Gerry Harvey

Maroons stoke Origin energy

21 May 2012 | Juanita Fraser

PRINT: 21 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Maroons stoke Origin energy

A sell-out crowd of 52,000 will be on hand when Queensland and NSW do battle in the first 2012 State of Origin match this week.

Business leaders cheer RBA’s big move

01 May 2012 | Andrew White

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 8 | Business leaders hail confidence booster

Business leaders welcomed the Reserve Bank’s outsized rate cut as a bold move with the potential to quickly restore confidence across the struggling housing, retailing and manufacturing industries and urged banks to quickly pass on the savings to consumers.

Katie Page: can’t leave home without her ‘phablet’

01 May 2012 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 01 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Katie can’t leave home without her ‘phablet’

Even hubby Gerry Harvey, who only adopts the best technology, is taken in with Samsung’s recently released large smart phone, says Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page.

Taste of Caviar whets appetite

02 April 2012 | Fiona Carruthers.

PRINT: 02 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Taste of Caviar whets appetite

The half-sister of champion horse Black Caviar is expected to fetch up to $2 million in a field of hot pedigree prospects.

Take the high-web road and be there before them

27 March 2012 | Nick Leeder

PRINT: 27 March 2012 | PAGE 33 | Take the high-web road and be there before them

The internet has rewired the Australian economy and the changes will accelerate, not decelerate, Google Australia and New Zealand managing director Nick Leeder writes.

Trust takes a dive in global brand study

26 March 2012 | Paul McIntyre

PRINT: 26 March 2012 | PAGE 44 | Trust takes a dive in global brand study

Gerry Harvey and David Thodey should be thrilled. Solomon Lew and Mark McInnes not so. Y&R Brands’ global Brand Asset Valuator has produced some surprising results.

Techxperts talk to Heath about a job at the top

23 March 2012 | Sarah Thompson and Anthony Macdonald

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | Techxperts talk to Heath about a job at the top

Former Rebel Sport boss and Harvey Norman franchisee Stephen Heath has been sounded out about taking the top job at retailer Dick Smith should a sales process be successful.

Offshore investors check in to hotels

22 March 2012 | Natalie Gerritsen

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 59 | Offshore investors check into hotels

Offshore investors are expected to snap up many of the hotels on the market this year as local investors stay on the sidelines.

The boom busting up Australia

10 March 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 10 March 2012 | PAGE 42 | The boom busting up Australia

The encroachment of coalmining into farming areas and rural retreats has forged an unlikely alliance of farmers, rich city business people and environmentalists.

580 more jobs lost in WOW collapse

08 March 2012 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 08 March 2012 | PAGE 12 | 580 more jobs lost in WOW collapse

The woe-stricken retail sector has been forced into a further 580 job cuts, with the receivers of WOW Audio Visual Superstores deciding to close 15 stores across Australia.

Resilience of $A no cheer for many

05 March 2012 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 05 March 2012 | PAGE 2 | Resilience of $A no cheer for many

There has been little relief for companies from our strong dollar this reporting season, with some managers caught out by the currency’s surprising resilience to the European sovereign debt crisis.

Wealthy come out swinging against Swan

03 March 2012 | Peter Kerr, Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 03 March 2012 | PAGE 3 | Wealthy come out swinging

Some of Australia's richest entrepreneurs have attacked Wayne Swan for suggesting they use their wealth to wield undue influence, saying there is nothing wrong with them airing their views.

Harvey role in movie drama

02 March 2012 | Emma Connors

PRINT: 02 March 2012 | PAGE 19 | Harvey role in movie drama

Harvey Norman is testing the laws that govern movie and game classifications by selling games and movies online that do not carry Australian ratings.

Harvey hopes it’s hardly normal

01 March 2012 | Michael Smith

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 80 | Harvey hopes it’s hardly normal

After riding a retail spending spree since the 1990s, Harvey Norman is feeling the hangover as consumers curb spending.

