24Aug
Super Cheap Auto struggles with lockdowns

Retailers have been struggling to manage the Covid induced supply chain issues which have caused havoc. With production down across the world and lockdowns across the country, retailers have to manage the level of stock they hold to ensure they are not caught short with the peaks in demand.
Super Retail Group have been managing this by ensuring their stock levels are high to ensure they can cope with he volatile nature of business at this time. Last year, Super Retail Group experienced strong sales as people were unable to holiday and were forced to spend money at home.
This year however, Super Retail Group have been experiencing harder times with widespread lockdowns and store closures across many cities denting sales. Super Retail Group’s big brands are Supercheap Auto, BCF, Rebel and Macpac. Last year the company had a big rise in revenue with sales jumping 22 per cent to $3.45 billion. This financial year, the group’s sales have fallen with BCF being the hardest hit dropping 21 per cent in the last seven weeks. It’s flagship store, Supercheap Auto fell 11 per cent.
Super Retail Group have been focussing on online sales however this has not been able to make up for the loss off walk-in customers.
Despite the weak start to the year, Super Retail Group have a strong balance sheet and substantial cash on hand.
Online stores are doing great business online. Stores like Mr Consistent have grown due to people ordering online during lockdown. If you’re looking to purchase from Esther & Co online use a Esther and Co discount code to save on your order.
29Jul
Telstra approaches Digicel Pacific

Telstra is looking for new revenue streams and growth via acquisition. There has been rumblings about Digicel’s future by investors and the media for some time. News released today confirmed that Telstra is looking into acquiring the Pacific unit of Digicel. The acquisition would be made with the support of the Australian Government and is seen as a strategic move to combat the growth of China in the region. Digicel Group is the largest mobile phone carrier in the Pacific region.
The Australian Securities and Exchange received a letter from Telstra this week indicating that they were in discussions with Digical about a potential acquisition however talks were still in progress and there is at this stage, no deal has been agreed. Telstra was approached by the Australian Government provide some technical expertise regarding Digicel Pacific and if Telstra were to proceed with the acquisition of Digicel, it would be with financial and strategic risk management support from the Australian Government.
The pacific region currently has very poor mobile service and limited coverage estimated at 35 per cent of the population of the Pacific Islands having internet access. Many residents are hoping that the company is sold and that it will bring better services to more of the population. Digicel Pacific has a large market share in the region, controlling 91 per cent of the phone and broadbrand services in Papua New Guinea, and a majority in other areas such as Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru.
If you’re looking to purchase from Telstra, use a Telstra discount code and save on your purchase of a Telstra mobile plans.