Retail

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder says the tone of the national conversation has become too pessimistic, challenging business leaders to embrace the opportunities created by Australia's str

Poor customer service at David Jones is causing as much angst among shareholders as the troubled retailer's earnings woes.

West Australians are expected to spend $3.4 billion in total this Christmas, which would be a relief to the ailing retail sector.

Wesfarmers has received a boost, with Moody's upgrading its issuer and senior unsecured long term debt rating from Baa1 (positive) to A3 (stable).

An interest rate cut in December will give the non-mining sector a boost and support retailers in the lead-up to Christmas, Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes says.

Myer has shrugged off the Click Frenzy debacle and says it's pleased with the response to its online sale.

David Jones' first quarter sales rose by 0.3 per cent and the retailer says second quarter sales are so far following a similar trend.

The consumer watchdog has launched Federal Court action against several Harvey Norman franchisees, alleging they misled consumers on their rights.

Major retailers have fired the start gun on a pre-Christmas sales war, with online shopping at the vanguard of efforts to lure price-savvy consumers.

Despite three interest rate cuts since May, consumers aren't spending any more than they were five months ago.

The head of Billabong's United States business is considering taking control of the surfwear company.

The head of Cash Converters says a "first strike" delivered against the company's pay report on Friday is peculiar, given that shareholders approved executive share bonuses two years ago.

Clothing and camping equipment store Kathmandu has surprised the market with a dramatic jump in sales, in a positive sign for retailers approaching Christmas.

Consumers appear less concerned about the inflation outlook, despite recent official price data showing stronger than expected pressures.

Department store chain Myer has experienced its second consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth but chief Bernie Brookes is remaining cautious about Christmas sales.

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder says the company is performing in line with its profit guidance so far this financial year and its retail businesses are continuing to grow.

A transport union which says Coles risks lives by pressuring truck drivers to meet tight deadlines is staging protests aimed at the supermarket giant's shareholders as well as customers.

Hardware giant Bunnings has announced it will invest $135 million dollars in network expansion in Western Australia, at the opening of its new store in Armadale today.

Scooter manufacturer and retailer Vmoto has been admitted to London's Alternative Investment Market after raising £1.6 million ($2.44 million) through a share placement.

A push by state governments to lower or scrap the GST threshold on online purchases from overseas would create a level playing field for the country's retailers, a peak lobby group says.

Retailer Harvey Norman's profit in the first quarter of the 2012/13 financial year has dropped by 20 per cent because of falling sales.

A moderate rise in Australian monthly retail sales is unlikely to move the central bank's position on interest rates, economists say.

Troubled clothes line, electronics and building products maker Hills Holdings is to start shedding jobs as part of a massive restructure.

Household and automotive products supplier GUD Holdings says most of its businesses are under pressure and has warned that profits in the first half of the current financial year may be 15 per cent

JB Hi-Fi says trading conditions remain challenging but it remains confident that it can grow market share during fiscal 2013.

Growing Australian interest in Halloween is making the quintessentially American celebration as important for retailers as Easter and Christmas, the peak retailers' group says.

Plans are in motion for a $350 to $400 million redevelopment of Booragoon's Garden City shopping centre, after a complex multi-million dollar ownership swap between Westfield and AMP Capital.

Wesfarmers has overcome tough times in the retail world and lifted its first quarter sales.

Struggling surfwear company Billabong has reaffirmed its earnings guidance, despite difficult trading conditions.

Businesses have received some positive news as they head into the crucial Christmas sales period, in the form of a sharp rebound in consumer spending.

Consumer sentiment is showing some "green shoots", says Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder.

Woolworths' first quarter sales have increased by 4.3 per cent to more than $15 billion.