ICYMI and what we are reading - October 2026
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. In case you missed it (ICYMI).
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5 store concepts that launched in 2026
Even in the age of AI, brick and mortar remains king. While artificial intelligence is beginning to cement its place in consumers’ shopping journeys, especially as the holidays approach, the physical store still holds value. We revisit five store concepts that debuted in 2026.
JB Hi-Fi faces class action over claims it sold worthless warranties on countless electrical items
Eight million Australians could be in line for compensation from JB Hi-Fi over claims it sold worthless warranties to customers.
Shopify debuts Canvas, a way to build online stores by chatting with AI
Canvas’s launch is part of a broader shift toward a future where building a website no longer requires coding it directly. It joins numerous other AI-powered site-building tools from companies like Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Framer, alongside vibe-coding platforms like Lovable and Replit.
Fridge hack a 'wake-up call' for NZ supermarkets
Hackers pushed up the temperature of many fridges up to 50C in a software cyber attack. The company running the control systems said most of the affected fridges had outdated software.
NZ first: Bunnings launches AI shopping agent online and in app
Hardware retailer Bunnings has become the first retailer in New Zealand to introduce an in-store AI shopping assistant. ‘Buddy’ was created in partnership with Google Cloud to help customers plan projects, discover products and receive advice.
The Warehouse reports loss but Noel Leeming leads group back to profit
The Warehouse Group has posted a $11 million profit, bouncing back from a loss in the previous financial year.
The retail group described its results for the 2026 financial year as a "strong recovery".
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