Retail ‘Needle’ 5th October 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (51)………?

People do not normally steal from those they respect.

Retail team members are less likely to steal from a retailer with an effective
loss prevention culture, an effective loss prevention management team
with loss prevention systems they know will keep them honest!

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s
best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com
______________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 28th September 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (50)………?

Don’t be fooled by your Buyers abusing space!

You cannot afford abused space in high rent malls.

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice
sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com

Retail ‘Needle’ 14th September 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (49)………?

Retail Truisms

Every 1% in stock reporting inaccuracies
= 1% potential loss of sales
= 1% potential increase in markdowns!
Worth questioning your stock accuracy % at lowest item level
Easy profits with embedded EDI and RFID?

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice
sustainable retailing practices get updates from Greenbiz.com

Retail ‘Needle’ 14th September 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (48)………?

Retail Truisms

The COLES move to trying to counter the South Australian government move to ban plastic bags is welcomed.

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s
best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com

Retail ‘Needle’ 7th September 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (47)………?
Post Fathers Day 2009 Thoughts

Look at Fathers Day 2009 Results
They set the pattern, colour and size ratios for Christmas 2009 Trading
Only the volumes change......!

Customer demand changes every day!
The Shop Floor sees and hears is first – are you listening?
_______________________________

1. National Harmonised Retail Lease and Retail Planning and Zoning Legislation delivered by COAG

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com

____________________________________________________________

Previous Bulletins and Articles

Retail ‘Needle’ 31st August 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (46)………?

Fathers Day 2009 1st Week September...are you ready?

Live, breathe and listen to the Shop Floor.
·         Computer reports only tell what has happened.
·         Executives tell you what you want to hear.
·         Real retail common sense resides on your Shop Floors plus walking the malls!
Questions: Are you listening to your teams and observing competitors enough? ____________________________________________

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting
world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com
____________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 24th August 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (45)………?

Fathers Day 2009 1st Week September...are you ready?

____________________________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 17th August 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (44)………?

Fathers Day 2009 1st Week September...are you ready?

Dead stock – Dead space – Dead Retailer?
______________________________________________

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com

____________________________________________________________

Store brand organics – is there profit and growth?

GPT sends Green Message - Great

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com
______________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 3rd August 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (42)………? 3rd August 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (42)………?
Fathers Day 2009 1st Week September...are you ready?

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com

Retail ‘Needle’ 27th July 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (41)………?

Making each fixture and bay make a profit = Retail SUCCESS!
______________________________________________

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com
________________________________________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 20th July 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (40)………?

We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting
world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com ________________________________________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 13th July 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (39)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 13th July 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (39)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

This Week’s Green Note 6^th July 2009
Sustainable Retailing is a Serious Bottom Line Matter
Wal-Mart BRAZIL conference.
We recommend that Australian and New Zealand retailers who want to reduce costs by adopting world’s best practice sustainable retailing practices get updates from GreenBiz.com
________________________________________________________________________

Retail ‘Needle’ 29th June 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (37)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 22nd June 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (36)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 15th June 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (35)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 8th June 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (34)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 1st June 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (33)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 25th May 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (32)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 18th May 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (31)………?
This weeks Sharp Points!

Retail ‘Needle’ 11th May 2009; Retail Pointers for ‘improving’ times (30)………?
This weeks Pointers

. Mansours – was the failure caused by an uncompetitive Australian Retail Property Market?

. Green Note
Plastic Bags not the argument; Sustainable Retailing delivered by a Federated Retail Sector Association is….!

· What the Australian Retail Sector needs is Competition Reform more than handouts……
An ACCC with retail anti-trust powers!

· Time for National Harmonised Trading Hours and Awards!
Julia Gillard might be looking for some ‘buy time’..?

· NRF US (National Retail Federation)
RILA US (Retail Industry Leaders Association) to merge!
Merging Australia’s ARA, the ANRA, the NRA and the QRTSA on common ground
….makes absolute sense?

· How to buy ‘sales’ and profit growth; For summer, Christmas 2009
Start to plan now!

· AMAZON–NETFLIX-Retail Kiosks
Bucking shop floor retail revenue trends!
Are Australian Retailers’, labels, studios, publishers aware…?

· RFID ‘bar-codes’ + EAS now Bluetooth
Will revolutionise the Australian Supply Chain

This Week’s Green Note
Chain Store Age Green4Retail Conference;
Where is the Australian alternative…?

.           NSW Rees Labour Government Retail Blueprint
            Asking for Opposition Support for the NSW Medium to Small Retail Sector
            Harmonised National Lease Legislation Reform required NOW

. ANZAC Day Trading – the ugly face of Australian Retailing!
Time for National Harmonised Trading Hours and Awards…?

