Retail

Party wear extends to weddings

8:46PM | Tuesday, 16 August 2011 |  Party wear has emerged as a new trend for brides, who are changing out of traditional dresses into mini dresses for their wedding receptions.

How can I attract customers who are after quality, not simply low prices?

8:19PM | Friday, 12 August 2011 |  To earn the business of those customers who are after quality, you need to actually offer that quality, and ensure that the quality is clearly conveyed on your website.

US brand offers lip service

8:43PM | Friday, 12 August 2011 |  Anyone who uses lip balm knows you inevitably eat quite a lot of the stuff, so why not make a meal of it?

Small businesses remain fearful of carbon tax impact

8:00AM | Wednesday, 10 August 2011 |  Two thirds of Australian business owners still believe the carbon tax will hurt their business, according to a new poll, despite a general rise in public support for the scheme.

Brown Sugar downfall highlights shifting consumer habits

8:17PM | Friday, 5 August 2011 |  Mid-range fashion chain Brown Sugar has become the latest victim of the tough retail climate by entering into voluntary administration, with experts claiming that older demographics are driving the downturn.

Productivity Commission recommends GST-free import threshold cut

8:24PM | Thursday, 4 August 2011 |  The Productivity Commission has unexpectedly recommended the Government should reduce the $1,000 GST-free import threshold, but acknowledges wider problems exist.

Retail sales fall as global conditions spook consumers

8:36PM | Wednesday, 3 August 2011 |  Retail sales fell unexpectedly in June as consumers remain nervous about the global economy – a sentiment also being felt by the business sector, particularly SMEs.

Internet set to contribute $70bn to Australian economy by 2016: Report

8:58PM | Wednesday, 3 August 2011 |  Australian businesses are set to gain a $27 billion boost to productivity in 2011 as more companies shift to eCommerce, new figures reveal, with the web tipped to contribute $70 billion to the economy by 2016.

eCommerce uptake higher among regional SMEs: Survey

8:39PM | Tuesday, 2 August 2011 |  eCommerce uptake is higher among regional businesses than city-based businesses, a new survey reveals, while Queensland has the highest percentage of SMEs with an online presence.