Rosalea Catterson

New research from Akamai's latest State of the Internet report, Securing the Agentic Storefront: Attacks on Commerce , reveals bot attacks targeting APAC commerce businesses surged 63 percent in 2025, the largest regional increase recorded globally.

While peak shopping events are still months away, decisions made now around inventory, fulfilment and workforce planning could have a significant impact on retailers' ability to meet customer expectations during the year's busiest trading period.

Australian retailers heading into the critical lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas are likely to face another challenging season, with the latest inflation data showing household budgets remain under pressure despite signs that headline price growth is easing.

Retail Show Australia 2026 will take place 22–24 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The event unites retailers, brand owners, technology suppliers and senior industry leaders across Australia, New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific, focused on translating high-level retail strategy into tangible, day-to-day in-store execution.

Australian retail billionaire Brett Blundy is returning to one of the brands that helped launch his career, acquiring a portfolio of some of Australia's best-known apparel and homewares businesses in a deal worth approximately $700 million.

As retailers look for smarter ways to clear inventory without compromising brand equity, LASTLOOK founder Josh Lever explains how private online warehouse sales are transforming clearance into a premium customer experience. - PowerRetail.au

Barbeques Galore will continue under new ownership after Australian wholesaler ACOM International acquired the retailer's intellectual property, brand portfolio and wholesale inventory, marking a new chapter for the nearly 50-year-old business following its earlier this year.

Artificial intelligence has already transformed how retailers market to customers, personalise shopping experiences and forecast demand. Now, it's reshaping delivery.

Michael Hill has capped off FY26 with stronger sales, accelerating same store growth and a significantly improved profit outlook, as the jewellery retailer continues to sharpen its focus on core brands while investing in high-growth categories such as men's jewellery.

Melbourne-founded essentials brand Paire is taking its next major growth step, officially launching in the United States as it looks to bring its fabric-first approach to one of the world's most competitive apparel markets.