.           NRF (National Retail Federation) RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association) merge!
            When will the ARA, the ANRA, the NRA and the QRTSA merge to form that one Australian
            Federated Retail Sector Association….it is needed now?

. Summer, Christmas 2009 make or break for many Australian retailers;
Get prepared now – ‘How to Buy’ re-visited!

. How to ‘Open to Buy’ for volatile summer, Christmas 2009 trading conditions…!
It will be all about mitigating stock risk and making shop floor space work extra hard…profitably?

. On-line Sales still showing double digit growth internationally...
What about Australia?

. ACCC concerned about mergers and acquisitions;
WHAT ABOUT RETAILING – anti trust UPDATE

. Time to dust off actual profits vs. paper margins!
Warm debates between buying departments and store operations…GOOD

. The Retail ‘peasants’ are revolting…!
Some Australian tenants starting to walk; Department stores down ranging!

. Australian Retailers need better silent salesman signing to generate higher profits out of
energy saving appliances and organic food…!

· NSW Rees Labour Government Retail Blueprint
Will it re-balance the market towards the out-costed, over regulated
NSW Medium to Small Retail Sector? NO!

· Rudd stimulus working for some…..short term;
but some green shoots are showing?

· ACCC concerned about Bank Competition mergers and acquisitions;
WHAT ABOUT RETAILING!

· Rudd Broadband
Where are the retail sector industry associations? The silence is deafening!

· Smart Australian Retailers are investing in Supply Chain and Retail Technology; Now…!

· This Week’s Green Note
The number of Green Global Retailer is Growing;
Payless ShoeSource to sell environmentally friendly budget shoes;
Are Australian retailers dragging their heels…!

· Surface Unemployment has hit 5.7% we are not surprised.
It is all about confidence..?

· Rudd Broadband
Will it bring your stores into customers homes and into your office; YES!
Are you prepared?

· The Fourth Pillar of Retail Legislation Harmonisation
Some further options for consideration?

· Time for an early (winter) season retail reality check
Plan for summer / Christmas 2009….?

· Federated Retail Sector Association; 12 Months, no action..
Time, money and members are running out for some associations;
It is sad to see!

· This Week’s Green Note
Global Retailers using Green strategies to cut costs is growing; Australia..?

· 2% fall in retail sales
Too early to push the interest rate reduction barrow…
Keep the Interest Rate Reduction Powder Dry!

· RFID ‘bar-code’ source marked tags
Deliver Stock Control and Loss Prevention in one Tag

· Federated Retail Sector Association; 12 Months, no action..
Still a talking heads show!

· The Two Cost Pillars for Australian Retailers
Tenancy Costs – Wages Costs
Both Retail Harmonisation Legislation Resolution Opportunities.
Some break throughs!

· POS (Point of Sale) Selection 2009
RFID ‘bar-codes’ + EAS?
Integrated Web; Loss Prevention Tracking; other options?

· Queensland Election over.
Dialogue to be recommenced on support for Four Pillar Retail Sector Tenancy Reforms.

· No NSW Easter extended trading; the right decision for Chains and SME Retailers.
What is required is that national review of retail trading hours and awards.

· RFID ‘bar-codes’ + EAS; Reader Responses and Comments.
RFID Truth; RFID Myths; the Reality of RFID; Some Useful RFID Links.

· Are sales trends for general retailing keeping up with annual Shopping Centre rent reviews;
we don’t think so!
Reader comments.

· Woolworths to employ several thousand new employees; Great News but…..?
Giant retailers taking more market share?
Creeping Acquisitions’ thinking; OUT!
Support for the National Tenancy Working Group Four Pillars Retail Lease Legislation Reforms; IN!
Update.

· Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009.
It is like ‘chipping away at granite’.

· This Week’s Green Note
US and UK Consumers digging the vegetable patch; Australian consumers..?

· RFID ‘bar-codes’ + EAS
Supply Chain and Loss Prevention Benefits for your 2009 business
RFID Truth; RFID Myths; the Reality of RFID; Some Useful RFID Links.

· Are sales trends for general retailing keeping up with annual Shopping Centre rent reviews;
we don’t think so!
Annual rent reviews linked to the Fourth Pillar of Harmonised Lease Legislation Reform delivered
by the National Tenancy Working Group.
Annual Shopping Centre Increases linked to Sales per Meter by Category by Shopping Centre
or other options the solution?

· Woolworths to employ several thousand new employees; Great News but…..?
Giant retailers taking more market share?
‘Creeping Acquisitions’ thinking; OUT!
Support the National Tenancy Working Group Four Pillars Retail Lease Legislation Reforms; IN!

