

The group booked a 2 per cent like-for-like sales growth during the period as compared to the same period a year ago. Supercheap Auto sales rose 4 per cent while BCF sales jumped 3 per cent.

“Supercheap Auto’s performance has been driven by ongoing strength in the auto maintenance category, including higher lubricant sales following a successful best performing oils campaign,” said Anthony Heraghty, CEO and MD at Super Retail Group.

“Accelerating sales growth in BCF has been supported by contribution from new stores and increased demand in boating, fishing and water sports.”

Sales of Macpac, however, fell 8 per cent, attributed to unseasonably warm weather that affected the sales of insulation and rainwear products. 

Rebel, which is poised to open a new store at Emporium, Melbourne before Christmas, posted zero sales growth. 

Super Retail Group has opened six stores year-to-date in FY24 and remains on track to open 24 stores during the year.

The group plans to spend $150 million in capital expenditure in FY24 for its store development program, a new national distribution centre at Truganina, improvement of customer loyalty programs, and enhancement of cyber, omni and digital capability.

Kogan has logged a 6.5 per cent year-on-year decrease in gross sales for Q1 of FY24, but recorded quarter-on-quarter growth for the first time since the first quarter of FY22.

Kogan is a portfolio of retail and services businesses that includes Kogan Retail, Kogan Marketplace, Kogan Mobile, Kogan Internet, Kogan Insurance, Kogan Money, Kogan Cars, Kogan Energy, Dick Smith, Matt  Blatt, Mighty Ape in New Zealand, and Brosa. 

The company’s gross sales were down to $189.2 million following the significant reduction in inventories.

However, the return of quarterly sales increase signifies that the planned period of consolidation within the firm has concluded. 

“This most recent quarter has been full of excitement for Kogan.com. In addition to returning the business to a position of continuous profitability growth and financial strength, we’ve been busy delivering new ways to delight our customers,” said founder and CEO Ruslan Kogan.

Gross profit of $37.4 million increased 19.5 per cent, with adjusted EBITDA of $8.0 million, demonstrating the sustained return to profitability.

The company recorded more than 2.8 million active customers as of September 30, while subscribers of its loyalty program increased to over 440,000.

“We are confident that the incredible deals we have lined up over the coming months will help in these tough economic times, as we continue to deliver on our promise of making the most in-demand products and services more affordable and accessible,” Kogan stated.

Teen fashion brand Pavement has exclusively relaunched at Big W stores across Australia as it seeks to provide budget-friendly clothing options to the youth market.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Pavement to the Australian market, especially during these challenging times. Our brand’s ethos revolves around providing our young people with clothing that empowers them to showcase their personalities,” said Brooke Norton, divisional general manager at Designworks, the new owner of Pavement.

In 2020, Pavement entered voluntary administration as it struggled with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With our exclusive partnership with BIG W, we’re ensuring that style-conscious teenagers across the nation can access on-trend and affordable outfits that reflect their individuality,” said Norton.

Pavement collaborated with gymnast and actress Jada-lee Henry for a brand campaign. 

“Big W is thrilled to be partnering exclusively with Pavement for its comeback into the Australian market. We know Aussie families are constantly looking for affordable, quality fashion pieces and BIG W is excited to expand our clothing offering to meet these needs,” said Lowri Breed, head of commercial at Big W.

Australian bag brand Strand has launched a new standalone brand called AYA (“as you are”).

The new brand targets the youth segment, between ages 18-25, with the initial range consisting of over 10 styles and colourways, including handbags, mini bags, crochet totes, cross body bags, bowling bags, diamante clutches and luggage. 

According to Strand, the AYA brand will produce two collections a year - one in late summer and another in mid-Spring, alongside small drops in May and December.

Prices range from $39.99 to $79.99, with a suitcase priced at $250.

The new brand launch comes a year after Strand launched its now growing standalone brand Nere, with Nere's first store openings announced in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Off the back of our success in the ‘fashion travel’ category, we have created a spirited brand that is authentic, playful and celebrates individuality- at an accessible price point,” CEO Felicity McGahan said. “We are confident AYA will connect positively with the Gen Z customer.

