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Brandish is edited by Rob Lake. Contact him on (03) 9420 0889.
ABS Retail sales results for March were not too bad, but David Jones is feeling it at the top end, as are others. Appliance sales are starting to wobble. Harvey Norman like for like sales were up 5.2%, barely above the CPI. This represents a marked slowing of growth and the best indication yet that the Reserve Bank’s strategy is biting.
Super Cheap Auto is pleased with performance, and announced the purchase of two bike businesses.
US April sales were up, but only when autos are excluded and comp store sales at Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and Target are all up a tiny bit.In China, April sales were up 22%. Should we move?
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The Federal Budget for 2008 - 2009 should give some battered and dazed merchants who operate at the discretionary end of the pool (the deep bit under the diving board) and those at the shallow end selling basics a boost, which given the recent and future tough times for merchants, is most welcome.
Key points are:
- Personal tax cuts impacting low and middle income earners, with those earning less than $100k receiving a weekly lift of $12.
- A lump sum pensioner bonus payment of $500 that will tend to go straight into the retail economy, with an emphasis on groceries.
- Education spending, with a $750 IT bonus for each secondary student.
In all, more than $8bn will be injected into household incomes, and the two biggest winners will be the food & basics sector, and the hard hit consumer electronics sector. The take up of IT will help fill the gap created by falling discretionary spending on large screen televisions and sofas.
There are downsides. One is increased monitoring for the grocery sector, with the government announcing a supermarket price survey and a re-affirmation of Fuelwatch. Also, some of the increased household dollars will be earmarked for increased mortgage repayments, and each 10c movement in petrol pricing diverts about $1.5bn into fuel tanks.
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- Merchandise, Operations or Marketing
- High potential
- Shine!
Do you see yourself running something very substantial in a decade or so? Perhaps heading a major business unit or CEO in a listed company? This could be a career springboard.
A major Australian retail group is about to boost its talent pool by hiring a number of high potential managers who have the capacity for promotion to senior leadership roles. We are looking for the next generation of leaders.
This billion dollar retailer is in an exciting phase of growth and innovation and is where the fun will be for at least the next five to ten years. You want this on your resume.
You will be placed in a Merchandise, Operations or Marketing role in which you will receive mentoring & development and given the opportunity to shine. It will be a meaty role where you can demonstrate your talent and potential.
You are a graduate, probably near the top of your class. You have at least three years commercial experience - possibly more - and you can articulate how you have made a difference. We are only interested in people who have demonstrable achievements, with a record of creativity, innovation and driving change. You also have the capacity to influence and get results through others. We want to hear HOW you manage rather than your particular category or product skills.
Most of the roles are in Melbourne, but some opportunities are in other states and regions.For a totally confidential discussion, call Rob Lake or Christine Sturgess on 03 9420 0888.
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Your succession plan lives here
When Wesfarmers acquired Coles, Bunnings MD John Gillam appointed four key Bunnings people to senior roles at Officeworks.
Of the four, two were long standing Bunnings people, originally from McEwans.
Orex had placed the other two (GM Merchandise & Marketing and GM Retail Operations) at Bunnings.
They are among the hundreds of leaders who Orex has placed at Bunnings during their growth from 5 stores to $5bn.
Orex has a long record of placing high potential managers who can handle bigger things.
You too can make the 68,000 retail leaders in the Orex databank part of your succession planning.
We are doing it for Wesfamers and Bunnings – and we can do it for you. Call Rob Lake or Christine Sturgess on 03 9420 0889 to learn how.
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I remember years ago when researching people's sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in the workforce, I came across the statistic that about 80% of the people in the work force were not happy at their job. Today, that percentage is even higher. And in my line of work, sales, it doesn't come as a shock to learn that people are unhappy, especially with the way I see people making career decisions and the tyrannical managers who they are unfortunate enough to have manage them.
Among the 10 signs that it’s time to move on are
- Signs of selective amnesia
- Constant belittling
- Micro management and intense scrutiny
Read the rest at Allbusiness.
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Microsoft and Sanity close to roll out
Microsoft and online content partner Sanity Music are only weeks away from rolling out a brand new music and video content site that was suppose to go live 12 months ago.
Introduced in January 2007 at the role out of Windows Vista the site which was scheduled for April 2007 has become an engineering nightmare according to Sanity insiders. Now the site is being tested in Melbourne following the dumping of a UK development team.
More from Channel News.
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The Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) provides knowledge leadership to those involved in the retail sector through broad based research and information generation, management education programs and the promotion of retailing as a career
The ACRS’ 2-day Attracting and Retaining Retails Stars program will provide insight into the increasing labour market challenges facing retail and assist retailers in understanding the factors which motivate and engage staff. It is designed to equip retailers with effective recruitment, engagement and retention strategies when dealing with an aging population, GenX GenY, GenNext and engaging customer’s satisfaction and business growth.