· ‘Bait’ Advertising; don’t get hooked by the ACCC; a painful back pocket experience!

· Dick Smith Electronics starts to ‘burn the brand’ and succeeds;
there is a message in there somewhere for other Australian retailers’ with tired brands…..!

· VIRGIN Entertainment Megastores US to close!
Hope this is a serious wake-up call to the Australian and New Zealand Labels and Studios;
Digital Revenue delivered to the Shop Floor the answer..?
RFID ‘bar-codes’ + EAS source marked inventory absolute must!

· Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;
ANRA representing Australian retailers at the NSW Government Job Summit…Mmm?

· This Week’s Green Note; UK Supermarkets On-line going green…….;
Study suggests that on-line retailing has a carbon footprint 1/3^rd of conventional retailing?
what are their Australian and New Zealand counterparts doing; from observation not much!

·          The Four Pillars of Retail Lease Legislation Harmonisation Change;
growing Australian retailer consensus!
1.      Lease Harmonisation Legislation; majority agreed in broad terms.
2.      Gross Leases; majority agreed in broad terms.
3.      Sales to be given to an independent Third Party reported at Category Level only;
majority agreed in broad terms.
4.      Annual Rents Increased / Decreased based on Sales per Meter by Category by Centre;
some questions for readers to consider.
5.      Ready for COAG (Council of Australian Governments) consideration
(Stage 1 Concept Discussion Form) for the Australian Retail Sector
Harmonised Lease Legislation Reform

· Extend your Brand; Your Website Retail Profile should be Front and Centre of
Driving additional Retail Sales in 2009

· Part of the problem is that the U.S. is "overstored"; Question is Australia “overstored”..?
UPDATE

· OTB, Open to Buy or OFP, Open for Pain
Those are the questions to ask before finalising or starting on buying for Summer / Christmas 2009.
UPDATE

· Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;
Retailers’ are finally out of patience but the word maybe getting around;
Federated Retail Sector Association; Let’s hope it is not another false dawn….?
Further update

· This Week’s Green Note; UK Sustainable Clothing Policy; is this for Australia?

Retail ‘Needle’ 23rd February; Retail Pointers for tough times; (20)……?
This Week’s ‘Needles’

.     The Four Pillars of Retail Lease Legislation Harmonisation Change;
       Growing Australian retailer consensus!
1.      Lease Harmonisation Legislation.
2.      Gross Leases.
3.      Sales to be given to an independent Third Party reported at Category Level only.
4.      Annual Rents Increased / Decreased based on Sales per Meter by Category by Centre.

· Part of the problem is that the U.S. is "overstored"; Question is Australia “overstored”..?

· OTB, Open to Buy or OFP, Open for Pain
Those are the questions to ask before finalising or starting on buying for Summer / Christmas 2009.

· Are you suffering with ‘Piles’ of Stock?
As with the medical condition Stock ‘Piles’ can be an excruciating experience
for over-stocked Australian and New Zealand retailers in 2009!

· ACCC an out of time Structure for Australia’s Retail Sector;
ACCC Reform Urgently Required addressing serious Retail Sector Market Competition Imbalances

· A Dark Knight for Australian and New Zealand Entertainment Retailers;
There is a digital light at the end of the tunnel for Australian and New Zealand
Entertainment Retailers’…..!
For an industry that makes a lot of ‘noise’, the silence has been deafening!
The other opportunity is RFID / EAS source marking entertainment product.
(A Repeat of last week’s article for the slow readers)

· Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;

· Retailers’ are finally out of patience but the word maybe getting around;
Federated Retail Sector Association; Let’s hope it is not another false dawn….?
Update

· This Week’s Green Note
UK Retailers’ Dual Fuel Technology Stated to Replace 50% 0f Diesel;
Emissions Cut by 30%; Significant Fuel Cost Savings.
Are Australian Retailers and their Industry Associations awake to the
benefits of Dual Fuel Technology; maybe a few; the majority, we don’t think so!

Retail ‘Needle’ 16th February; Retail Pointers for tough times; (19)……?
. Retail Tenancy Legalisation Harmonisation; PRIORITY
State(s) Review; Retail Tenancy Acts Terms and Conditions
Update
. Specialty Chain and SME Retailer Gross Leases Option and other options for Comment
. ACCC an out of time Structure for Australia’s Retail Sector;
ACCC Reform Urgently Required addressing serious Retail Sector Market Competition Imbalances
. A Dark Knight for Australian and New Zealand Entertainment Retailers;
there is a digital light at the end of the tunnel for Australian and New Zealand Entertainment Retailers’..!
. Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;
Retailers’ are finally out of patience waiting for that Federated Retail Sector Association….?
Update
. This Week’s Green Note
The Role of Australian Shopping Centres?
Sustainable Retail Committee Federated Retail Sector Association
Based on the NRF Sustainable Retailing Consortium?
Proposed Retail Sector meeting with Senator Penny Wong Minister for Climate Change and Water?