“AYA celebrates the freedom of showing up as your true self, the collections encourage experimentation with self-expression. At its core AYA is an authentic, playful and versatile brand, promoting a sense of individuality and an evolving personal style.”

AYA has launched via a separate tab on the Strand website.

Outgoing Myer chief executive John King has stared down the threat of Solomon Lew marching up the department store’s share register and says it would be “very silly” to recast the company’s strategy “and start again”.

Mr King’s comments came as he outlined a 12.5 per cent rise in sales and jump in profit for the 12 months to July 29, and after Premier Investments, a vehicle controlled by Lew, increased its stake in Myer from 25.8 per cent to almost 29 per cent last month.

Mr Lew, a long-time activist for change at the department store, was widely expected to push for a second seat on the Myer board. On Thursday, however, a Premier spokeswoman said that the company had not nominated a director for the upcoming annual meeting on November 9.

At the same time, the billionaire has engaged UBS to work through a potential restructure of Premier, which could include splitting off its popular Smiggle and Peter Alexander brands. The restructure, and Premier’s growing stake in Myer, has led to heightened speculation that the businessman wants to bring the department store into the group and link it with its heritage fashion brands such as Jay Jays and Dotti.

Premier non-executive director Terry McCartney already sits on Myer’s board. In 2017, Mr Lew failed in his attempt to appoint Mr McCartney, former UBS banker Tim Antonie and former Federation Centres chief executive Steven Sewell to the Myer board.

On Thursday, Myer said it had met its full-year guidance for sales growth of 12.5 per cent to $3.36 billion, and comparable sales – which excludes periods when stores are closed for refurbishments – improved by 3.3 per cent. But earnings were flat at $400.5 million. Net profit before restructuring, site exit costs and impairments was up 18.2 per cent to $71.1 million, the best bottom line since 2015. Statutory net profit reached $60.4 million, up 23.3 per cent.

Sales were down 1.9 per cent in the first six weeks of the new year, while CBD stores remained in positive territory – up 2 per cent – Myer said.

Myer will pay a final dividend of 1¢ a share, down from 2.5¢, on November 16. Annual dividends were 9¢ a share.

Cultural differences

Asked if Australia had room for two department store chains – Myer and David Jones – Mr King told The Australian Financial Review: “It depends on the size of the space and how they operate. You know, we’re fine. We’re probably stronger than they [David Jones] are at the moment. We’re just focused on our game. It’s very different to theirs.”

Mr King added Premier was a supportive shareholder and Myer’s strategy, known as the customer first plan, was successful.

“It would be very silly if someone would come in and rip that out and try and start again. It’s embedded in the culture of the company,” he said.

In an investor call, businessman Michael Saba expressed concern over any changes in culture and staff under new ownership.

“Just want to thank you and the whole team for achieving awesomeness. We think you have provided some of the greatest stability in Myer’s history,” said Mr Saba, the founder of Swisse Vitamins. “What will make us ensure that our good friend Solomon Lew’s culture will not override what has been achieved, and what has been proven and tested since you’ve taken the helm?”

Mr Saba, who was against Mr McCartney joining the Myer board last year, said he appreciated Premier, but did not “necessarily agree with every aspect of the way they live”.

Mr King told investors that the company’s turnaround program – which involved reducing store sizes, store closures and cutting brands – had yielded significant improvements to the business over the past five years, and he was leaving Myer in good shape, with $120 million of cash.

Mr King is banking on the growing base of younger shoppers joining its Myer One loyalty scheme, and said he was confident introducing brands owned by The Country Road Group would drive sales this year to offset the consumer slowdown. Myer One added 120,000 members in 2023, up 21 per cent. It has 7.3 million digital members, including 4.2 million active members, meaning those who purchased in the past 12 months.

Mr King said a younger demographic was engaging with the Myer One program, and partnership programs with Virgin and Commonwealth Bank were another opportunity to improve loyalty.

