Year 12 students taught to RenoV8

by Hardware Australia This year Brisbane High Schools are piloting the first RenoV8 program which sees Hardware Australia’s tailored hardware training program becoming part of the Year 12 studies for students.  The program, facilitated in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Education and Training, is focused on introducing new entrants into the retail hardware industry […]

MEMBER ONLY ARTICLE – Soft retail sales continue in April

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week indicates that the soft retail sales that have been recorded since the beginning of 2016 have continued into the final quarter of 2015/16. The recorded growth of 0.2 per cent, seasonally adjusted, is below the figure forecast by the National Retail Association last month, […]

Sales forecast downgraded for Hardware

The National Retail Association has revised its sales forecast for the hardware, building and garden supplies category to 6.7 per cent, with projections suggesting soft trading conditions across the final quarter of 2015/16. It is now expected that the category will generate total actual sales of $18.19 billion for the current financial year. To download […]

Free training for job-seekers

The National Retail Association, in conjunction with Hardware Australia are pleased to offer free* training to eligible job-seekers looking to start a career in hardware. The course aims to provide job-seekers with the skills and knowledge to work effectively in a hardware and customer service environment. This 7 week course consists of 4 weeks of […]

Retail sales flat in February, but some categories shine

The recent release of the February 2016 retail trade figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed flat growth in retail sales, although strong performance is still being recorded in some key divisions of household goods and clothing. As indicated in the graph below, the sector grew by 3.7 per cent nationally in trend terms, […]

Hardware set for solid growth in 2015/16

The hardware, building and garden supplies category of retail is expected to generate in excess of $18.2 billion in turnover this financial year, representing growth of 6.9 per cent. Following a busy holiday trading period for the retail industry in general, the Australian economy, and retail in particular, is beginning to head in the right […]

Hardware Australia – The unity of industry

As a result of 12 months of consultation and work, each of the State Hardware Industry Associations has now united together into one national body. Hardware Australia is a single national voice for independent hardware operators and suppliers and comprises of a national committee made up of two representatives from each state, ensuring that industry […]

Household goods make strong contribution to retail trade figures

The recent release of the September 2015 retail trade figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed continued growth in the Household Goods sector, and Footwear and Personal Accessories. As indicated in the graph below, the retail sector grew by 3.9 per cent nationally, with Victoria (4.9 per cent), South Australia (4.4 per cent) and […]