Retail ‘Needle’ 9th February; Retail Pointers for tough times; (18)……?
. Interest Rates Now - Interest Rates Needed; Exchange Rates;
Rudd Stimulus Package; December and Post Christmas Results;
Recommended Retail Cost Savings and Supply Chain Initiatives;
Federated Retail Sector Association Progress.
. Retail Tenancy Legislation Harmonisation; PRIORITY
State(s) Review; Retail Tenancy Acts Terms and Conditions.
A crisis looming; small retailer viability in Australia’s Shopping Malls!
. Return on Space Management; What is it..; How do I report it?
Reader Question and Answer Provided
. Loss Prevention 2009, Lower Costs; Less Shrinkage; More Accuracy
Reader Questions and Answers
. On-line Sales in 2009 still to exceed growth in Shop Floor Sales
. Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;
Retailers’ are finally out of patience waiting for that Federated Retail Sector Association….?
. This Week’s Green Note; The Role of Australian Shopping Centres;
Australian Retailers; Industry Associations...

Retail 'Jab' 4th February
. Interest Rates Now - Interest Rates Needed – Payroll Tax Moratorium; Exchange Rates; Rudd Stimulus Package;
December and Post Christmas Results

Retail ‘Needle’ 2^nd February; Retail Pointers for tough times; (17)……?
. Interest Rates; Alarmist Retail Industry Associations;
The Good News….if confidence is not damaged by non-retailer Industry Association commentators;
Fresh Food Prices…?
. Return on Space Management; What is it..; How do I report it?
. Loss Prevention 2009, Lower Costs; Less Shrinkage; More Accuracy!
. Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009;
The Saga Continues!
. Circuit City closing 500+ stores in the US;
Confirmation of the fast decline in Global Entertainment Retailing;
For an industry in crisis the reaction from the Labels, Studios, Games and Book Publishers;
Put more Digital Entertainment Revenue road blocks in the way of struggling Entertainment Retailers’?
The beat is struggling to go on...; Absolutely pathetic!
. It is time to review Australia’s Retail Trading Hours and Supporting Retail Awards;
The answer is clear; YES!
. Is it time for Australian and New Zealand Retailers to Mandate RFID Item Level and Carton bar-codes?
in certain sectors during 2009; we believe YES with Federal and State Government support!
Follow-up Report: Pending Retailer and Supply Chain Input
. This Week’s Green Note;
The Role of Australian Shopping Centres; Australian Retailers; Industry Associations..UPDATE

Retail ‘Needle’ 26th January 2009; Retail Pointers for tough times; (16)……?
. Interest Rates; Back to School, last bite of the cherry; look at high basics levels;
absolutely quit last of bad summer product; re drops of first winter, are they on time;
first look at OTB’s for summer / Christmas 2009!
Your cash flow needs to be up compared with last year….?
Shopping Centre driven sales initiative strategy to keep Australian customers buying
and not going on strike.
. Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009!
Adversarial politics between competing retail associations out;
consensus committee driven in; back to the days of Mark Paterson;
Retail Legislation Harmonisation!
. Supply Chain 2009 plus RFID bar-codes; streamlined inventories;
good news; more profit, less inventory with less costs;
some retailers’ can gain profit gain or cost reductions of up to 7c minimum
some more on every item sold plus double digit sales increases;
Show us anything in retail as good as this in 2009, we will ‘buy’ the idea and promote it!
. Circuit City closing 500+ stores in the US;
confirmation of the fast decline in Global Entertainment Retailing;
up to labels; studios; games suppliers and book publishers to make the first move
to shop floor and on line store hub and mall / remote spoke Digital Kiosks with an
accompanying RFID backboned source marked supply chain structure;
reported that 1 in 20 downloads are illegal;
why are they not being sold through Australian and New Zealand retail entertainment stores!
It is time to review Australia’s Retail Trading Hours and Supporting Retail Awards;
the answer is clear; YES!
. Is it time for Australian and New Zealand Retailers to Mandate RFID Item Level
and Carton bar-codes in certain sectors during 2009; we believe YES!
Follow-up Report: Pending Retailer and Supply Chain Input
. This Week’s Green Note; The Role of Australian Shopping Centres;
Australian Retailers; Industry Associations Mmm……..?
. NRA Correction and Apology

