A twinkle of optimism

Retail has never been blessed with an easy reputation, but 2012 was especially tough for some with the year marked by administrations, closures, and profit downgrades.

Luckily, according to respondents in this year’s Australian Retail Outlook retailer survey, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel in 2013, with many more positive about the year ahead.

Of the 500 local retailers who responded, almost 45 per cent think trading conditions will improve in 2013; a sentiment markedly up on those from last year’s survey.

The Australian Retail Outlook, an annual Inside Retail publication which forecasts the year ahead for local operators, also features numerous interviews with big name CEOs.

This year’s edition features predictions on Australian retail from Don Grover, Fusion Brands; Andrew Reitzer, CEO of Metcash; Mark Ward, MD, Officeworks; Sally-Anne Newson, Australia country manager, Asos; Gary Perlstein, CEO, Specialty Fashion Group; Tristan Harris, director buying and marketing, Harris Farm Markets and Craig King, CEO of General Pants; among others.

This year the spotlight is also on the minefields of e-commerce, store design, retail employment, and food retailing, with a look at the headline trends of 2012 and the forces set to influence the 2013 market.

Inside Retail’s Australian Retail Outlook 2012 report can be purchased at RetailBooks.com.au for $110 each.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.