Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from some of Australia's leading debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Mortgagor:
A person who offers to assign an asset as security (e.g. real estate) under a mortgage loan contract. The lender (mortgagee) holds the legal ownership of the security until the loan is repaid and the mortgage is discharged.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Surging Costs Put Retail Sector on Edge

Surging Costs Put Retail Sector on Edge

Surging Costs Put Retail Sector on Edge?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Retailers across the nation are facing a severe 'cost-of-trading crisis' as they grapple with rising overheads, including wages, energy bills, and insurance premiums.
Due to these mounting financial pressures, many businesses have voiced their concerns, calling for government intervention to help stabilize the precarious situation.

A recent study commissioned by the National Retail Association has thrown a spotlight on these pressing challenges, with business owners indicating that such costs are the most significant barriers to their enterprise's success. An alarming number of respondents believe their business's performance may deteriorate, with over half fearing a drop in annual profits compared to the previous year.

Rob Godwin, the National Retail Association Director, is flagging this troubling trend as a 'cost-of-trading crisis' within the sector. He calls upon the federal government to seize the May budget as an opportunity to confront these spiraling expenditures, which also contribute to rising consumer prices, thus exacerbating the overall cost of living.

Godwin singles out the acute difficulties faced by regional and rural operations, which bear the brunt of surging transportation and logistics expenses. He suggests that direct funding support could alleviate some of the financial strain on these businesses, and by extension, help shore up supply chain complexities.

In an effort to contain costs, close to a third of retail firms are reducing their advertising spending, cutting back on strategies geared toward attracting and retaining customers. This withdrawal of investment in growth and marketing initiatives is symptomatic of the wider issues of low confidence within the sector, with potential knock-on effects for broader economic activity, including employment and capital investments.

The façade of operational normalization in the face of such economic headwinds is crumbling as the retail sector's resilience is tested. Godwin emphasizes that a failure to address these issues could lead to harmful repercussions for the Australian economy, especially as retailers reconsider their future investment and hiring strategies in light of uncertain trading conditions.

Published:Tuesday, 2nd Apr 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Australian Mortgage Market Hits Record $2.41 Trillion
Australian Mortgage Market Hits Record $2.41 Trillion
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage market has reached a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages climbing to $2.41 trillion in November 2025. This growth is largely attributed to escalating property prices and a surge in lending activity. - read more
Housing Expenses Lead Australians' Financial Worries in 2026
Housing Expenses Lead Australians' Financial Worries in 2026
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
As Australians step into 2026, housing costs have emerged as the foremost financial concern, overshadowing other cost-of-living pressures. The latest Canstar Consumer Pulse Report reveals that 22% of respondents identified mortgage and rent expenses as their primary financial stressor, more than doubling the figure from five years ago. - read more
NAB Raises Fixed Mortgage Rates in Response to Expected Cash Rate Hikes
NAB Raises Fixed Mortgage Rates in Response to Expected Cash Rate Hikes
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB) has recently increased its fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.40 percentage points, signaling expectations of forthcoming cash rate hikes in 2026. This move aligns with actions taken by other major lenders, reflecting a broader anticipation of rising interest rates. - read more
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge
21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced mounting financial pressures, leading to a notable increase in insolvencies. A significant development in this landscape is the escalating involvement of non-bank lenders in court-based enforcement actions against struggling businesses. - read more
Westpac's New Debt Consolidation Loan Aims to Ease Post-Holiday Financial Strain
Westpac's New Debt Consolidation Loan Aims to Ease Post-Holiday Financial Strain
21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The post-holiday season often brings financial challenges for many Australians, with increased expenses leading to heightened stress. Recognizing this, Westpac has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan at an interest rate of 11.95% per annum, available for a limited time. - read more


Debt Consolidation Articles

The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget
The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - read more
The Reality of Debt Consolidation: Does it Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
The Reality of Debt Consolidation: Does it Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future?
Welcome to a comprehensive guide aimed at dismantling the common myths that cloud the concepts of debt consolidation and debt reduction. Amidst widespread financial stress, debt consolidation emerges as a popular strategy for Australians in search of relief from their monetary burdens. - read more
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management
How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more