Retail News at a Glance, 5 November 2026

Retail News at a Glance, 5 November 2026. What happened this week in Australian retail and retail technology.

RBA lifts the cash rate to 4.85%

The Reserve Bank lifts the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.85 per cent, the bank says. Six board members vote for the increase and three to hold at 4.60 per cent. It is the fifth increase in 2026, and the bank expects inflation to remain above 3 per cent for the coming year. Why it matters: the higher rate takes effect on 4 November, ahead of Black Friday and Christmas trading. Reserve Bank of Australia.

Endeavour retail sales rise 3%

Endeavour Group's retail sales rise 3 per cent to $2.58 billion in the first quarter, led by transaction growth at Dan Murphy's, Inside Retail reports. Group sales rise 2.8 per cent and hotels 1.9 per cent. July trading is strong and later months more moderate. Why it matters: it is the retail business's fourth consecutive quarter of sales growth. Inside Retail.

Shona Joy to close after 26 years

Founder Shona Thatcher is closing the Shona Joy fashion label after 26 years to focus on family, Inside Retail and Ragtrader report. The business is still profitable, and its online store trades until the new year. Why it matters: the label closes by its founder's choice, not through administration. Inside Retail.

Australia Post CEO Paul Graham to retire

Australia Post chief executive Paul Graham will retire at the end of the financial year after more than five years in the role, Inside Retail reports. The board is reviewing internal and external successors. Why it matters: the national postal and parcel network that online retailers ship through will have a new chief executive from mid-2027. Inside Retail.

Fashion brands average 31.5 out of 100 on ethics

Companies in Baptist World Aid's 2026 Ethical Fashion Report score an average of 31.5 out of 100, up 0.2 points on 2024, Ragtrader reports. Eighty-seven per cent cannot show a living wage paid at any facility in their supply chain. Why it matters: the average score across more than 500 brands is almost unchanged in two years. Ragtrader.

Etsy grows active buyers for first time in two years

Etsy's third-quarter gross merchandise sales rise 8.8 per cent to US$2.6 billion and revenue rises nearly 11 per cent to US$692.5 million, Retail Dive reports. Active buyers rise 1 per cent to about 88 million, the first increase in two years. Why it matters: the marketplace's buyer base grows again after two years without growth. Retail Dive.