ICYMI and what we are reading - October 2025
- Juanita Neville-Te Rito
- Oct 6
- 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
Bottle-O, Liquor Centre owner posts lower revenue, flat profit as alcohol consumption declines
Tasman Liquor Company owns roughly 370 liquor stores in New Zealand including Liquor Centre, Liquor Spot, Bottle-O and Merchants Liquor. Latest financials show the business gross profit fell, down from $20.9m in 2024 to $20.7m in 2025.
Google launches AI-enabled conversational shopping
Shoppers can now ask a question conversationally on Google and get a range of visual results with a new artificial intelligence-based tool.
Google is letting consumers in the U.S. use a new solution called "AI Mode" that enables them to describe what they’re looking for — like the way they would talk to a friend — without having to sort through filters.
How many empty shops are there really?
New data from Colliers shows retail vacancies have surged in Auckland and Wellington, with Auckland’s CBD rate rising from 0.9% in 2019 to 11%. Analysts blame post-Covid pressures, high interest rates, and weak consumer confidence, though retailers remain hopeful heading into the summer trading season. Those with distinctive, quality-driven offerings are faring best, while undifferentiated stores reliant on foot traffic continue to struggle.
Shein enters bricks-and-mortar retail in France, sparking backlash
Shein will open its first permanent stores in France this November, sparking backlash from Paris officials and retailers who say it undermines sustainability and local businesses. The move marks a major shift from Shein’s low-cost online model to physical retail amid rising scrutiny of fast fashion.
Warehouse CEO Mark Stirton warns margins will stay weak amid retail reset
The Warehouse CEO, Mark Stirton, warns that margins will remain weak as the company resets its value positioning following flat sales and a modest $2.8 million loss.
Restaurant Brands receives takeover notice from Finaccess
Finaccess Restauracion plans to acquire all remaining Restaurant Brands shares at $5.05 each. The notice isn’t yet a formal offer, and shareholders are advised to wait for further updates before taking action.
THE ICONIC Enters Loyalty Race with Front Row Launch
THE ICONIC has launched Front Row, a new tiered loyalty program across Australia and New Zealand that rewards customers with “ICONS” points for purchases. Designed through extensive customer research, the program offers four tiers with personalised benefits and plans to incentivise sustainable shopping. Existing customers are automatically enrolled based on their past shopping behaviour.
Australian regulator finds Kmart breached customer privacy over FRT tech
Australia’s regulator found Kmart breached privacy laws by using facial recognition in 28 stores without consent. Kmart says it only kept images tied to suspected fraud and may appeal the ruling.