Retail ‘Needle’ 19^th January 2009; Retail Pointers for tough times; (15)……?
. Priorities; Back to School, hit it hard and early; quit last of bad summer product;
   Again check with your Buying Team re drops of first winter, are they on time..?
   How is your cash flow compared with last year….?
. The Planets are in line for another Interest Rate cut and maybe a cut in the Tax Rate;
   our advice to retailers’; don’t sit on your hands waiting for Government or RBA Charity handouts;
   much can be done to improve your business without ‘handouts’!
. Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009!
   Is this a case for the Productivity Commission to get involved to get Retail Sector Legislation
   Harmonisation? Yes, if there is no action soon!
. Circuit City; Symptomatic of the fast decline in Global Entertainment Retailing; it has to stop!
   Answers; Digital Retailing to drive shop floor revenue;
   RFID bar-codes+ EAS management to reduce retail entertainment costs;
   Digital and on-line delivered by Hub and Spoke..?
. It is time to review Australia’s Retail Trading Hours and Supporting Retail Awards;
   the answer is clear; YES!
. Unit Pricing; here we go again Industry Association ED’s making statements without thinking;
   suggest all issues get the Google and Standing Committee test before speaking to the Media..?
. The unedifying Hijab ‘Retailer Security’ debate between the ‘National’ ARA and the ‘Queensland’ QRTSA;
   Our advice concentrate on the matters of real concern for Australian retailers’ in tough retailing times!
   NRA Apology.
. Is it time for Australian and New Zealand Retailers to Mandate RFID Item Level and Carton bar-codes?
   in certain sectors during 2009; we believe YES!
Follow-up Report Pending
. This Week’s Green Note; The Role of Shopping Centres……..?

Retail ‘Needle’ Mid Week Jab 13th January 2009
Obvious mis-quote from Richard Evans the current ARA ED Saturday’s Australian P27
‘retailers’ generally needed to keep their occupancy costs to below 20% of turnover to survive’;
Patently incorrect, needs a statement of correction….?

Retail ‘Needle’ 12th January 2009; Retail Pointers for tough times; (14)……?.
. Priorities; Last clean-up bad summer product; start Back to School and Back to School in earnest;
   Check with your Buying Team re drops of first winter, are they on time..?
. Continue to exude confidence with Shop Floor Teams in 2009; there is good news out there;
   Confidence breeds   sales..?.
.  Australian Retailing Cannot Afford Three or More Retail Sector Industry Associations in 2009!
   Is this a case for the Productivity Commission to get involved to get Retail Sector
   Legislation Harmonisation; some old guard ARA, now non members say Yes!
. The November sales numbers are in; the jury is out on December..?
. Retail Rents in the UK are falling; Australia and New Zealand……?
. Is it time for Australian and New Zealand Retailers to Mandate
   RFID Item Level + EAS and Carton bar-codes in certain sectors; we believe YES!
. Are Shopping Centres getting boring……maybe?
. Entertainment Retail in Australia and New Zealand; has it a future;
   YES, DIGITAL and RFID + EAS;
   New US CD and DVD sales numbers prove the case for innovative change now!
. Bait Advertising…. watch you are not bitten by the ACCC..!;
   Dachshund Discounting; the dog just died……!;   Readers Comments
. This Week’s Green Note; Congratulations to the South Australian Government and Bunnings on
   Plastic Bags;
   Retail Sector split Australian Industry Associations acting as Dinosaurs on the Environment;
   Canute is alive and well!; Readers Comments
   http://www.reusablebags.com/ http://www.protecttheocean.com/ocean-flotsam/

Retail ‘Needle’ 5^th January 2009; Retail Pointers for tough times; (13)……........?
. Priorities; Continue to rip into Dead Seasonal Inventory Now!
. Clear 100% in one week; expect consumers to switch to ‘Back to School’ buying now!
. Have you planned to drop first winter 2009 one month earlier!
. Continue to exude confidence with Shop Floor Teams in 2009; there is good news..?
. Entertainment Retail in Australia and New Zealand; has it a future; YES, DIGITAL and RFID + EAS!
. Bait Advertising…. watch you are not bitten by the ACCC..!
. Dachshund Discounting; the dog just died……?
. There is real dough in bread…?
. Selling Shoes on-line..? they said that selling shoes over the Internet wouldn’t work;
see Onlineshoes.com
. This Week’s Green Note; Congratulations to the South Australian Government and Bunnings
on Plastic Bags; . . . Retail Sector split;
Australian Industry Associations acting as Dinosaurs on the Environment; Canute is alive and well! http://www.reusablebags.com/ http://www.protecttheocean.com/ocean-flotsam/

Retail ‘Needle’ 29th December 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times; (12)….....…?
. Retail 2008; Christmas past; a year to learn from and not forget…..?
. Recommended 2009 Retail Sector Strategies for Consideration and Action
. Priorities; Rip into Dead Seasonal Inventory Now!
. Clear 100% in two weeks; expect consumers to switch to Back to School buying earlier!
. Plan to drop first winter 2009 one month earlier!
. Exude confidence when meeting with Shop Floor Teams in 2009; there is good news..?