Harvey loses winning streak

29 February 2012 | Michael Smith

Gerry Harvey told I in a 2010 interview that “selling fridges and lounges is a piece of piss compared to buying and selling horses”, he may no longer feel that way.

Gear sells but where’s the profit, asks Harvey

29 February 2012 | Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 29 | Gear sells but where’s the profit, asks Harvey

Updated | Harvey Norman is culling its range of TVs and computers to clear floor space for better-selling products such as beds and vacuum cleaners in a bid to boost sales and earnings.

A full church for Carnegie bash

13 February 2012 |

PRINT: 13 February 2012 | PAGE 52 | A full church for Carnegie bash

Call it Mark Carnegie’s Gatsby moment. Plenty of luminaries were on hand for his 50th birthday party on Saturday night at his new Darlinghurst digs, now one of Sydney’s flasher pads.

Rinehart tops rich list as Harvey drops

02 February 2012 |

Australia's richest person, billionaire Gina Rinehart, is also the richest woman in Asia and on the way to becoming the richest woman in the world, according to Forbes' latest rich list.

Debate grows over strong dollar

28 January 2012 | Michael Bleby

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Debate grows over strong dollar

The dollar’s latest rise has further stoked the debate about whether a stronger currency is a boon – a pay rise for all Australians – or a hindrance to the Australian economy.

Harvey Norman lacks innovation

20 January 2012 | Ted Pretty

PRINT: 20 January 2012 | PAGE 47 | Harvey Norman lacks innovation

The issue with retailer Harvey Norman is not that it has missed out online or that it’s hampered by GST. Its challenge is the lack of retail innovation.

No magic cuppa

17 January 2012 |

PRINT: 17 January 2012 | PAGE 44 | No magic cuppa

The premier yearling sale at Magic Millions closed late on Saturday night on the Gold Coast with a healthy $62.5 million in the kitty. While general consensus was the sale went well, Gerry Harvey and Katie Page didn’t get any red carpet treatment despite the millions they invested in hosting the sale and race day.

Harvey’s groans still make a case

16 January 2012 | Lindsay Byrnes

PRINT: 14 January 2012 | PAGE 51 | Harvey’s groans still make a case

Gerry Harvey makes the point that overseas purchases by local consumers from internet sites owned and operated outside Australia avoid paying GST under $1000.

Lunch with The Financial Review | Katie Page

14 January 2012 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 14 January 2012 | PAGE 50 | For Katie Page it’s personal

The Harvey Norman CEO, computer savvy and adroit with a smartphone (unlike husband Gerry Harvey), is looking to south-east Asia rather than China for the chain’s future expansion.

Colt sells for close to the magic million

13 January 2012 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 13 January 2012 | PAGE 3 | Price close to magic million

After a sluggish start on day one of the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale, a Fastnet Rock colt fetched the top price so far of $960,000.

Please stop whinging, Gerry Harvey

12 January 2012 | Kieran Kelly

PRINT: 12 January 2012 | PAGE 41 | Please stop whingeing, Gerry Harvey

Gerry Harvey once again reminds us that the federal government must to come to his aid to protect his company from overseas-based internet retailers.

Internet isolates Dick and Harvey

11 January 2012 | Michael J Gamble

PRINT: 11 January 2012 | PAGE 41 | Internet isolates Dick and Harvey

Dick Smith and Gerry Harvey’s “crocodile concerns” about the loss in GST revenue for the government when people buy online/offshore is self-serving.

We’ll decide the price: Spotless

10 January 2012 | Michael Smith

PRINT: 10 January 2012 | PAGE 48 | We’ll decide the price: Spotless

Spotless Group is trying to rewrite the rules of hostile takeover bids by naming the price at which it is willing to engage with unwanted suitor PEP.

At Oroton, customer service is still in fashion

10 January 2012 | Andrew Cleary, Michael Bleby

PRINT: 10 January 2012 | PAGE 12 | At Oroton, customer service is still in fashion

OrotonGroup managing director Sally Macdonald has hit out at claims that Australian shoppers will not pay full price for goods they want.

