Supermarkets and Retail

They’re in a lot of locations where there aren’t many options and their tie-up with Latitude Financial to do long interest-free payments are big factors in how they’re still around.

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Sometimes their prices on certain goods can be too good to pass up. Ever since they virtually stole millions of dollars in Covid grants I’ve tried to avoid them where possible.
The last time was I brought a mobile only because I saved considerably compared to anywhere else as they had a promo going on where you got gift cards with the phone and also got a percentage back on the purchase in gift cards which meant I could purchase additional items I needed. I probably saved $500 shopping there compared to going elsewhere so quite significant.

You could probably say the same thing about a lot of bricks and mortar retail outlets as people move to online shopping over time as us old folk die off (since I’m one that only buys online if it’s not available in store).

It’s probably why shopping centres don’t get much as much TLC from owners anymore, the main ones in Sydney and Newcastle haven’t changed much in the last 10-15 years.

I hope traditional retail makes a comeback and people rediscover that in store retail therapy.

I shop on Amazon alot their price are usually on oar with the competition and I get the product the next day most of the time. Returns are very easy. Harvey Norman could learn alot from them.

https://www.shoppingcentrenews.com.au/shopping-centre-news/retail-outlook/celebrating-175-years-harris-scarfes-enduring-legacy/

Under the ownership of the Spotlight Group since 2020, Harris Scarfe has since experienced record-breaking revenue, with half of its 60 outlets achieving their highest-ever sales in the past year.

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(ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb) noted that while retail pharmacies do not face barriers to switch, there were some residual concerns about those in long-term wholesale or franchise agreements with Sigma, which formed the basis for an enforceable undertaking suggested by the company.

“That requires Sigma not to enforce contractual restrictions on exit and ensures payments under contracts do not make it costly for a pharmacy to switch,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The undertaking would also require the company to protect the confidential information of its franchisees over the next three years, and fulfil its obligations as a pharmaceutical wholesaler under the federal government’s Community Service Obligation arrangements for five years.

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There is nothing like a Chemist Warehouse, JB Hi Fi or TSG (tobacco station) store to drag down the entire visual aesthetics of a shopping strip.

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They are a bit ugly, but I’m always happy to see one, it’s my retail therapy.

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I would not put JB and CW in the same space as TSG :thinking:

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Bring back Clint’s Crazy Bargains and The Warehouse for tacky shops.

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I have just moved to Leichhardt in Sydney. On the world famous Norton Street there is definitely one retail outlet that successfully brings down the vibe of the whole street.

Gus’s which one? I’ll give you a hint, it’s the business that’s publicly listed.

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You should have seen the derelict building before it became Spicetown. :rofl:

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They’ve done it again?

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That building looked beyond redemption but Spicetown is great and has added much needed foot traffic to Norton St, pity it’s only open Thursday - Sunday.

The Italian Forum needs its own thread on Mediaspy. They need to hire a retail specialist to bring it back to life.

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Apparently, there are plans to redevelop that site which are rather controversial. The owner wants to get rid of the square and build an additional apartment building in the middle of it.

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Went to KFC in Hunter Street last night before a show at the Civic Theatre. Have to say the place could do with a more regular clean. Plus the taps in the toilets are suppose to be sensor ones. But weren’t working properly.

This seems to be a trend in Fast Food outlets. Had the same kind of experiences at McDonald outlets

Yeah KFC and Hungry Jack’s are not the best in that regard. Red Rooster outlets are not great either, that’s only when they even have a toilet.

Only McDonald’s are reasonably consistently clean.

Okay, I’m done talking shit for now.

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Hopefully a “Smart” trolley is also one that actually goes straight!

And can’t be dumped in laneways, side streets etc.