AMANDA WOODARD 06 FEB 2013 The fulfilment of online shopping orders has spawned a fresh business model for package delivery players. The online shopping market in Australia grows bigger every year. The volume of small parcel deliveries from overseas alone has doubled from 23.5 million in 2006-07 to 48 million in 2010-11, according to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Integrated Cargo System. Australia Post and Star Track Express report parcel volumes growing by 13 per cent from a year ago and expected the trend to increase. Joining the consensus, a recent PwC/Frost & Sullivan report about online retail predicts the market will grow at least twice as fast as the total retail market over the next four years. However, customers who appreciate the low prices, choice and convenience of online shopping are often frustrated by problems with receiving their purchases – a process called fulfilment – often arriving home…

AAP February 06, 2013 A BOOST from Pringles and strong international results has helped Kellogg’s fourth-quarter earnings surpass expectations. Kellogg’s, known for breakfast food such as Cornflakes and Froot Loops, has been seeking to improve its results by investing in its supply chain after several product recalls and by expanding its salty snacks business. It acquired Pringles from Procter & Gamble in February 2012. The brand provided a boost in the fourth quarter, with Pringles revenue up five per cent in the US and one per cent in Europe. The company also changed its accounting method for pensions, and related one-time adjustments led to a loss of $US32 million ($A30.83 million), or nine US cents per share, for the period. That compares with a loss of $US195 million ($A187.89 million), or 54 US cents per share, for the prior year’s revised results. Not including one-time items related to its pension…

NECIA WILDEN February 05, 2013 The Australian DARREN Spiller is a well-paid creative director with a Melbourne advertising agency. Six months ago, he and his wife, Donna, and their five children returned to Australia from a three-year stint in the US, based in Minneapolis with frequent trips to New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The first time he took the family out to dinner back home, Spiller noticed something different – the size of the bill. “I couldn’t believe how expensive it was compared with before,” says Spiller. “We used to enjoy taking the kids to restaurants. But we just can’t afford it any more. Now, occasionally we might all go out for breakfast instead.” Spiller says he and Donna have one constant topic of conversation at home. “How outrageously expensive it is to eat out in Australia. And not just eat out; eat.” Spiller is far from alone…

Michelle Hammond Monday, 04 February 2013 The small business sector has been handed its fourth minister in two years, with former immigration minister Chris Bowen assuming the role as part of an unexpected cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been forced to reallocate several major portfolios following the shock resignation of two senior ministers. Nicola Roxon has resigned from her role as Attorney-General, to be replaced by Victorian MP Mark Dreyfus, QC. Roxon will serve on the backbench until the federal election in September, when she will exit politics altogether. Meanwhile, Senator Chris Evans has resigned as Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research. Evans will be replaced by former immigration minister Chris Bowen, who will also take on the small business portfolio. The former small business minister, Brendan O’Connor, who had the job for less than a year, will become the new immigration minister. In a statement…

05-02-2013 Australian Leisure Costco Wholesale, the world’s seventh largest retailer with 602 warehouses globally and which generates over 1.9 million transactions per day, has joined forces with Plus Fitness 24/7 as part of launching their ‘Ticketed Item’ sales in Australia. With gym memberships making up 24% of all Ticketed Item sales in the USA, this is a first for the fitness industry in Australia as well as the Australian retail industry. Explaining the development Plus Fitness Franchisor Nigel Miller stated “to align ourselves with such a major player in the retail space is exciting for our brand and to be the first chain of gyms in Australia to have its memberships sold in a true retail environment is also very exciting. “This retail strategy has enabled us to open up our membership sales and expose our brand to a whole new market which is of great benefit to our franchisees.”…