Magic Millions offers bargains

10 January 2012 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 10 January 2012 | PAGE 8 | Magic millions offers bargains

Since it began in 1986, the Magic Millions January yearling sale has become the southern hemisphere’s first litmus test of disposable income for the new year.

Upbeat US data boosts sentiment

09 January 2012 | Brendon Lau

Before the Bell | Local shares set to open modestly higher after Wall St closed out the first week of trade for 2012 in the black ■ US jobs data exceeds expectations ■ SPI up 12pnts ■ $A at $US1.0198

Super Retail Group’s advice to sales stragglers

09 January 2012 | Andrew Cleary

PRINT: 09 January 2012 | PAGE 14 | Super performer’s advice to stragglers

Super Retail Group chief executive Peter Birtles says many Australian retailers have exacerbated a weak market by discounting too deep and too fast over the holiday period.

Harvey Norman: the price is plight

09 January 2012 | Andrew Cleary

PRINT: 09 January 2012 | PAGE 6 | Share price tells the sales hitch

In mid-2007, it reached $7.15. Today, at $1.85, Harvey Norman’s languishing share price tells the retail story of widespread woe.

Go Harvey, go overseas, says Gerry

09 January 2012 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 09 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Go Harvey, go overseas, says Gerry

Dismayed by the worst retail downturn in decades, billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey says Harvey Norman has no plans to open a major new store in its home market this year for the first time in its 30-year history.

Make a meal of Apple, cry retailers

07 January 2012 | Julie-anne Sprague

PRINT: 07 January 2012 | PAGE 7 | Make a meal of Apple, cry retailers

Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPods may be pulling in customers by the millions but retailers would rather sell someone else’s product.

Tills are alive – for now

28 December 2011 | Matthew Drummond

PRINT: 28 December 2011 | PAGE 3 | Tills are alive, for now

The end-of-year sales have enjoyed a robust start but they are unlikely to be enough to buoy the stocks of the struggling retail sector.

‘Not Christmas’ if Harvey isn’t whingeing: Swan

23 December 2011 |

Treasurer Wayne Swan says it's just not Christmas if retailer Gerry Harvey isn't whingeing about soft sales.

Companies briefs

22 December 2011 |

PRINT: 22 December 2011 | PAGE 20 |

Former Australian Securities Exchange chief executive Robert Elstone will join the Westpac Banking Corp board as a non-executive director from February

IR backlash over productivity gap

22 December 2011 | Mark Skulley and

PRINT: 22 December 2011 | PAGE 3 | IR backlash over

Business leaders have slammed Workplace Minister Bill Shorten’s decision to exclude Australia’s poor labour productivity from the focus of a review into its industrial relations laws.

Flight Centre boss joins push for tax fix

19 December 2011 | Michael Smith

PRINT: 19 December 2011 | PAGE 14 | Turner joins push for online sales fix

Flight Centre’s managing director has joined the attack by prominent retailers on the federal government’s refusal to lower the tax-free threshold on imported goods which, he says, threatens to destroy Australian retail.

Harvey on a winner

09 December 2011 |

PRINT: 09 December 2011 | PAGE 56 | Harvey on a winner

As the Magic Millions yearling sale looms in January, it’s good to see Gerry Harvey is getting his money’s worth out of some of his numerous nags.

Magic Millions | Champion of gender equality

09 December 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 09 December 2011 | PAGE 13 | MAGIC MILLIONS SOCIAL SCENE

Katie Page has offered women a $500,000 incentive to challenge the status quo in a male-dominated industry.

Magic Millions | Hurdles and high hopes

09 December 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 09 December 2011 | PAGE 12 | Hurdles andhigh hopes

The Harvey family bloodstock auction has had to tough out equine influenza, the GFC and deflated prices, but it still holds out hopes for Asian buyers.

