The chips are down: supermarkets off to shaky start

The chips are down: supermarkets off to shaky start
Supermarket giants have an uncomfortable first day under the regulator's gaze. (Image:Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
The first day of the Commerce Commission’s inquiry into supermarket competition didn’t go very well for the supermarket owners.They relied far too much on the clever ministrations of a consultant economist instead of actually providing the evidence that commissioner John Small kept asking for, politely and insistently, but without much effect.His basic question: you have 80% of the market and it hasn’t changed much. How come?The answers: that price parity between the big players demonstrates prices are as low as they can be an...

More Retail

HelloFresh profit plunges 84% as revenue drops amid customer fallout
Retail

HelloFresh profit plunges 84% as revenue drops amid customer fallout

Meal kit provider HelloFresh New Zealand has reported a steep decline in profit and revenue in 2024, as the business faces continually shrinking results post-pandemic.HelloFresh reported revenue of $117.8 million in the 12 months to Dec 31, 2024, a drop of 18.8% or $27.3m from $1...

Staff reporters 17 Nov 2025
The Warehouse CEO Mark Stirton unveils cost reset amid margin pressure
Retail

The Warehouse CEO Mark Stirton unveils cost reset amid margin pressure

Continued margin pressure and an unsustainable cost base have led The Warehouse Group to implement a comprehensive cost reset programme, something which could see head office roles slashed to save costs.Chief executive Mark Stirton said the group’s shareholders expect decisive ac...

Staff reporters 17 Nov 2025
Want an easier way to travel with a suit?
Retail

Want an easier way to travel with a suit?

Known as ‘convertibles,’ they combine a garment bag with a duffel to carry a suit.

NZ’s second giant Costco Wholesale to be built at Drury
Retail

NZ’s second giant Costco Wholesale to be built at Drury

New Zealand’s second giant Costco Wholesale shop will be built in South Auckland’s Drury, it has been confirmed.Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie and Costco country manager Chris Tingman made a joint statement about a conditional land deal.“Kiwi Property has reached a...

Staff reporters 12 Nov 2025