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EDITOR’S LETTER ETDITOR’S LETTER he lifting of lockdown rules and travel limits along with the further easing of restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne will finally get Victoria moving forward to a much-needed recovery, while the reopening of Tasmania’s border with NSW and that between NSW and Victoria means people can travel freely across these divides without having to quarantine. The world watched with bated breath in the lead-up to Joe Biden becoming the new President-elect of the US, with Australia, New Zealand and Canada expressing confidence in strengthening ties with their US ally. Retail sales increased 6.5 per cent in the September quarter (5.6 per cent year on year), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the Christmas shopping season underway, while consumer confidence is at its highest level for more than two years. In its FY21 first-quarter results, Coles announced an increase in sales revenue of 9.8 per cent to $8.5 billion. The launch of coles&co in September replaced its weekly printed catalogues delivered to households with the new digital catalogue, which brought a strong increase in subscriber numbers. Coles Online sales revenue rose by 57.1 per cent for the first quarter, contributing six per cent of overall supermarket sales. B2C sales grew at 72.8 per cent. Woolworths also announced an increase in Australian food sales (including ecommerce) of 12.9 per cent to $12 billion in its first-quarter results, with comparable sales increasing by 11.5 per cent. Ecommerce sales increased 100 per cent to $961 million with sales penetration in the quarter reaching eight per cent (Q420: 6.3 per cent). In this issue, Metcash Food Merchandise Director Grant Ramage tells Retail World, in an exclusive interview, of the transformation of the business and the implementation of its new initiatives, and how Metcash is changing its approach to business with suppliers. Also inside, the 2020 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards are announced, as are the Product of the Year 2021 winners, showcasing product innovation and a growing trend towards plant-based products. We also present The Beverage Guide this summer, packed with coverage of the latest beverage products and trends to hit the market. In this month’s Retail World 360, PLAY Market Research highlights the opportunities for brands to communicate their support for locally made products as consumer interest in Australian made products spikes. Shop! ANZ reveals how retailers are creating engaging experiences and display solutions in response to the new shopper world, while ShopAbility and ReThink Productivity get readers geared up for the peak-season trade. See Retail World 360 for more innovative and inspired thought leadership on important threads at the forefront of the industry. We hope you enjoy this issue of Retail World magazine. Lorna Gloria Guest Editor 4 RETAIL WORLD NOV, 2020