No Christmas cheer for retailers

07 December 2011 | Michael Smith

PRINT: 07 December 2011 | PAGE 56 | No Christmas cheer for retailers

An interest rate cut weeks before Christmas is traditionally a bonus for retailers but there were no champagne corks popping yesterday.

Harvey refuses to rush share buyback

06 December 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 06 December 2011 | PAGE 39 | Harvey refuses to rush share buyback

Retail mogul Gerry Harvey admits Harvey Norman will need to consider capital management options for the near-$645 million of franking credits on balance sheet but says he will not raise funds to buy back shares.

Richest plough their wealth into property

03 December 2011 | John Stensholt

PRINT: PAGE 25 | Richest plough their wealth into property

They may be high-flying entrepreneurs who risk all to make their fortune in business. But when it comes to protecting their wealth, most of Australia’s wealthiest people are conservative and park their money in property.

Up euro zone creek, no contingency plan paddle

03 December 2011 | John McDuling

PRINT: 03 December 2011 | PAGE 17 | Up euro zone creek, no contingency plan paddle

Overseas companies are getting ready in case the euro zone breaks up, but their Australian counterparts hope to ride out any financial or trade difficulties that may arise.

Harvey Norman Holdings (HVN)

02 December 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 05 December 2011 | PAGE 25 |

A leading electronics and white goods retailer has set up an online outlet in a bid to deal with the competitive threat posed to traditional stores from internet shopping.

Harvey screened out

30 November 2011 |

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 60 | Harvey screened out

Considering he runs a company that relies on selling technological gadgets to consumers, its heartening to see Harvey Norman’s CEO moving with the times.

Harvey sends an SOS signal

30 November 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 49 | Harvey sends an SOS signal

Gerry Harvey painted a dire picture of the retailing landscape for the year ahead, speaking at Harvey Norman’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

Right move at the wrong time

30 November 2011 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 30 November 2011 | PAGE 15 | Right move at the wrong time

Business and economists are divided on the economic importance of the federal government returning to fiscal surplus and if now was the time to prune spending.

No light at the end of the trading tunnel: Harvey

29 November 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

Retailing magnate Gerry Harvey does not see trading conditions improving in the next 12 months, with price deflation in computers and audio-visual products a major hurdle.

Page’s idea is a Go Katie Go-er

22 November 2011 |

PRINT: 22 November 2011 | PAGE 42 | Page’s idea is a Go Katie Go-er

Katie Page is taking the inside lead on her husband, Gerry Harvey’s, long-standing interest in horse racing.

Singapore hub for Space

15 November 2011 | Joe Aston

PRINT: 15 November 2011 | PAGE 57 | Singapore hub for Space

Harvey Norman’s premium interiors arm, Space Furniture, has opened its new $38 million Asian hub store in Singapore.

Gresham presses pause button on electronics sale

08 November 2011 | Sarah Thompson, Christine Lacy and Stephen Shore

PRINT: 08 November 2011 | PAGE 26 | Gresham presses the pause button

Gresham Private Equity has appointed Macquarie Bank to consider exit options for its New Zealand-based electronics retailer Noel Leeming.

Rich listers hit the ground running

04 November 2011 | Fiona Carruthers.

PRINT: 05 November 2011 | PAGE 26 | Rich listers hit the ground running

Heading for her 16th consecutive win tomorrow, Black Caviar might be the star of the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival, but she won’t be the only heavyweight gunning for glory.

Harvey Norman subsidiary being sued

03 November 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 03 November 2011 | PAGE 57 | Harvey Norman subsidiary sued

A Harvey Norman subsidiary is being sued by two landlords after refusing to pay rent on stores that have just been closed due to a downturn in sales.

Harvey Norman downgraded as earnings off 20pc

02 November 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 02 November 2011 | PAGE 52 | Harvey Norman downgraded as profit falls 20pc

While Gerry Harvey applauded yesterday’s widely expected interest rate cut, analysts downgraded earnings expectations for Harvey Norman.

