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Retailers today face more than margin pressure – they face moral pressure. Doing good is no longer a side story; it’s the strategy. From Ben & Jerry’s fight for purpose to Nala’s bold billboard and Disney’s quiet refusal, brands are redefining what leadership looks like. The lesson? Being good isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about everyday choices that protect your integrity as fiercely as your bottom line.

Skilled people are retail’s unfair advantage - especially in the Golden Quarter. When baskets spike and patience dips, it’s not attitude that makes or breaks performance, it’s capability. Product knowledge, customer sense, and operational fluency turn chaos into conversion. Train smart before peak, and your people will repay you in margin, momentum, and customer love.

Stay up to date with the latest in retail. This month’s highlights include rising NZ retail vacancies, Shein’s controversial move into French department stores, The Warehouse’s margin pressures, and Restaurant Brands’ takeover bid. Plus, THE ICONIC launches a new loyalty program, Google debuts AI shopping, and Kmart faces privacy backlash over facial recognition tech. Follow RX Group on LinkedIn for more retail and CX insights.

Retail’s no longer playing a local game. From Shenzhen to Sydney, global marketplaces like Temu, Amazon and Shein are reshaping how ANZ brands compete. At Competing with Giants, we brought together the retailers, disruptors, and strategists navigating this shift — and uncovered bold ideas, real lessons, and the local edge we’ll need to grow on our own terms. The giants are here. The question is: how will we respond?

The sun shines differently at the Mount , and so does the retail. From street-level gems to sensory flagships, we spent a weekend in full retail recon mode. What stood out wasn’t one blockbuster store, but the collective charm, connection and character. This high street has a pulse, and it’s strong.

We make it easy to keep up with what’s happening in retail. This month’s headlines span collapses and comebacks: Smiths City has gone into administration, Kitchen Things into receivership, and Mosaic Brands fined $25m. Meanwhile, TK Maxx prepares its first Australian flagship, Hallenstein Glasson delivers a sales lift, and Consumer NZ reveals shoppers’ favourite brands. For more regular updates on retail and CX, follow us on LinkedIn: RX Group.

Why are consumers claiming poverty while queuing for $17.50 McDonald's Happy Meals and Labubu collectibles? In NZ, 44% say they're worse off, yet Mecca opens record-breaking stores and Kmart profits soar 50%. This retail paradox reveals the new rules: emotional value beats functional, scarcity trumps abundance, and smart retailers make customers feel like winners. Traditional retail wisdom is dead—here's what's actually working in 2025.

From CEO changes to AI-powered smoothies, here’s what caught our attention in retail this month. Michael Hill names a new CEO following the founder’s passing. JB Hi-Fi reports strong growth as its CEO retires. IKEA highlights social impact, Amazon debuts a new ‘under $25’ range, and Heinz launches a ketchup smoothie. Plus: Gen Z insights every brand should know.

Auckland’s Enamoured Books is no ordinary bookstore, it’s a masterclass in niche retail done right. Ruby Wallace has built a romance lifestyle ecosystem that turns browsers into loyalists with curated collections, smart events, and a vibe customers never want to leave. From “Sexy Sundays” to BookTok-worthy launches, it’s proof that experience beats convenience, and that bold ambition still wins in retail.

In this must-read by Feedback ASAP founder Phil Prosser, discover how leading retailers are turning customer feedback into a commercial growth engine. Forget chasing NPS - this is about real-time action, smarter training, and using CX to drive ATV, justify pricing, and boost ROI. If your CX program isn’t helping your frontline win, it’s not working. It’s time to go from data-rich to results-driven.

ICYMI: From surcharges being banned to bottle recycling trials, Paper Plus’ comeback, and Noel Leeming facing charges, here’s what’s shaping retail this month. Plus, Michael Hill’s passing, Tesla’s retro diner, and Temu’s local seller play.

Tucked into Newmarket’s Osborne Lane, Fankery blends nostalgic Shanghainese flavours with modern baking flair. From mochi-filled tarts to gooey cookies, this petite bakery is full of bold personality and unforgettable treats. A must-visit for dessert lovers.

From retail awards returning and Amazon’s B2B launch, to facial recognition tech, viral toys, and AI pilots from Starbucks. ICYMI, here’s what’s been shaping the landscape across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond.

Discover the future of retail through RX Group’s insights from NRF’s Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore. From FairPrice’s AI-powered smart carts to live commerce innovations by BeLive, this blog unpacks the tech, trends, and takeaways shaping APAC’s dynamic retail scene. With highlights from our Kiwi retailer delegation and study tour, it’s a must-read for brands eyeing growth across Asia. #RetailInnovation #NRFAPAC #FutureOfRetail

Target Furniture’s Kristian Reinbach joined RX’s delegation to NRF APAC to uncover what’s next in retail. From AI-driven planning to synthetic audiences and customer-first innovations, his key takeaways offer a playbook for future-focused retailers ready to evolve.

From Woolworths closures to Amazon’s AI-powered ‘Buy For Me’ tool, the retail world isn’t slowing down. In April/May, we saw major shifts across brand loyalty, discount retail, and digital innovation - plus a big win for NZ beauty brand Raaie. ICYMI, here’s what’s been shaping the landscape across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond.

Caught in the chaos of yet another retail reset? As global trade tensions disrupt supply chains and Christmas prep teeters on uncertainty, ANZ retailers face tough choices. From pricing pressure to sourcing headaches, the new normal is anything but. If your business is struggling to adapt or looking to grow despite the madness, we’re here to help you navigate, pivot, and thrive in a world where retail rules are constantly being rewritten.

Discover why NRF Asia Pacific is a must-attend event for ANZ retailers. Explore cutting-edge retail concepts from the 2025 Ebeltoft Retail Innovations Report, including immersive experiences from Singapore's most forward-thinking stores. Join us to unlock growth opportunities across the Asia Pacific and stay ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape.

2025: The Year of Realignment. Discover strategic shifts retailers need to thrive by doing less but achieving more.

Women over 45: The untapped growth market. Discover why this powerful demographic is reshaping retail strategy.