Retail News at a Glance, 29 October 2026

Retail News at a Glance, 29 October 2026. What happened this week in Australian retail and retail technology.

Woolworths first-quarter sales rise 4.7% to $19.4 billion

Woolworths Group's first-quarter sales rise 4.7 per cent to $19.4 billion, Inside Retail reports. Australian Food sales rise 6.9 per cent as average prices fall 0.5 per cent, the eleventh consecutive quarter of lower prices; New Zealand Food and W Living sales fall. Chief executive Amanda Bardwell says value stays the priority through Christmas. Why it matters: Australia's largest supermarket is growing volume with lower prices. Inside Retail.

Frasers declares its Accent Group offer final

Frasers Group says its 65-cent-a-share offer for Accent Group is its best and final offer and will not be increased, Inside Retail reports. The offer is open until 29 January 2027. Accent's directors, who have criticised the price, are seeking a shareholder vote of confidence at the annual meeting on 20 November. Why it matters: Accent shareholders now know the offer price will not rise. Inside Retail.

Perfect Stranger lifts Universal Store sales 36.8%

Universal Store Holdings' Perfect Stranger brand lifts sales 36.8 per cent in the first 17 weeks of FY27, Inside Retail reports. The Universal Store brand rises 6.6 per cent, Thrills 2.9 per cent and direct-to-consumer sales 9.3 per cent. Five stores have opened, with seven more due before Christmas. Why it matters: the group's newest chain is growing more than five times faster than its namesake. Inside Retail.

Super Retail opens all four brands under one roof

Super Retail Group opens BCF, Rebel, Supercheap Auto and Macpac side by side in a $90 million, 14,100 square metre precinct at Fountain Gate Central in Narre Warren, Victoria, on a former Bunnings site, Inside Retail reports. It is the group's 800th store and Victoria's first BCF Superstore. Why it matters: the group is putting all four of its brands on one large-format site. Inside Retail.

Department store sales fall 6.5% in Vicinity centres

Department store sales fall 6.5 per cent in the September quarter across Vicinity Centres' portfolio and 3.5 per cent over the year to September, Ragtrader reports from Vicinity data. Total portfolio retail sales rise 3 per cent, against 4.4 per cent a year earlier, and specialty sales rise 1.2 per cent. Why it matters: a second major landlord this month shows department stores trailing the rest of its centres. Ragtrader.

Taobao takes Double 11 orders through an AI assistant

Alibaba's Taobao lets shoppers choose, compare and pay for goods inside its Qwen AI assistant during Double 11, which runs until 13 November, Inside Retail reports. Threshold coupons give way to an instant discount on each item, and the event launches in 20 overseas markets. Why it matters: it is the first Double 11 in which shoppers can complete a purchase through an assistant. Inside Retail.