Retail News at a Glance, 8 October 2026

Retail News at a Glance, 8 October 2026. What happened this week in Australian retail and retail technology.

Country Road Group to cut David Jones space by almost a third

Country Road Group will close nearly 100 of the just over 280 concession spaces it runs in David Jones stores from early 2027, a group spokesperson confirms to Ragtrader. All five brands are affected: Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Politix and Witchery, and all five leave David Jones' Newmarket store in New Zealand. Why it matters: one of David Jones' largest concession partners is reducing its floor space. Ragtrader.

David Jones adds 650,000 loyalty members in a year

David Jones says its loyalty program has added more than 650,000 members in the 12 months since it relaunched with 3.6 million members, Ragtrader reports. Members account for 61 per cent of sales and spend 40 per cent more than non-members, and the app has passed one million downloads, the company says. Why it matters: identified members now account for most of the department store's sales. Ragtrader.

TVSN starts closing-down sale as owner seeks a buyer

Direct Group launches a closing-down sale at home shopping channel TVSN and sister business Innovations, offering about $30 million of stock at retail value, Ragtrader reports. Direct Group says the sale is a contingency after months of seeking a buyer or recapitalisation, and will be scaled back or ended if a buyer is found. Why it matters: the channel's future depends on a sale before the stock clears. Ragtrader.

Flybuys tops loyalty ranking as active use falls

Flybuys ranks first among Australian retail loyalty programs, ahead of Everyday Rewards and MyMacca's Rewards, in Honeycomb Strategy's Science of Loyalty 2026 study, Retail Biz reports. Active use of loyalty programs falls to 45 per cent from 52 per cent a year earlier. Why it matters: program membership is no longer translating into use. Retail Biz.

Consumer confidence falls to 67.1 after RBA hike

The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index falls 3.4 points to 67.1 in the week after the Reserve Bank lifts the cash rate to 4.60 per cent, ANZ says on 6 October. The 'time to buy a major household item' subindex eases 5.0 points, and views of current and future finances fall to their lowest since late May. Why it matters: big-ticket spending intentions weaken ahead of peak trading. ANZ.

TikTok adds AI shopping assistant and Buy Direct

TikTok announces Shopping Assistant, a conversational AI agent that answers questions on product details, delivery, fit and stock, and Buy Direct, which lets users buy from a brand without leaving the app, including in one click from the For You feed, it says on 5 October. TikTok gives no launch dates or markets. Why it matters: the purchase moves inside the social feed. TikTok.