Retail News at a Glance, 15 October 2026

Retail News at a Glance, 15 October 2026. What happened this week in Australian retail and retail technology.

Big W rolls out DoorDash delivery to 156 stores

Big W starts on-demand delivery through DoorDash at 156 of its 178 stores, covering more than 80 per cent of Australians, Ragtrader reports. About 35,000 products are available, usually delivered within 60 minutes during trading hours, after a 10-store pilot from 30 September; more stores are due by the end of October. Why it matters: a second discount department store now sells through a third-party delivery app, after Target joined Uber Eats. Ragtrader.

Baby Bunting holds guidance as first-quarter growth slows

Baby Bunting's underlying comparable store sales rise 2.2 per cent in the first quarter of FY27 to 4 October, down from 4.3 per cent at week six, Ragtrader reports from the company's annual general meeting. The company reaffirms guidance for pro forma net profit of $19 million to $21 million. Why it matters: growth is holding but slowing heading into the key trading period. Ragtrader.

Nike Australia sales near $1 billion as inventory rises

Nike Australia's sales rise to $985.4 million in the year to 31 May 2026, from $891.2 million, Ragtrader reports from the company's filings with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Profit after tax is $14.2 million. Net inventories rise 32 per cent to $178 million, and inventory write-downs rise to $17.4 million from $2.3 million. Why it matters: sales growth comes with a larger stock position and bigger write-downs. Ragtrader.

Forever New moves its online stores to Shopify

Forever New completes its move from Adobe Commerce to Shopify in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada, Retail Biz reports. The US, India and South Africa moved earlier in 2026 and the Middle East is under way. The nine-month project is delivered with agency Convert Digital. Why it matters: a Melbourne-founded brand with almost 400 stores and concessions in more than 25 countries is consolidating its ecommerce on one platform. Retail Biz.

WA passes Retail Barring Orders legislation

The Australian Retail Council welcomes the passage of Western Australia's Retail Barring Orders legislation, which lets courts bar offenders who pose an ongoing risk from entering retail premises. Figures given to the WA Parliament show 679 people charged with assaulting a retail worker since July 2024. No commencement date is given. Why it matters: WA retailers gain a court-ordered tool against repeat offenders once the law takes effect. Australian Retail Council.

Target puts a $25 million value on a store-floor app feature

Target updates myDay, the store operations app used by more than 350,000 team members, after input from more than 50 store leaders and team members, the company says. Its Scan to Divert feature, which tells staff whether a scanned item goes to the shelf or the backroom, has helped create $25 million in value, Target says. Why it matters: a large US retailer is putting a dollar figure on software for store teams. Target.