Retail ‘Needle’ 22nd December 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times; (11)……....?
Priority; Plan Savage Clearances of 20 ‘not happening’ lines before Christmas Eve;
do not rely on Post Christmas Sales this year.
U.S. and major U.K. retailers’ such as TESCO have selected 50% and lower discounts;
Dachshund retailing, how low can you go…?
. Retailer Optimism required from Industry Associations and Commentators;
Negative comments become self fulfilling…stop it, not helpful..?
. U.S. Retailers and Importers dumping piles of overstocks;
smart Australian retailers’ and importers taking advantage of fantastic bargains…?
. Free U.S. on-line Shipping Day; sorry Australian retailers’ and New Zealand are babes in the wood
when it comes to marketing on-line to leverage sales…?
. Politics being played on infrastructure build funding to boost Australian retailers’ sales is not helpful
to the Australian retail sector; need for an Australian Economic War Cabinet;
Woolworths UK, 30,000 unemployment casualties; Statesmanship; Chapter 11 the first call…..UPDATE?
. December 8^th ‘Rudd Gift’; was it good for you…..our second call on first centre visited;
only improved to two out of ten….double thud…Seasonal stock carry-over; book DC and third party
distribution space now; storage space at a premium…..?
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment that is the Question…
TRADE PRACTICES ACT 1974 - SECT 51AC. Unconscionable Conduct in Business Review;
TPA Act out of time and out of step with OECD best practice; Senate review, Barnaby Joyce;
contact your Senators, nothing to lose…UPDATE?
. Retail Industry ‘umbrella’ Association; retail industry associations fighting amongst themselves;
thought is was the season of good will to all men……..even competing ED’s…but maybe there is hope?
. Advertising and Marketing 2009; new revenue streams for 2009 the old world of retailing vs. the
new world of retailing ...what do I do; what can I afford in 2009…
what will give me the best bang for the buck?
. Would you like an additional 2-7c in the $ extra minimum on every $ sold…
vertical with RFID integration for some options to explore…?

Retail ‘Needle’ 15th December 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (10)………?
One week and a bit Christmas 2008 Trading to go; we wish our Australian and New Zealand retail readers well, great sales!

. Politics being played on infrastructure build funding to boost Australian retailers’ sales is not helpful
to the Australian retail sector; need for an Australian Economic War Cabinet;
Woolworths UK, 30,000 unemployment casualties; Statesmanship required; Chapter 11 the first call…..?
. December 8^th ‘Rudd Gift’; was it good for you…..our call on first centre visited; only one out of ten….
thud…? Repeat of Mid Week ‘Needle’
. Last call on Christmas and Post Christmas Loss Prevention Coverage…?
. IS YOUR CLEARANCE TOP 20 HAPPENING NOW; WHAT % DO YOU HAVE TO CLEAR BY CHRISTMAS EVE:
DON’T RELY ON THE POST CHRISTMAS SALES
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment that is the Question…
TRADE PRACTICES ACT 1974 - SECT 51AC. Unconscionable Conduct in Business Review;
TPA Act out of time and out of step with OECD best practice; Senate review, Barnaby Joyce;
contact your Senators, nothing to lose?
. UK on-line sales expected to increase by +15%; High St Sales November down -2.6%;
John Lewis on-line sales +10%...yours?
. Credit Card Interest; consumers still feeling ripped off…..?
. 3% reduction in interest rates – fourth time around….?
. Would you like an additional 2-7c in the $ extra minimum on every $ sold…
vertical integration with RFID for some options to explore despite the $…?
. Retail Industry ‘umbrella’ Association; still silence, must be office party time;
the first one that breaks ranks will get our wholehearted support; New Years Resolution No.1…?
. Advertising and Marketing 2009; new revenue streams for 2009; old world of retailing vs. the new world of retailing
...what do I do; what can I afford in 2009…what will give me the best bang for the buck?
. This week’s Green Note