Attracting and Retaining Retail Stars will be held:
- Melbourne 5 & 6 August
- Sydney 19 & 20 August
This program is ideal for all supervisors, team leaders, managers and those in other retail roles who are responsible for generating commitment and motivation in their teams. This program is also suitable for HR managers and consultants, recruitment managers and consultants who work with the retail industry.
If you would like further information or are interested in registering individuals from within your organisation, please contact the ACRS on 03 9903 2455 or acrs@buseco.monash.edu.au. Alternatively, you may like to visit their website.
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Instead of trying to manage this generation, consider their fresh approach to life.
As a card-carrying member of generation Y, I have listened with growing alarm to political, social, economic, religious and business commentators discussing my generation's flaws.
Whole industries have now sprung up, attempting to guide older members of society through our challenging ways. Managing Generation Y, Employing Generation Why, Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work are just some of the volumes of management texts educating employers on mechanisms to cope with us.
From The Age
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Brandish will bring you the top gigs – from many recruiters and companies
- National Operations Manager Sydney based, for a 20 store per year roll-out
- Several roles in retail property management
- Underlining the shortage of multi site store managers in Sydney, we noticed that there are more than six times as many vacancies there as in Melbourne
- Clearly someone is rolling out a chain of camping and outdoor stores and has put a number of gigs out to the specialist recruiters of junior retail management.
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Assistant Buyer - Hardware & Building Supply
Learn what retail buying is really about, what's expected, how to buy and how to impact business.
Currently, you are probably working at store level in a hardware or building supply environment. You have done it for a few years and are now ready for something just a bit more challenging. You know how things work at the retail coalface but you also recognise that all the serious product ranging and marketing strategies are made elsewhere.
Ideally, you will have a tertiary qualification that’s relevant; you have worked in the hardware or hardgoods area at store level and you are passionate about retail and what drives business. You must be inquisitive, energetic and enthusiastic, with an analytical bent.
Buying is about driving business and it is much more than just procurement. A buyer must take responsibility for the performance of his/her product category – they know it inside out, they understand all the category fundamentals, they take risks and they get results. Buyers are well rewarded for a reason – their role is onerous, there are substantial dollars at risk and in play, and they must get a return on investment. It might look like fun but it is also really serious business.
This is your chance to help make it happen and learn how things really get done in retail. Tell me why you should get this gig. Demonstrate some passion and insight, this will get my attention. I'm looking for more than just another pedestrian job application.
Contact Paul Fetterplace at Orex on 03 9420 0889 or apply directly to 5351.OREX1@hiredesk
Exclusive to Brandish
Merchandise Manager, Office Products – New Zealand
Senior role - senior package
Compelling opportunity for a senior merchandise operative in another place. The land of the long white cloud beckons.
Run a small merchandise and marketing team for a major player in the office products category with significant market share across retail and B2B sales. Prefer you had past experience in this product area or, say, general merchandise. You will need to demonstrate past success across senior category management with strategic marketing input. Not yet advertised more broadly, so get in ahead of the pack. We’re keen to make a fast appointment so call me directly to discuss. Contact Paul Fetterplace at Orex on 03 9420 0888
Also worth a look:
- State management - NSW Can you manage 50 - 100 large format stores with turnover on the tens of millions through a team of Area Managers? Call Rob Lake on 03 9420 0889
- Hardware / Building Supplies Branch Manager – Port Vila, Vanuatu. Tax Free Package to SIX figures. Want to know more – then please call Paul Fetterplace at Orex on 03 9420 0889. Or see here to apply.
- At Orex we specialise in Retail Management. As such, we cover roles from Assistant Managers through to General Manager level, across all products, groups and sectors of retail. Currently, we have a range of Retail Management roles, offering competitive packages and exciting opportunities. Locations include Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Call Daniel on 03 9420 0889
And here are some other retail management opportunities.
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From the impressive NRF Stores comes a story about concepts that clicked.
Retail innovators and entrepreneurs admit that coming up with a new idea is the easy part: mustering the moxie, money and muscle to see it through to fruition is the real challenge. And achieving financial success and industry acclaim along the way is a distinction reserved for a select few.
The six retail companies and brands profiled here are setting new standards for game-changing innovation. Inside of a decade, each has managed to win over today’s demanding shoppers.
They include Apple Stores, Bloom and Netflix.
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Did Primary bite off more than it can chew?
Brandish has recently heard and read three snippets that suggest Ed Bateman’s triumph in the battle for Symbion may yet turn into a pyrrhic victory.
As Sigma mulls a joint bid with Metcash for the wholesale and retail pharmacy moieties of Symbion, we read that the Terry White pharmacy group may walk away from Symbion. Miffed about insufficient consultation.
Primary has also sent a notice informing staff in the diagnostic radiology business that the business is not sufficiently profitable and that salaries will be frozen for at least another 12 months. Plenty of businesses do this, but Primary’s problem is that there is a severe shortage of diagnostic radiographers. Some will walk, and as the radiography community is smallish, the word will quickly get around that Primary/Symbion may not be an employer of choice.