Retail gets a leg-up before final sprint

02 November 2011 | Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 02 November 2011 | PAGE 19 | A leg-up before final sprint

For David Kesby, chief executive of fashion group Cue, the interest rate cut could not have come at a better time.

Harvey Norman punts on rate cut to counter drop in sales

01 November 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 01 November 2011 | PAGE 17 | Retailer punts on rate cut to counter drop in sales

Racehorse enthusiast and retail king Gerry Harvey will be hoping for an interest rate cut while keeping eye on racing’s biggest event, the Melbourne Cup.

Tinkler case settled

18 October 2011 | Angus Grigg

PRINT: 18 October 2011 | PAGE 14 | Tinkler case settled

The court battle many hoped might shine a light on Australia’s horse racing industry has failed to eventuate.

Notables put their nags to the test

14 October 2011 |

PRINT: 14 October 2011 | PAGE 42 | Notables put their nags to the test

Its been a tough spring for retailer Gerry Harvey, but he’s back for more on Caulfield Cup day in Melbourne tomorrow.

Case of unbridled enthusiasm?

12 October 2011 |

PRINT: 12 October 2011 | PAGE 46 | Case of unbridled enthusiasm?

Gerry Harvey is not having a good Spring Racing Carnival. The retailing billionaire is down on his luck when it comes to the nags.

Harvey in track talks

12 October 2011 | Angus Grigg

PRINT: 12 October 2011 | PAGE 3 | Harvey in

Gerry Harvey has emerged as secret mediator in a bitter dispute between his fellow billionaire, Nathan Tinkler, and horse trainer Anthony Cummings.

iSad . . . but the vision lives on

07 October 2011 | Paul Smith

PRINT: 07 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | iSad . . . but the vision lives on

It was the end of an era many feared was coming, but the death of Apple founder Steve Jobs still hit the industry and devoted company followers like a hammer blow.

Harvey Norman chiefs take $2m hit on options

30 September 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 30 September 2011 | PAGE 46 | Harvey Norman chiefs take $2m hit on options

The reversal of options issued in 2007 has wiped nearly $2 million off the pay packages of key management at Harvey Norman including chairman Gerry Harvey.

Polar shift in consumer conscience

03 September 2011 | Deirdre Macken

PRINT: 03 September 2011 | PAGE 66 | Polar shift in consumer conscience

Sustainability in most people’s minds is something for environmentalists, farmers and dieters. But there are indications that the expression has jumped the fence.

Our nation of whingers

03 September 2011 | Deirdre Macken

PRINT: 03 September 2011 | PAGE 54 | Our nation of whingers

A new study says we have never had it so good, but have Australians become the spoilt children of the world economy?

Gerry Harvey plugged into property winner

01 September 2011 | Sarah Thompson, Christine Lacy and Stephen Shore

PRINT: 01 September 2011 | PAGE 26 | Gerry plugged into property winner

Charter Hall Group is emerging as the big winner from a bid for its listed office property offshoot by a Macquarie Group-led consortium

Equities checked as confidence takes a hit

31 August 2011 | Anna Raissis

Before the Bell | Consumer and business confidence in Europe and the US have been hit hard this past month, with the latest data throwing cold water on equities ■ Dow up 20 pts ■ SPI down 14 pts ■ $A slightly higher ■ Broker Watch: CBA, Telstra, Harvey Norman.

Gerry Harvey in U-turn on franking credits

31 August 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 31 August 2011 | PAGE 44 | Retailer in U-turn on franking credits

Retailing mogul Gerry Harvey is mulling capital management options for the near-$645 million of franking credits on Harvey Norman’s balance sheet.

Retailers join the clickstream

13 August 2011 | Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 13 August 2011 | PAGE 51 | Retailers  join the clickstream

With traditional retail under pressure, it’s no wonder bricks and mortar retailers – big and small – are racing against the clock to build online stores.

Business chiefs see more turmoil

11 August 2011 | John McDuling

PRINT: 11 August 2011 | PAGE 1 | Business chiefs see more turmoil

Australia’s leading corporate figures have warned that the tough financial conditions that have destabilised markets in recent sessions are likely to continue.

