Retail

Consumer confidence in Western Australia is on the rise after hitting record lows in the December quarter, a survey shows.

Wesfarmers is raising million (.8 million) following the successful pricing of a bond issue in the United States.

Department store retailer Myer made a better-than-expected profit of $88 million in the first six months of its financial year.

Australian consumer sentiment has hit its highest level in more than two years but is yet to provide a boost to the economy.

Retail sales growth is expected to gain momentum over the next two years, thanks to improvements in the housing sector and better economic conditions.

Mark Bouris' TZ Limited has struck a deal to install lockers in petrol stations and convenience stores in a bid to capitalise on the online retailing boom.

Cash Converters International managing director Peter Cumins has today sold $2.57 million worth of shares in the company he and his brother Brian Cumins helped build.

Australian retailers recorded their strongest January sales growth in six years as increasingly confident consumers headed back to the shops.

Online sales growth accelerated in January after the pace slackened off in December, as post-Christmas discounts encouraged shoppers to reach for their credit cards.

Woolworths' first half profit has grown to $1.15 billion as earnings from its supermarkets rose by six per cent.

Australian shoppers may be ready to start splashing their cash again as solid savings rates and low inflation lifts consumer confidence, Westfield boss Peter Lowy says.

Shopping mall group Federation Centres is back in the black, six months after settling a major class action, and expects a supermarket price war to underpin growth.

Troubled surfwear retailer Billabong has posted a $537 million first half loss and downgraded its expectations for underlying earnings in the full year.

Woolworths has questioned calls for more supermarket regulation as the competition watchdog signals a renewed focus on market power.

Car parts retailer and logistics group Automotive Holdings has lifted its first half profit by a quarter and predicted a solid finish to the financial year.

Clothing retailer Pacific Brands has returned to profitability, but says sales are weak and will remain so in the coming months.

The head of Australia's competition watchdog says it was hard to get grocery suppliers to come forward to give evidence about alleged improper practices by Coles and Woolworths.

Cash Converters' half year profits have soared nearly 40 per cent, thanks to a boost in revenue from its personal loans business.

The supermarket price wars seem far from over, with Wesfarmers chief Richard Goyder looking to increase Coles' sales and cut costs further after reporting a higher first-half profit today.

David Jones second quarter sales, which includes the vital Christmas period, have fallen 1.4 per cent with its home category the worst performer.

Consumer sentiment has surged to its highest level in more than two years, fuelled by low interest rates and improving property and share markets.

The City of Fremantle moved a step closer to kicking off works on a $220 million revamp of King’s Square, with the council approving a plan put forward by development group Sirona Capital at a spec

Federation Centres, formerly known as Centro Retail, has sold half stakes in its Mandurah and Halls Head shopping centres as part of a $371.4 million deal with property fund manager ISPT.

Shares in JB Hi-fi have soared by more than 15 per cent after the electronics retailer announced it had lifted its first half profit by three per cent.

Retailers are demanding an interest rate cut after new figures confirmed poor shopping conditions during the Christmas period.

New vehicle sales made a strong start in 2013, despite a sharp drop in purchases by state and federal governments.

Australia's services sector contracted for the 12th consecutive month in January amid slowing activity in the mining sector and soft retail sales.

Motorists can expect further price rises at the petrol bowser over the next couple of weeks, reflecting rising world oil prices, Commonwealth Securities says.

Retailer Kathmandu has shrugged off the tough retail outlook by sharply upgrading its profit forecast, as shoppers' enthusiasm for travel and adventure remains strong.

Maternity and children's retailer Mothercare Australia has gone into administration after the Myer family pulled the pin on a deal to buy the business.

Grocery giant Woolworths has made $30.7 billion in first-half sales with the retailer saying it had placed a greater focus on its core business.

Wesfarmers has lifted sales in all its retail businesses in the first half of the financial year, with the strongest growth coming from Coles and Bunnings.