We also heard about a contretemps in which it appeared that Symbion and Epworth hospital would part company at 30 days notice, potentially leaving one of Victoria’s major private hospitals without an X-ray service. It appears that cooler heads prevailed and Symbion is staying for the foreseeable.
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Industry leading speakers for National Retail Forum
Industry heavyweights have been confirmed for this year’s National Retail Forum (NRF), Australia’s leading retail conference, with speakers from Bakers Delight, The Body Shop, and Google Australia amongst the list of experts set to share their knowledge, experiences and insights. Sally McDonald, CEO, The Oroton Group, will feature as the event’s keynote speaker.
Returning to Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, 12-13 August 2008, this year’s NRF will explore the most pertinent issues facing the retail industry, including sustainability, staff retention, women in retail, online retailing, how to increase store revenue, and branding.
“This year’s NRF program features a diverse range of retailers, consultants, academics, and CEOs who will share the knowledge that has made their careers so successful, to everyday retailers who pride themselves at being at the forefront of the retailing game,” said Peter O’Flynn, Exhibition Manager, Retail Expo Australasia.
Confirmed speakers include Roger Gillespie, CEO, Bakers Delight and President, Australian Retailers Association (ARA); Louisa Trombin, HR Manager, The Body Shop; Ross McDonald, Industry Marketing Manager – Retail, Entertainment and Consumer Goods, Google Australia; and Pierce Cody, Director, Macro Wholefoods.
National Retail Forum is held in conjunction with Retail Expo Australasia, Australia’s premier retail trade exhibition. Retail Expo Australasia, 12-14 August 2008, will showcase more than 220 local and international exhibitors, and organisers anticipate more than 6,000 visitors.
Visit www.retailexpo.com.au for more information.
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Recruitment of competent retail buyers has always been a problem. Shrinking margins, pressure to keep salaries under control and consolidation in the retail sector all conspire to make recruiting the right buyer and planners at the right price, extremely difficult.
The Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) at Monash University is one of the few tertiary institutions in Australia to offer short courses for buyers and planners. They have a range of courses aimed specifically at developing the skills of buyers, potential buyers and specialist planners within the buying office. These programs are constantly updated and provide buyers with practical tools to help them do their job better.
Effective Retail Negotiation, which is being held in Melbourne on 27 & 28 May, 26 & 27 August and Sydney on 3 & 4 June, is designed to equip retailers with the skills needed to become effective negotiators who build productive relationships with suppliers and clients. The program has particular appeal for new and experienced buyers who want to improve their negotiation skills, and those in other retailer roles that require relationship building and negotiation such as marketing, public relations and human resources. This 2-day program is designed to provide participants with a negotiation toolbox that enables them to effectively plan and implement negotiations.
If you would like further information or are interested in registering individuals from within your organisation, please contact the ACRS on 03 9903 2455 or acrs@buseco.monash.edu.au. Alternatively you may like to visit their website
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Politicians can have their message of the day, but on the Web, anybody can have their message of the hour - or the minute.
Short updates on social-networking sites have become a new sort of public writing, the equivalent of text-messaging the Web.
Unless you use Twitter, it's hard to explain what the short-message service does and, more importantly, why people would ever want to use it. Washington Post personal tech columnist Rob Pegoraro does his best to explain why thousands of people are choosing to keep in touch with their online friends via 140-character bursts of information.
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Speed to market, profitability, and maintaining a competitive edge is a constant challenge for Buyers and Merchandisers in the dynamic retail market. As well as introducing current trends. The Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) comprehensive Strategic Buying program will present additional concepts and strategic platforms to assist Buyers and Merchandisers to successfully manage their given portfolios in the multi faceted fast moving retail landscape.
Previously named Advanced Retail Buying, this 2-day program will improve the buying and strategic decision making expertise of senior level Merchandisers and Buyers operating in the competitive retail sector. The program will be held in Melbourne 20 & 21 May 2008 and 12 & 13 August 2008.
If you would like further information or are interested in registering individuals from within your organisation, please contact the ACRS on 03 9903 2455 or acrs@buseco.monash.edu.au. Alternatively, you may like to visit their website.
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Online merchant asos.com has built a business selling fashion forward looks based on what celebrities are seen wearing when photographed by the paparazzi for the trashy mags.
The much admired sites links looks to faces, and offers visitors a low cost lookalike option. It also allows shopping by trend. Try Fuji Festival or digital Surf for men or the trend report for women.
And to know what is ssoooo last week, check their clearance section.
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- Big US retailers putting the brakes on expansion plans
- A dozen of the best from the Milan Furniture Fair
- Solomon Lew forced to include his gloomy predictions about the apparel market into his Just bidder’s docs, and the target is still unhappy.
- Bling loses its sparkle as competition pushes Kleins into voluntary administration
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