Harvey Norman’s blues

10 August 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 11 August 2011 | PAGE 17 | Harvey Norman’s blues

Gerry Harvey has dashed investor hopes of a capital return and flagged closure of several of the group’s Clive Peeters and Rick Hart stores.

Rich listers lose $2.6bn

09 August 2011 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 09 August 2011 | PAGE 1 | Rich listers lose $2.6bn

The rich have not been spared from the market meltdown. Ten of Australia’s richest individuals have lost more than $2.6 billion in the past five trading days.

Schroder weighs into online debate

27 July 2011 | John Stensholt

PRINT: 27 July 2011 | PAGE 40 | Schroder weighs into online debate

Key retail boffins were having none of Harvey Norman kingpin Gerry Harvey’s argument at the Property Council congress in Darwin yesterday.

The old world order is toast

20 July 2011 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 20 July 2011 | PAGE 3 | The old world order is toast

In an example of how much the structure of the Australian economy has changed, some toasters now cost less than a loaf of bread.

A daily taste of what’s not in store

16 July 2011 | Peter Roberts

PRINT: 16 July 2011 | PAGE 8 | A daily taste of what’s not in store

Retailer Gerry Harvey has chosen an ageing warehouse in western Sydney as the home of his first attempt to follow his customers online.

Watch the boss, his skin’s in the game

13 July 2011 | Anthony Macdonald

PRINT: 13 July 2011 | PAGE 30 | Watch the boss, his skin’s in the game

The theory is, managers with a personal attachment to a company’s stock price are better aligned to ordinary shareholders. Picking companies whose bosses have a big stake is often a good choice.

Sustainable support for Gerry

06 July 2011 |

PRINT: 06 July 2011 | PAGE 40 | Sustainable support for Gerry

Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey has been copping it over claims his group hasn’t been using timber from sustainable sources.

Harvey Norman rejects forestry claims

04 July 2011 |

Retailer Harvey Norman has rejected claims it is contributing to the destruction of Australia's forests by using native timber to make its furniture.

I’m not cause of negativity, says PM

30 June 2011 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has rejected claims by business leaders that the government's negativity is dragging down consumer sentiment.

‘Tough call’ for two-speed RBA board

16 June 2011 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 16 June 2011 | PAGE 8 | ‘Tough call’ for two-speed RBA board

Leading businessmen say another interest rate rise by the Reserve Bank would further weigh on consumer confidence, which fell to a two-year low in June.

Rich 200: property still a safe, steady haven

28 May 2011 | Andrew Heathcote

PRINT: 28 May 2011 | PAGE 4 | Rich 200: property still a safe and steady haven

Despite the rise of our biggest miners to the top of the BRW  Rich 200, most of Australia’s richest investors still prefer property.

Harvey grapples with brave new world

26 May 2011 | Stephen Shore

PRINT: 26 May 2011 | PAGE 28 | Harvey grapples with brave new world

Upstart online retailers could scarcely believe their luck earlier this year when industry veteran Gerry Harvey launched a crusade against offshore vendors.

Teetering on the hedge of reason

26 May 2011 | Joanna Heath

PRINT: 26 May 2011 | PAGE 27 | Teetering on the hedge of reason

Exporters are taking advantage of the $A’s dip to shore up hedging policies, but fund managers warn it may be too little, too late.

Thoroughbreds still attracting money

25 May 2011 |

Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey says although the yearling auction has struggled in the past few years, the slide appears to be over.

Online retail gripe debunked

21 May 2011 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 21 May 2011 | PAGE 5 | Online gripe debunked

Treasury has dismissed claims by Gerry Harvey and Solomon Lew that the GST exemption for imports under $1000 played any major role in hurting their businesses.

Harvey Norman (HVN)

13 May 2011 | Paul Smith

Morningstar Equities has called into question the long-term prospects of Harvey Norman shares as the company struggles to contend with the growing popularity of online shopping.