But the company was unable to replicate its solid start to the 2023 financial year, as sales in the second half ground to a halt. Mr King said Myer would not chase unprofitable sales. “We will always protect the bottom line. We think that with the CBD stores there is an opportunity where there are more tourists. There’s a lot of people getting back into travelling again.”

Mr King said consumers started significantly pulling back on spending in the June quarter, but Myer’s range meant it was well-placed to meet any budget.

Myer is also beefing up security in store and using more technology to battle higher theft rates, which rose to 1.8 per cent of sales from 1.3 per cent a year ago. This equates to a further $16 million in lost stock, taking shrinkage to $47 million for the year. “It’s definitely way worse than it was before COVID,” Mr King said about theft. “We’re starting to see some improvement.”

The department store has hired Egon Zehnder to find a successor for Mr King, who plans to leave next year. A search for a new chief financial officer is also under way after Nigel Chadwick flagged his departure early next year.

You’ve seen them around town, the ugly shoes with their big fat soles. But from hard core runners to influencers and celebrities who love their wild colours and fit, people are buying up big, turning Hoka into one of the fastest growing running brands in the world.

That success has boosted the sales at its local distributor, ASX-listed Accent Group, which struck a licensing deal with Hoka’s California-headquartered parent, Deckers Brands, the owner of Ugg and Teva, last year.

While it’s having a surge in sales, Hoka has been building its presence over the past decade in Australia, which will now culminate in its first two stores: a DFO outlet will open Brisbane in late October followed by a concept store in Westfield Bondi Junction two weeks later.

Despite the shaky retail environment, Accent, the retailer backed by billionaire Brett Blundy, plans to open five Hoka stores in the next year.

Hamish Allison, the general manager of Accent’s performance division, says Hoka sales – in-store, online and wholesale – have grown 20 per cent in the past year across Australia and New Zealand.

“With the stores that we’re rolling out now the plan is to test and learn to understand how they try to see what opportunity there is and then assess from there,” Allison tells AFR Weekend. “Whether it has the reach of say as a Sketchers network, I’m not sure, but we see opening the stores as much as a brand building exercise as a revenue gaining exercise.”

Allison says the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in demand for performance footwear. Hoka – named after a Maori phrase that roughly translates “to fly or soar” – has quickly become one of the top sellers at Accent, the owner of The Athlete’s Foot, Hype DC and Stylerunner chains.

Accent sales reached $1.57 billion in the year to July 2, up 23.7 per cent and supported by same store sales growth of 10.2 per cent. Like-for-like sales fell 2 per cent in the first seven weeks of this new year, it recently reported. The company plans to open more than 50 stores this financial year.

Hoka is becoming “a meaningful contributor” to the company, Allison says, although he declines to break out sales or earnings figures.

Hoka has also been a standout for Deckers, with sales reaching $US1.4 billion ($2.19 billion) in the past financial year – adding more than $US500 million in 12 months alone. The brand was founded in 2009 and acquired in 2013 by Deckers, where Hoka now makes up about 38 per cent of its revenue.

Pace Athletic founder Will Hatton has six running shoe stores around Sydney, and sold Hoka since its early days. He says the brand is easily the top three seller over the past few years. He sells about 15,000 pairs every year.

“It has a low offset, or low heel-toe drop. Hoka is trying to give you all the modern advancements of technologies and materials, but is also trying to promote a more efficient way of running and walking,” he says, adding that it is threatening more established brands like Japan’s Asics.

“Asics has been a very conservative Japanese brand that has done things the way they’ve always done things because that’s the way they work,” he says. “When you’ve got brands as big as those guys turning around, and starting to compete directly in that marketplace, it’s a pretty good indication of how much market share they’re eating away.”

Hatton estimates that more 50 per cent of Hoka’s global sales are generated by The Clifton and The Bondi styles, and questions if it can keep up with giant brands such as Nike or Rebook without moving into other segments.

The brand, however, wants to launch outdoor hiking boots and sandals. Moving into the lifestyle shoe category would be a departure from Hoka’s roots. The brand was founded by French athletes Nico Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard and originally designed for trail running in the mountains.

