Retail One-Stop

Comings and goings at Coles Myer

Metcash set to boost its game

Metcash plans to boost its game in the areas of branding, ranging and investment in stores, according to managing director Andrew Reitzer.

He was speaking after last week’s annual meeting in Sydney at which a hefty 35% rise in net profit to total nearly $36 million in the six months to October 31 was forecast.

How Sydney Airport retailers beat the double disaster

The double whammy of September 11, 2001 and the collapse of Ansett Airlines could have dealt a knockout blow to retailers operating at Sydney International Airport Terminal. But it didn’t. Here’s why.

Many happy returns from e-commerce

SMEs(small and medium enterprises) are beginning to embrace e-commerce activities and are reporting a worthwhile return on their technology investments, according to the Yellow Pages E-Business Report.

Despite a drop in expenditure on computer software and hardware, SMEs continued to step up their computer, online and Internet activities, the report says.

Shell signs up for Quatro program

Shell’s Multi-Site Franchisees (MSFs), in the eastern states covering 320 Shell retail sites, are to trial the use of the Quatro Four Retail electronic solution, enabling them to electronically order store stock via the Quatro website.

The remaining MSF businesses are expected to join in the project within the year. The arrangement extends a two-month pilot program of the Quatro system begun in May.

Coles Myer names CFO

Coles Myer Ltd has confirmed the appointment of Fraser MacKenzie as its Chief Financial Officer. This follows the retirement of John Schmoll two months ago.

St George slays the dragon of
UNEXPLAINED TRANSACTIONS

You run your eye over the latest credit card statement. With the rise and rise of e-commerce, you are, as a responsible retailer, well aware of the need to be ever-more vigilant.

You see an unexplained transaction. Wearily, you pick up the phone to St George Bank. But this time, the tiresome to-and-fro of disputed payments resolution has been reduced.

Ukrop's Super markets head for NCR Fastlane

Richmond, VA-based Ukrop's Super Markets Inc has just announced plans to install self-checkout technology from NCR.

Ukrops, which operates 27 retail food stores in the Richmond Virgina area, recently completed a self-checkout pilot in two stores and plans to roll out NCR FastLane self-checkout in five more locations.

Close

This bulletin is edited and compiled by retail commentator John Kingsley-Jones. John has worked as an Editor, Chief Sub-Editor and journalist in magazines and newspapers both in Australia and overseas.

In the past 15 years, he has consulted to a range of companies and brands such as Unilever, Mars Confectionery, TipTop, Tooheys, McWilliam's Wines, Goodyear and BMW.

That's it for this issue of the Retail One-Stop. If you have any questions or comments please give us a call on 02 9419 8356 or email us on info@eps.net.au.