Retail

Petrol station fuel price boards will be made more consistent and less misleading for motorists, the federal government says.

Supermarket giant Woolworths has been accused of using "brutal negotiations" to squeeze price cuts from suppliers to help fund a price war with rival Coles.

Retail spending is on the rise as cashed-up consumers enjoy the benefits of lower mortgage rates.

The corporate watchdog will investigate the $1.65 billion mystery takeover offer David Jones received from an obscure UK private equity firm.

Hopes of a $1.65 billion takeover deal for David Jones have been dashed, with the mystery British private equity group behind the proposal making a quick retreat.

Australia's rate of inflation has fallen to its lowest level since the global financial crisis, a survey shows, giving the central bank room to cut interest rates further.

Pacific Equity Partners is to acquire Nestle's Peters Ice Cream business for an undisclosed sum as the international food business shifts its range away from refrigerated products in Australia.

Beleaguered grocery wholesaler Metcash is diversifying into the car spare parts business to help bolster its bottom line and will undertake a $375 million capital raising to help pay for the new bu

Retailers say they are nervous about becoming the "meat in the sandwich" when the carbon tax is introduced.

Australians are increasingly using technology to help them shop, with nearly 40 per cent having used a smart phone or an iPad to compare prices, research says.

The number of online orders to Australian businesses increased by almost a third during the 2010-2011 financial year, speaking volumes on the growing importance of internet sales.

Retailers hoping that two consecutive months of interest rate cuts will prompt consumers to lift their spending habits may be disappointed.

Struggling surfwear retailer Billabong International is expected to fend off more takeover bids after its share price dived to its lowest level on record.

Western Australian retailers are preparing to open their doors on Sundays, after legislation ushering in historic changes to retail trading hours passed through parliament yesterday.

Myer shares have slumped to a record low, but chief executive Bernie Brookes insists the troubled department store chain has a positive future.

Former WA Liberal leader Matt Birney has gone back to his revhead roots, taking up a general manager position at Automotive Holdings Group.

Troubled surfwear company Billabong has launched a $225 million fund raising venture and issued another profit warning amid tough trading conditions in the retail sector.

Retailer Harvey Norman plans to be a market leader in the domestic solar industry after placing a substantial order for user-friendly solar panels.

Four-wheel drives are supposed to be good at climbing - and they're doing just that, hitting a record high as a share of total vehicles sold in May.

Several suppliers to Coles and Woolworths have raised concerns of bullying by the supermarket giants.

Interest rate cuts and federal government handouts will help retail spending grow at its fastest pace since the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, an independent forecaster says.

Consumer optimism has grown only slightly, despite another official interest rate cut, a private study shows.

Only 49 Holden dealers across Australia will sell and service the new Volt electric car when it goes on sale later this year.

Sales at David Jones fell by about three per cent in the three months to April, and the retailer is gearing up for a big end of financial year clearance.

Weaker than expected retail trade numbers are unlikely to persuade Australia's central bank to cut interest rates in June.

Coles plans to increase the size of its supermarkets as it continues its battle with Woolworths.

Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes has blamed brand distributors, not retail outlets, for higher prices in Australian stores.

Myer believes it can generate up to $300 million in online sales as women and young people head to its website to buy clothes.

Myer's third quarter sales have fallen and the department store chain has downgraded its forecast for full year net profit.

Retail spending rose for the ninth straight month in April but it is unclear whether the outlook is favourable.

Retail property landlord BWP Trust has increased rents on three of its Bunnings Warehouse properties, including significant jumps for two in Western Australia, highlighting the strength of Perth’s

 A dearth of customers and heavy discounting are expected to have kept Myer's sales in the doldrums.