Reflex Sports founder Ian Thomas bought Hoka to Australia about a decade ago after he saw the brand at a trade show in Munich.

“I lived in the French Alps and I knew two of the guys that started the brand. Nico showed me these really ugly shoes and said: I would like you to be the distributor. I said I don’t think I can sell those because they are so ugly,” Thomas says.

“But my business partner said to me, ‘I think this is special.’ We bought 1200 shoes. We were shitting our pants thinking have we got to sell these.

“We finished being the distributor on December 31, 2021. By that stage, we were selling over a quarter of a million pairs.”

Cash-strapped shoppers are primed to enjoy an early wave of discounts as retailers aim to keep buyers spending through the festive season.

An annual report into holiday retail from consulting giant Deloitte that was made public this week shows 71 per cent of retailers surveyed by the group expect higher discounting this festive season than last year.

“Retailers tell us discounting and promotional activity will be the key to enticing customers,” the Deloitte report said.

Deloitte’s research included interviews with between 35 and 40 large businesses as well as consumer data from more than 20,000 shoppers worldwide. The report also said retailers would invest heavily in online, click-and-collect and delivery options, while boosting in-store experiences too.

While discounts may help to move products off shelves, few retailers are optimistic that their margins will hold up – 52 per cent expect a decline in margins for in-store shopping this year.

Recent retail sales figures suggest Aussie retailers face a tough fight for the consumer dollar over coming months, with shoppers cutting back on categories such as fashion and home goods to balance rising mortgage and fuel costs.

E-commerce retail giant Amazon is banking on consumers bringing their festive spending forward, with a survey for the company of more than 1000 Australian consumers showing just one in five plan to wait until December to start shopping for the season.

Seventy-one per cent of consumers said they would begin before December, and 40 per cent said they were waiting for a sale event before shopping for the holiday season.

Amazon, which is known for offering big Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events in November, confirmed on Monday that it would be offering early holiday deals to its Prime members as part of a “Prime Big Deal Day”, on October 10 and 11.

The event, which will offer “deep discounts” across a range of brands, will “help Aussies get a head-start on holiday shopping”, given three-quarters of consumers are concerned about the cost of the holiday season, Amazon said.

Australians have been shifting towards earlier festive shopping for years, with big four bank NAB saying on Saturday that data from NAB economics showed “a subtle but important shift towards earlier shopping in 2022 as Australians seized on November sales”.

Several national retailers have expressed cautious optimism about trading in the coming months despite cost pressures. The boss of department store Myer said last week that the company was well placed for the Christmas season.

General manager of retail at cosmetics retailer Lush Australia and New Zealand, Brittany Gian, said the brand was expecting brisk trade over Christmas.

“We see Christmas as being an event that consumers prioritise, and while cost-of-living pressures are necessitating cutbacks in other areas, consumers will try and preserve their Christmas spend to celebrate their loved ones after a tough year,” Gian said.

However, Lush will buck any discounting trends this year, as the company doesn’t tend to run store-wide sales.

“We don’t hike the price of our products year-round to cover the cost of holding regular sales, and we don’t have special offers or two-for-one tempters,” Gian said.

“We sincerely believe proper product advice and a personalised service can bring greater savings to a customer than gimmicky offers.”

KMD Brands, which owns the Kathmandu outdoor clothing brand and surfwear business Rip Curl, says overall sales slipped by 6.4 per cent in August as households cut back on spending and warm weather reduced demand for puffer jackets.

Chief executive Michael Daly said that across the retail market there were more signs of discounting and aggressive price promotions by rivals in a tougher market.

“In those times, some consumers will look for deals,” he said.

The Kathmandu brand bore the brunt of the slowdown in August compared with the same month a year ago, but Rip Curl and United States boots brand Oboz both notched higher sales in August.

On Wednesday, KMD announced a 0.6 per cent decline in net profit after tax to $NZ36.6 million ($33.7 million) for the 12 months to July 31. Sales were up 12.6 per cent to a record $NZ1.1 billion and the company kept the final dividend steady at NZ3¢ per share.

