Business executives expect sales and profits to pick up in the December quarter, but the outlook for employment remains subdued, a survey shows.  The Dun & Bradstreet final business survey for the December quarter shows sales expectations surged 15 index points to 33...

The Australian dollar rose further overnight - but traders warn a Labor-Green coalition will see it fall.  The dollar moved higher overnight after moving steadily higher on positive global risk sentiment. At 0700 AEST on Tuesday, the local unit was trading at $US0.917...

More than one million users joined Apple's new music-focused social network Ping in the 48 hours following its launch, the company says.  Apple said one-third of the people who downloaded iTunes 10, the latest version of its online entertainment store, signed up for Ping...

Retailers will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of today's Reserve Bank board meeting where members will consider whether or not the unexpectedly strong July retail sales figures will drive inflation beyond its target band.  Smart money was...

It may be on the brink of collapse, but controversial Los Angeles fashion chain American Apparel has just opened a new store in Paris.  Located in La Defense, "one of the most important business and shopping districts in Paris," the 1700sqft...

Saturday's quake in New Zealand's South Island destroyed up to NZ $90 million of liquor and groceries in Foodstuffs Hornby distribution centre on the outskirts of Chistchurch.  "The racks collapsed like dominoes," a Foodstuffs distribution w...

An interest rate rise would dampen consumer spending and hit retailers hard, says the Australian Retailers Association, which has urged the Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold.  ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said figures from the A...

Woolworths is to sell a portfolio of "quality retail sites" worth more than $900 million on a sale and long-term leaseback transaction.  The portfolio consists of at least 30 neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres, most of which are...

Sanitarium says a chain of health and wellbeing centres it plans to open around Australia represents a food industry first.  The first centre opens in the inner Sydney suburb of Pyrmont today (September 6). Branded Sanctuary Health & Wel...

Colliers International has appointed Ben Laycock to its Adelaide office in the role of director of retail, a move it says highlights the continued growth within the company’s national retail division.   James Young, CEO of the South Australian office, said the industry is evolving and Colliers' business is growing. ...

Woolworths is the subject of media speculation over a bid for a privately-owned chain of big-box hardware stores.  The Gippsland Times newspaper reported on Friday that speculation Woolworths might be about to take over the Dahlsens chain had surfaced after the retail giant acquired Danks. Woolworths has a joint venture with US hardware re...

A 33 year old Sydney woman has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of tobacco smuggling offences.  Nada Sowaid, of Auburn, was found guilty of intentionally and dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth contrary to the Criminal Code Act (Cth). document.write(''); C...