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ICYMI and what we are reading - April 2026


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ICYMI. We make it easy for you to keep up to date with what's happening in the world of retail. Check out what we are reading this month and why.


If you're after more frequent updates about what is happening in the world of retail and CX, give us a follow on LinkedIn: RX Group


Retail NZ endorses use of facial recognition technology at Bunnings

Large photograph of the front of a bunnings store and carpark

Retailers have pledged support to Bunnings New Zealand’s introduction of facial recognition technology (FRT) to the company’s two Hamilton stores, identifying it as a necessary tool to combat rising retail crime.



Push for a Temu tax to level the playing field and support local retail firms

temu store logo

Would you pay a tax on Temu to help support local retail?


New Zealand's clothing retail sector has been hit particularly hard by a downturn in spending, economists say - and the organisation representing retailers wants a levy imposed on people shopping at retailers such as Temu and Shein.



Shein’s $1.5bn surge shakes Aussie retail

inside of a physical shein store featuring beauty products, pyjamas and lingerie

Shein’s booming Australian sales show how its bargain-priced fashion and homewares are helping it chase growth past $1.5bn, but that rapid rise looks set to squeeze local retailers already struggling to compete on price and compliance costs.



An AI built a boutique with $100,000, then panicked when no one showed up to work

photo inside of an ai built physical retail store including the counter and some shelves with stock

Andon Labs, a San Francisco-based startup, stress-tests AI agents in the real world to identify where safety gaps still exist. For their latest experiment, co-founders Lukas Petersson and Axel Backlund signed a three-year lease on a retail space in SF and gave an AI agent named Luna a corporate credit card, internet access, and a mission to open a physical store.



Retail Giants Threaten Mainstream Media as JB Hi-Fi Joins Growing List Targeting Free To Air TV Dollars For In House Networks

photo of the outside of a jbhifi store with customers

As retailers continue to evolve into sophisticated media owners, the traditional value chain—where independent media provided third-party editorial and product reviews—is being replaced by high-margin, retailer-controlled ecosystems. This convergence of commerce and media marks a permanent shift in how Australian marketing budgets are allocated, leaving traditional broadcasters and publishers fighting to retain their relevance.



Winning Group enters NZ with Newmarket showroom
inside of a winning group showroom featuring kitchen design set ups

Australian retailer the Winning Group has crossed the Tasman with its first retail showroom opening in Newmarket.


Located in Morrow Street, the move follows the company’s online debut in the country in 2022 through its Appliances Online business.


What we are reading - ICYMI


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