Mr Daly said economic indicators in all the group’s major markets were pointing to a weaker economy, and that was playing out in consumer behaviour and a retail market where discounting was more prevalent.

“We’re definitely seeing a market that is quite aggressive on price,” he said. “There’s general softness in consumer sentiment across the board now.”

KMD Brands’ shares slipped by 2 per cent to 75.5¢ in early trading on the ASX on Wednesday. The stock was at $1.06 in late May.

Rip Curl sales were up 8.3 per cent to $NZ582 million for the yearto July 31. But earnings before interest and tax were down 9.2 per cent to $NZ44 million. Margins slipped to 7.6 per cent from 9 per cent.

KMD bought the Rip Curl surf brand in 2019 from founders Brian Singer and Douglas Warbrick for $350 million.

The hotter weather was a solid “tailwind” for Rip Curl, and airport locations and outlets in holiday destinations were trading strongly.

Kathmandu sales were up 10.6 per cent to $NZ422 million for the year to July 31. A warmer winter in Australia meant a sales slowdown happened in May, June and July, with lower demand for puffer jackets, raincoats and other outdoor clothing.

Kathmandu has stepped up its international expansion, setting up specific online websites targeted to consumers in France, Germany and Canada.

International sales for Kathmandu were $NZ2.6 million in the year to July 31, and the group aims to lift that to $NZ100 million. But Mr Daly said it would be a slow advance, particularly in softer economic conditions.

“Obviously the path to a hundred looks pretty steep from here,” he said. “Maybe achieving it in five years might be a little bit ambitious.”

Mr Daly said Kathmandu was stepping up expansion of its bricks-and-mortar stores in Australasia where store numbers were now 158. It wants to increase that to around 200. He aimed to open five to 10 stores annually. “We’ll be patient,” he said.

Kathmandu’s margins improved to 7.9 per cent from 4.7 per cent as the group backed off from consistent discounting and promotional sales as it slowly shifts away from a “high-low” pricing strategy.

But Mr Daly emphasised it would be a slow transition away from regular promotions and that the shift would be harder at a time of economic slowdown.

“That wasn’t something we were looking to do by a click of the fingers,” he said.

Kathmandu’s EBIT increased 85 per cent to $NZ33.3 million.

Former Crocs executive Megan Welch has been recruited to spearhead Kathmandu as it makes its international push and started in the role last month. She is the third woman to lead a brand within the KMD stable, with Brooke Farris running Rip Curl and Amy Beck taking the reins at Oboz.

Oboz lifted its sales by 62 per cent to $NZ99.3 million.

Mr Daly said retailers generally were cutting back on forward orders in the wholesale market as they looked to reduce inventory levels in response to softer economic conditions.

“No one wants to take a risk in this market,” Mr Daly said.

ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence was up 2.2pts to 79.8 this week as inflation expectations continue on a downward trajectory.

ANZ economist Madeline Dunk said consumer confidence is now at its highest level since late April.

“While the series remains at very low levels, particularly for those paying off a mortgage, there are some early signs of tempered optimism amongst households,” Dunk said. “Confidence for mortgage holders rose 4.1pts to record its highest reading in more than seven months.

“Meanwhile confidence increased 4.7pts for renters, after a sharp fall the week beforehand, but declined 2.3pts among those who own their home outright.”

Alongside the lift in confidence, Dunk said inflation expectations fell to 4.9% in mid-September, calling it the lowest reading since February 2022 before Russia invaded Ukraine.

The drop to 4.9% in mid-September is down from 5.4% recorded in August 2023, and down from 5.6% recorded in July.

Expected inflation scores cover annually over the next two years.

Consumer Confidence is now 6.2pts below the same week a year ago and is 1.6 pts above the 2023 weekly average of 78.2.

ANZ and Roy Morgan claimed a lift in confidence about personal financial situations over the next year drove the increase this week.

Now a fifth of Australians (20% - down 1ppt) say their families are ‘better off’ financially than this time last year compared to 52% (down 3ppts) that say their families are ‘worse off’ financially.

Looking forward, 33% (up 3ppts) expect their family to be ‘better off’ financially this time next year while 33% (unchanged) expect to be ‘worse off’.