Retail ‘Needle’ 8th December 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (9)….?
. December 8th; ‘Rudd D DAY’; Shopping Centres–Retailers’ ; go for it…?
The interest rate cut; Deficit Richard Goyder is right, the right balanced call..?
Question; how does the Rudd government leverage the massive pool of money in superannuation
and investment trusts to force infrastructure build..?
. Pre Christmas; Post Christmas Sales 2008; Back to School 2009, are you ready for a
stock clearance bloodbath….? the Accountants Choke’…?
20% now could be better than 50% after Christmas on ‘barking stock’..?
. Wal-Mart – RFID ‘bar-codes’ – China; comment on current DC and Warehouse stock holdings…?
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment that is the Question…
TRADE PRACTICES ACT 1974 - SECT 51AC. Unconscionable Conduct in Business Review;
just tinkering at the edges….TPA Act out of time and out of step with OECD best practice?
. Credit Card Interest; consumers still feeling ripped off…..?1% reduction in interest rates;
What are Retail Industry Associations doing about it….still muted silence?
. Would you like an additional 2-7c in the $ extra minimum on every $ sold…
vertical integration for some still an option despite the $…?
. Retail Industry ‘umbrella’ Association; can still hear the silence…
it should be the season of goodwill even for the disparate industry associations?
. Discounts drive a 13% increase in US on-line Sales;
who cares, at least this is way above in-store sales….?
. Advertising and Marketing 2009; new revenue streams for 2009
the old world of retailing vs. the new world of retailing ...what do I do; what can I afford in 2009…
what will give me the best bang for the buck?
. This week’s Green Note

Retail ‘Needle’ 1^st December 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (8)….?
. December 8^th; ‘Rudd D DAY’ 8 Days to Go and Counting; Shopping Centres–Retailers’ are you really
100% ready…..last 100 meters?
. So are you ready for the next interest rate cut; come on this is good spending news…deficit,
stop the cheap political shots, not helpful; government bonds..?
. Retail heresy; margins don’t matter; maximising gross profit out of every selling bay,
fixture and rack is what it will be all about in 2009…?
Some retailers’ have got the message….younger buyers…Mmm?
. Do you have a Christmas 2008 ‘Value Proposition’; second last call..?
. Wal-Mart – RFID ‘bar-codes’ – China..?
Australian and New Zealand Retailers…great news..wake up?
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment the question;
some great responses? Further comments requested..
. Credit Card Interest; consumers still feeling ripped off…..?
Would you like an additional 2-7c in the $ extra minimum on every $ sold…
it’s all in your supply chain and you can’t see it…?
. Retail Industry ‘umbrella’ Association; can still hear the silence…?
. Shopping Centre Trusts - it is hard for retailers’ to have quiet conversations when you have an
unjustified ‘double digit rent % rent increase sword of Damocles’ hanging over your head;
US trends, oops; valuations?
. Some pundits calling out the slow death of on-line retailing in Australia and New Zealand;
we don’t think so..?
. Advertising and Marketing 2009; new revenue streams for 2009
the old world of retailing vs. the new world of retailing ...what do I do; what can I afford in 2009…
what will give me the best bang for the buck?
. This week’s Green Note

Retail ‘Needle’ 24th November 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (8)………?
. So we have had a lousy registered sales result; New South Wales leading the pack;
are we surprised….NO; will New South Wales lead the pack back…YES!
. December 8th; ‘D DAY’ 15 Days to Go and Counting;
Shopping Centres–Retailers’ are you 100% ready…..last mile?
. Retail heresy; margins don’t matter; maximising gross profit out of every fixture does..?
. RBA CPI Mandate revisited; the silence is deafening….?
. Do you have a Christmas 2008 ‘Value Proposition’; second last call..?
Wal-Mart – RFID ‘bar-codes’ – China; Great supply chain news for 2009; now for local retailers..?
. Quiet conversations between Australian Retailers and Australian Shopping Centre owners…Update!
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment the question; Comments requested!
. Retail Shrinkage let’s get real?; Circle Shopping, lift in post Christmas refunds.. Casual inductions?
. Credit Card Interest; consumers feeling ripped off…..?
. Could you like an additional 2-7c in the $ extra minimum on every $ sold…it’s all in your supply chain..?
. Post Christmas Warehouse Space Shortage; Overstocks; Warehouse Sales; have you booked space?
. Retail Industry ‘umbrella’ Association; can hear the silence…?
. Home Entertaining; eating at home…less eating out..?
. Wal-Mart wind power for stores…better than the coffee and cake peddled debate; $ in being Green..?