PayPal tells Australian retailers to smarten up

10 May 2011 | Julian Bajkowski

PRINT: 10 May 2011 | PAGE 40 | PayPal tells Australian retailers to smarten up

The local head of online payments service attacks merchants for demanding the removal of sales tax breaks on imports while still offering sub-standard internet shopping experiences.

Retailers on perilous ground

07 May 2011 | Gillian Tan

PRINT: 07 May 2011 | PAGE 49 | Retailers

Most fund managers reckon the retail sector could take up to two years to rebound. Even Harvey Norman’s founder and chairman, Gerry Harvey, says there’s no good reason to invest at the moment.

Uni friends graduate to the big league

03 May 2011 | Nami Kwon

PRINT: 03 May 2011 | PAGE 10 | Uni friends graduate to the big league

When many of their peers were working on job applications, university students Tim Wu, Ying Wang and David Wei were considering a buyout offer from the world’s largest group-buying company.

Sylvania Platinum (SLP)

30 April 2011 | Gillian Tan

PRINT: 30 April 2011 | PAGE 49 | Sylvania Platinum (SLP)

Though the platinum group metals producer has fallen more than 30 per cent in the past 12 months, it could be positioned for a turnaround.

Caution over Harvey Norman online

28 April 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 28 April 2011 | PAGE 17 | Caution over Harvey Norman online

Harvey Norman’s push into online retailing has been met with caution by analysts, while the retailer still faces rising competition and falling electrical goods prices.

$A passes $US1.08 as earnings drive Wall St higher

27 April 2011 | John McDuling

Before the Bell – The Australian dollar is continuing to hit new highs as sentiment weighs on the greenback ahead of tonight’s Fed meeting ■ SPI up 21 pts ■ Dow ends up 0.93pc ■ Ford, UPS, 3M bolster US corporate outlook ■ Broker Watch: Virgin Blue, Harvey Norman, Hastie

It’s tough being rich

21 April 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 21 April 2011 | PAGE 35 | 21why the rich are unhappy

What torment comes unbidden and unwanted to the very rich late at night? Surprisingly, it’s not all about the money, Fiona Carruthers and John Stensholt write.

Pokies princelings unite!

16 April 2011 |

PRINT: 16 April 2011 | PAGE 12 | Pokies princelings unite!

The Prince admires the way Len Ainsworth and Bruce Mathieson absorb all the low blows from critics of the pokie machine industry.

Singo makes Gai wanna shout

14 April 2011 |

PRINT: 14 April 2011 | PAGE 36 | Singo makes Gai wanna shout

Thirsty punters could be in for a windfall in Sydney on Saturday, courtesy of trainer Gai Waterhouse.

National briefs

12 April 2011 |

PRINT: 12 April 2011 | PAGE 6 |

Bloodstock industry veteran Vin Cox has been appointed the new managing director of Magic Millions horse sales, owned by the Harvey family.

Red alert for white goods war

09 April 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 09 April 2011 | PAGE 15 | RED ALERT FOR WHITE GOODS WAR

The extraordinary falls in the price of flat-screen television sets over the past four years have made retailers weep and shoppers exclaim with delight. Now it looks as if the prices of white goods – fridges, cookers and cleaning appliances – might be the next to tumble.

When millionaires lose the magic

09 April 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 07 April 2011 | PAGE 10 | When millionaires lose the magic

When tycoons clash with magnates, giant egos are invariably on the line, and the outcome is rarely edifying.

Racing identities colourfully co-ordinate

06 April 2011 |

PRINT: 06 April 2011 | PAGE 42 | Racing identities colourfully co-ordinate

Few disagreements have had tongues wagging in recent weeks more than news that John Singleton had sold out of all business assets with his No.1 mate Gerry Harvey.

The real worry about online retailing

05 April 2011 | Peter Roberts

The conclusion to draw from a Productivity Commission report on e-tailing is that local ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers should plan for the worst.