8% (up 1ppt) of Australians expect ‘good times’ for the Australian economy over the next twelve months compared to 34% (down 2ppts) that expect ‘bad times’.

There was also a 4 percentage point drop in Australians expecting ‘bad times’ for the economy over the next five years to 19% compared to now 10% (down 1ppt) of Australians expecting ‘good times’.

This comes as the RBA held interest rates in early September at 4.1% for the third straight month.

Roy Morgan noted the softening in inflation expectations in recent weeks suggest the RBA’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged during their last three meetings may be the correct decision, but added there are still significant pressures in the economy.

This includes the average petrol price in Australia increasing to $2.04 per litre.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said the RBA has taken stock of the evolving economic situation in Australia, leading to the drop in inflation expectations.

“Although the drop in Inflation Expectations during August and September is good news, there are signs that it may prove to be short-lived,” Levine said. “So far in September the Australian Dollar has hovered consistently below 65 US cents – including hitting a low of only 63.6 US cents.

“The immediate impact of the low Australian Dollar is being felt at the pump with average retail petrol prices averaging $2.04 per litre last week and above $2 per litre for the last five weeks.

“This is the first time since July 2022 petrol prices have been at a sustained high level above $2 per litre for more than a month.”

Levine said petrol prices are one of the most visible signs of inflation.

“If they continue to remain at an elevated level above $2 per litre, or even rise further in the weeks and months ahead, this will clearly increase the general inflationary pressures in the economy.”

Levine said that if these inflationary pressures in the economy continue to grow, there will be renewed pressure on the RBA to increase interest rates again.

“The next RBA meeting on interest rates will be new Governor Michele Bullock’s first in the top job,” Levine said.

“Although all the current signs are that the RBA is set to leave interest rates unchanged, as ANZ economists Adam Boyton and Blair Chapman noted in a research note today: the RBA opted for a ‘hawkish pause’ in September as they continued to ‘monitor incoming data and how these alter the economic outlook and assessment of risks.’”

JD Sports Fashion said it considers Australia a principal market in Asia Pacific on the back of the inauguration of the flagship store in Sydney, which the company says is its most successful new store opening globally.

The UK-headquartered sports fashion retailer opened the flagship store in Sydney in August and said it is on track to relocate its Sydney distribution centre to a new expanded site in FY24, as it anticipates the next stage of growth.

JD Sports opened four premium sports fashion stores in Asia Pacific during the first half of FY23 and ended the period with 84 stores in the region. Meanwhile, it closed eight stores in the region during the period as it withdrew from the South Korean market.

JD Sports noted it finalised the acquisition of non-controlling interests across Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore after the period, a move that is expected to result in further growth for the brand in these markets.

Sports fashion in Asia Pacific during the 26 weeks to July 29 posted an organic growth of 25.6 per cent in revenue to £230.9 million ($441 million). Revenue from other retail fascias in the region surged 100 per cent organically to £1.4 million.

Globally, the company ended the period with 3347 stores. The group booked a 11.9 per cent organic growth in revenue to £4.78 billion while profit before tax jumped 25.8 per cent to £375.2 million, reflecting performance of sports fashion and outdoor stores.

Gross profit margin declined to 48.0 per cent.

“We have made good progress delivering on our strategic pillars, focusing on expanding the JD brand and we will open more than 200 JD stores worldwide in this financial period,” said Régis Schultz, CEO at JD Sports Fashion.

Schultz said that the company aims to accelerate its brand growth in Europe through purchasing non-controlling interest in ISRG and MIG and the acquisition of GAP stores in France.

“This is alongside the proposed acquisition of Courir in the region, which will, when completed, enhance the Group’s existing portfolio of complementary concepts, bringing into the company its market-leading focus on the female customer,” said Schultz.

Billionaire retailer Solomon Lew’s fashion conglomerate, Premier Investments, has warned of a challenging trading environment after cost of living pressures slugged shoppers through the fourth quarter.

And conditions might not improve into Christmas as higher food, petrol and mortgages continue to constrict clothing and apparel spending.