Retail 'Needle' 17th November 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (7).........?
. December 8^th; 2 Weeks to Go and Counting; Shopping Centres–Retailers’ are you ready?
. In tough retailing times; go consignment; go concession young man; monitored RFID ‘bar-codes’..?
. Do you have a Christmas ‘Value Proposition’; we see Australian retailers asleep at the wheel;
another reminder…marketing teams, you are running out of time?
. Do you really know how much money you are losing in slack supply chain and DC processes:
in tough times you cannot afford the luxury……RFID ‘bar-codes?
. Letters of Credit…oops? Has your bank stopped issuing them? Readers’ confirmations;
a nasty sleeper… be prepared…?
. Time has come for some quiet conversations between Australian Retailers and Australian Shopping
Centre owners…R.E.I.T refinancing..?
. Retail Sector Creeping Acquisitions vs. Anti-Trust Divestment that is the question…?
Reader Comments Requested
. Overseas retailers plugging in double digit stock cost increases…what about summer ’09 Australia
and New Zealand OTB adjustments..?
. This week’s Green Note.

Retail ‘Needle’ 8th November 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (6) ……....?
. Australian Retailers’ have had a full 2% interest rate cut and the December 8^th Rudd Government ‘gift’;
stop complaining please?
. December 8^th; 3 Weeks to Go; Shopping Centres–Retailers’ are you ready?
. Do you have a Christmas ‘Value Proposition’; we see Australian retailers’ asleep at the wheel?
. Letters of Credit…oops? Has your bank stopped issuing them?
Consignment Stock post Christmas 2008 opportunities…?
. Some US Retail Trends; have you adjusted your thinking..?
. Finally Entertainment Retailers’ are getting the MP3 message and working smarter on-line;
see Amazon http://www.windowshop.com?
. ETS; Global Warming no need to panic Australian Retailers’ just need to adjust and take advantage
…..follow-up comments?
. Australian Shopping Centre REIT’s…..hunting for the valuers….?
Those centres still applying CPI plus 1-2% on annual rent increases even in more bother…..?
. US Elections; to our American retail reader friends’, congratulations………!

Retail 'Needle' 3rd November 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (5)..........?
. December 8^th Countdown; 4 weeks to Go; Shopping Centres – Retailers are you ready?
. ETS; Global Warming no need to panic Australian Retailers adjust and take advantage…..?
. US Elections; we wish our American retail reader friends well………

Retail 'Needle' 30th October 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (4)............?
. December 8th Countdown; 5 weeks to Go; Shopping Centres - Retailer are you ready?
. Interest Rate Cuts = a Lower A$ why are you surprised…?
. Now for the Australian retail sector good news…..?
. Renewed mid to low residential property activity = a lift in sales….?

Retail 'Needle' 27th October 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (3)............?
. December 8^th Countdown; 5 weeks to Go; Shopping Centres – Retailers are you ready?
. SUPPLY Chain 2009; ‘the yellow brick road’ for tough retail times?; RFID the new kid on the block?
. Reserve Bank Board new mandate on inflation?; The phoney war is over, now for some action?
. ACCC anti-trust Mandate Retail Sector Review?; Australian Retailers’ running out of patience?

Retail ‘Needle’ 22nd October 2008; Retail Pointers for tough times (2)…………?
. December 8^th ‘Rudd Gift’ Countdown; Shopping Centres – Retailers are you ready?
. Homewares – Manchester possible retail sales lift from renewed interest in home buying?
. Tough times = High Christmas 2008 Retail Shrinkage - Is Item Level RFID 'bar-codes' plus EAS part of the answer?

Retail 'Needle' 20^thOctober 2008 ; Retail Pointers for tough times (1)…………?
. Rudd government initiatives; nothing is perfect but…….winter 2009…retail sector employment?
. Australian Sector ‘umbrella’ Industry 'NRF' Association progress or no progress that is the question?
. JCPenney.com launched "Know before You Go," enables shoppers to see whether items are in stock?
. Country Cocky’ led lift in Retail Sales? : Credit Card interest rates far too high….?
. GS1 IMPETUS EXPO Sofitel Melbourne 23^rd 24^th October; ‘China to Shelf’, Item Level RFID ‘bar-codes?

Need to have that ONE Australian Retail Sector NRF Representative Body Now? For Comment
Time Australian retail industry associations grandstanding stopped, ARA, ANRA, NRA; industry ‘umbrella’ organisation
Issue re-visited from March 2008; no movement? ; Reader comments and input required for article mid-September

Reality on Interest Rates Setting In; New Reserve Bank Board Mandate?
Inflation Targets to take into account selected Basket of Imported Goods and Services?
Inflation Targets to take into account Banks Rates above or below RBA Adjustments?
Review of the ABS ‘basket’ overdue?

                                           GS1 - EAN - UCC - WWRE
                                New Global Supply Chain Standards
                       Global Data Synchronisation - Global Data Catalogues - Entertainment
                               see GS1 - EAN Australia - UCC - WWRE