ICYMI and what we are reading - December 2025
- Juanita Neville-Te Rito
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
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
Kmart gains as The Warehouse feels the squeeze.
Hitting $1 billion in annual sales for the first time, Kmart New Zealand demonstrates it is not only growing its market share but is also closing in on its main competitor, The Warehouse.
Black Friday Momentum Slows as Sales Decline Year-on-Year
While Black Friday was the biggest non-food shopping day of the year, with Worldline NZ reporting $55.6 million in processed sales on November 28, overall retail spending for the period still fell short of last year’s levels.
Furniture retailer Jory Henley Furniture Now collapses owing $3 million
Following the liquidation of its parent company and nationwide store closures, the future of Jory Henley Furniture Now hangs in the balance. The retailer, which operated under two brand names, collapsed amid cashflow issues and mounting debt exceeding $3 million.
Ozsale is closing its virtual doors for good
Ozsale, the famous online fashion marketplace, will cease operations on January 27, 2026. Its shutdown follows the earlier closure of its New Zealand arm and caps a significant year in Australian e-commerce. Founded in 2007, the platform once operated in five countries but faced growing competition from giants like Amazon. From mid-November 2025, Ozsale will enforce a strict "no change-of-mind" returns policy. All unused customer credits will expire when the site closes permanently.
Appliance Outlet plays the underdog in a bold new campaign.
Appliance Outlet launches a cheeky Black Friday campaign, urging Kiwis to rethink paying premium prices. The Auckland retailer offers a vast, technician-tested range of new, refurbished, and discounted appliances—from kitchen gear to heat pumps—providing a high-value alternative just in time for the sales season.
Adore Beauty Named Australia's Most Loved Retailer for 2025
Adore Beauty has been named Australia's Most Loved Retailer for 2025, topping a new Power Retail report. The cosmetics retailer climbed from sixth to first place, credited to its seamless online experience and memorable details like a Tim Tam in every order. Surveying over 3,000 consumers, the report highlights how ease and trust drive loyalty in today's competitive market.
Sports Direct takes the slow lane for its long-term Australian expansion
Sports Direct has launched its first Australian store at Westfield Fountain Gate, with a second set to open in Sydney next March. The UK retailer and its local partner, Accent Group, plan a measured expansion, targeting 30 stores within three years and over 100 across Australia and New Zealand in the next decade.
AI Drives Ecommerce Gains in Sales and Chatbots, Yet Struggles with Personalization and Ad Performance.
A landmark study of a global e-commerce giant shows AI boosts revenue by bulldozing friction, not through cleverness. Chatbots lifted sales by 11–16%, while AI search added 2–3% in conversions—generating an extra $5 per customer annually. Crucially, the smallest merchants and most hesitant shoppers saw the largest gains. The lesson is clear: AI wins in commerce by making the experience radically simple and fast, not by persuasion.
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