ICYMI and what we are reading - May 2026
- Savannah Ericson
- May 27
- 2 min read
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
Who Needs a Merger When You Have a Loyalty Card?
The loyalty consolidation story is bigger than most retailers have clocked. If you missed this one, it is worth five minutes of your time before your next board meeting.
The World's Biggest Copycat: Platforms Suing Each Other
On the quietly spectacular irony of the platforms that built their empires on copying others now reaching for the lawyers. Relevant if you are watching the platform wars with any interest.
My Food Bag grows profits as ownership review continues
As New Zealand consumers become more value conscious, My Food Bag is proving that sharper customer engagement and a stronger health focused proposition can still drive growth. The meal kit retailer has reported rising profits, improved customer retention, and stronger order frequency as it continues its strategic ownership review.
Faradays Sets Date for Queen Street Luxury Department Store Opening
Luxury retailer Faradays has confirmed an August opening for its highly anticipated three level flagship on Auckland’s Queen Street, marking a major moment in the revitalisation of the CBD luxury retail scene. Blending heritage architecture, premium fashion, hospitality, and immersive customer experience, the $30 million development signals growing confidence in the future of experiential retail in New Zealand.
Adairs Confirms Sudden Exit from New Zealand
Australian homewares retailer Adairs has confirmed it will exit the New Zealand market, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing international retailers operating in a smaller, highly competitive retail environment. The move raises broader questions around market scale, profitability, and the increasing pressure on discretionary retail spending across New Zealand.
Google No Longer Wants to Be Just a Search Engine
As artificial intelligence reshapes the internet, Google is rapidly evolving from a traditional search engine into an AI powered ecosystem designed to keep users inside its platforms for everything from shopping to productivity. This piece explores what that shift means for brands, publishers, retailers, and the future of customer discovery online.
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