Retail News at a Glance, 1 October 2026

Retail News at a Glance, 1 October 2026. What happened this week in Australian retail and retail technology.

RBA lifts cash rate to 4.60 per cent

The Reserve Bank raises the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.60 per cent on 29 September. Its statement says growth in consumer spending "is easing gradually as expected" and housing prices have fallen in most capital cities. Why it matters: household borrowing costs rise again ahead of peak trading. RBA.

Hallenstein Glasson's Australian sales up 29 per cent

Hallenstein Glasson Holdings reports Australian sales of NZ$324.4 million for the year ended 1 August 2026, up 29.0 per cent, in its NZX result on 29 September. Group sales rise 19.6 per cent to NZ$563.0 million and net profit after tax 49.9 per cent to NZ$59.2 million. Why it matters: Australia now makes up more than half of group sales. NZX.

Adairs CEO Elle Roseby to step down

Adairs tells the ASX on 29 September that group chief executive Elle Roseby has resigned and will stay through her notice period, expected to end in March 2027. The board is starting a successor search. Why it matters: the homewares group changes leader after just over two years. Adairs ASX announcement.

ACCC penalises James Lane and Vuly over Black Friday

James Lane pays $19,800 and Vuly $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC alleged both misrepresented when last year's Black Friday sales would end, the regulator announces on 29 September. Vuly allegedly reset countdown timers after advertised end dates. Why it matters: the ACCC says sale end dates and countdown timers must be genuine, weeks before this year's sales. ACCC.

Non-compete consultation closes 2 October

Treasury's consultation on draft legislation banning non-compete clauses for low- and middle-income workers closes on 2 October. The draft bill also targets co-worker non-solicitation clauses and no-poach arrangements. Why it matters: retailers and franchise networks using restraint clauses have until Friday to comment. Treasury.

Adobe: AI traffic to US retail sites to rise 130%

Adobe forecasts US online holiday spending of US$275.1 billion across November and December, up 6.7 per cent, and expects AI traffic to US retail sites to rise 130 per cent year on year, it announces on 28 September. Why it matters: it is an early measure of how much holiday shopping starts in AI assistants. Adobe.