This pressure on consumers was evident in the company’s stable of clothing and fashion brands – including Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Just Jeans and Portmans – which suffered a 2 per cent sales decline over August and September, reflecting the increasingly tough trading landscape for ­retailers.

The lurch into negative sales growth was a switch from sales expansion of 7.7 per cent over February and March.

“You have got to put a roof over your head, that is mortgage and rent. You have got to put food on the table and supermarket prices are outgrowing what everyone expected,” said John Bryce, the interim chief executive of Premier Retail, the company’s flagship fashion arm.

“It is tough on the consumer, and we are a consumer discretionary business. You need to do those things first before you come shopping with us.

“I think in the climate we are in we are happy and doing the best we can, but we are going to maximise our performance if the consumer can get better.”

Premier Investments, the $3.9bn fashion and investment conglomerate con­trolled and chaired by billionaire Mr Lew, ended 2023 with a slight dip in its statutory profit, although pre-tax earnings were stronger and the company also lifted its dividend strongly.

The group – whose investments include fashion brands, equity stakes in Myer and kitchen appliances company Breville as well as a Melbourne office tower – is continuing a strategic review to assess the optimal future structure of the company, which could eventually lead to a demerger of the various parts.

Revenue for the year ended on July 29 was up 10.7 per cent to $1.7bn.

Premier reported record sales led by its better-performing chains, Peter Alexander and Smiggle.

The company posted a statutory net profit of $271.1m for the period, down 4.9 per cent, which reflects a change to its accounting treatment of its large investment in Myer.

Adjusted net profit of $278.6m was up 6.4 per cent on 2022.

For its Premier Retail arm, which houses its fashion and apparel brands, earnings were up 1.5 per cent to $357.9m. Among its key chains, Peter Alexander recorded sales of $478.9m, up 11.8 per cent, Smiggle had record global sales of$319.8m, up 22.4 per cent. There were record apparel brands sales of $844.8m, up 4.6 per cent.

Some of its fashion chains that usually exhibit lower growth than Smiggle or Peter Alexander had a bumper year in 2023. Portmans delivered record sales of $165.6m, Jacqui E delivered its best sales result in over a decade and the strongest growth of all the group’s apparel brands, up 17.5 per cent, and Just Jeans delivered its second best sales result in history with sales of $307.1m, up 4.6 per cent.

Outside of its fashion chains, Premier Investments’ stake in Breville had a market value of $829.3m and the investment in Myer had a market value of $137.7m. At the end of fiscal 2023, it had closing cash on hand of $417.6m.

Premier Investments declared a final dividend of 60c per share, up from the 54c per share final dividend paid in 2022 – although that was topped up with a special dividend of 25c per share. The final dividend will be paid on January 24.

“Premier has once again delivered for shareholders,” Mr Lew said.

“Premier Retail delivered record results for the year.

“The operating results and continued strength of our balance sheet have allowed the directors to approve a record final dividend of 60c per share, taking full year dividends to 130c per share, up 4 per cent, underscoring our confidence in the strength of the business and its future prospects.”

Last month Premier Investments issued a trading update with guidance for the full year as well as the shock news of the departure of the chief executive of only two years, ex-JB Hi-Fi boss Richard Murray, and revelations that Mr Lew was considering a demerger of the group he founded as a cashbox after the 1987 sharemarket crash.

If a demerger proceeds, some of the best performing retail brands in the country – nightwear chain Peter Alexander and stationery store Smiggle – could be separated from the lower-growth chains such as Just Jeans, Jay Jays and Dotti.

Mr Lew said on Thursday the strategic review was under way and would assist in assessing the optimal future structure for the group, to ensure it is best positioned to maximise growth opportunities for the portfolio of brands.

He said it an update or conclusion on that strategic review was not likely until early 2024, with the company very much focused on the crucial upcoming Christmas trading period.

“The group is focused on the key Christmas trading quarter ahead, noting that results for the first half are always driven by this critical period,” Mr Bryce said.

Shares in Premier Investments ended down 13c, or 0.5 per cent, at $24.58.