Gerry Harvey digs for platinum

01 April 2011 |

PRINT: 01 April 2011 | PAGE 40 | Gerry Harvey digs for platinum

Fresh from confirming he’s going to have a crack at the complicated word of online retailing, Harvey Norman head honcho Gerry Harvey, is having a go at one of his other passions.

Costs outweigh benefits in GST threshold debate

01 April 2011 | Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 01 April 2011 | PAGE 15 | Costs outweigh benefits in GST threshold debate

Australian consumers and businesses would be hit with higher compliance costs if the goods and services tax threshold of $1000 was reduced, according to a Productivity Commission discussion paper published yesterday.

Williams seals Cup treble

15 March 2011 |

PRINT: 15 March 2011 | PAGE 36 | Williams seals Cup treble

Myer Holdings boss Bernie Brookes was holding court in the Myer marquee at the Adelaide Cup races yesterday, entertaining some Adelaide notables and relaxing before the company reports its half-year results on Thursday.

Dow, S&P 500 end flat; Nasdaq falls

10 March 2011 | Gillian Tan

Before the Bell – New! Don’t miss the Financial Review’s new pre-open markets coverage – all you need to know about overnight trading and what’s in store for the local session ■ Dow, S&P 500 end flat ■ US crude inventories up ■ Libya violence escalates ■ RBNZ cuts 50bps

Big box retailer still believes in stores

10 March 2011 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 10 March 2011 | PAGE 19 | Big box retailer still believes in stores

Gerry Harvey is optimistic that a mix of retail and bricks and mortar developments offers the right complementary income streams,

Wave of frugality has big ripple effect

26 February 2011 | Tony Boyd

PRINT: 26 February 2011 | PAGE 64 | Wave of frugality has big ripple effect

The ominous theme of price deflation that ran through the latest round of profit reports from Australia’s major retailers points to tough times ahead for other listed companies and the broader sharemarket.

Protectionist campaign decked out in green

22 February 2011 | Alan Oxley.

PRINT: 22 February 2011 | PAGE 63 | Protectionist campaign decked out in green

The national secretary of the Australian Workers Union has announced a campaign to increase the use of anti-dumping measures to keep out unfair imports, pitching his case to protectionist sentiment old and new.

Winners not necessarily grinners

19 February 2011 | Stephen Shore

PRINT: 19 February 2011 | PAGE 48 | Winners not necessarily grinners

Miners’ profits are strong but it’s companies in tougher sectors whose shares are rising.

Book retailers need novel ideas

19 February 2011 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 19 February 2011 | PAGE 7 | Book retailers need novel ideas

E-books and cheaper overseas publishers require nimble, innovative responses.

Little go left in Harvey Norman

11 February 2011 | Sue Mitchell

PRINT: 12 February 2011 | PAGE 16 | Little go left in Harvey Norman

Updated | Veteran retailer Gerry Harvey says there’s no end in sight to the deflation that has crunched sales growth and margins at Australia’s largest homewares and electronics retailer.

Retailers adrift in a red ocean

10 February 2011 | Andrew Nelson

PRINT: 10 February 2011 | PAGE 63 | Retailers adrift in a red ocean

This week’s soft retail sales figures underline the tough conditions in Australian retailing yet it’s worth asking how local sales figures are affected by consumers buying goods form overseas via the internet. Regardless, offshore online competition is a new reality for Australian retailers.

PEP seeks clean break from Godfreys

04 February 2011 | Sarah Thompson and Paul Garvey

PRINT: 04 February 2011 | PAGE 32 | PEP seeks clean break from Godfreys

It’s understood Pacific Equity Partners has appointed Oaktower Partnership to explore its exit from vacuum cleaner company Godfreys.

Uncertainty plagues NSW developers

04 February 2011 | Emma Connors

PRINT: 04 February 2011 | PAGE 26 | Uncertainty plagues NSW developers

The pace of new housing construction in NSW has slowed even further ahead of the state election, with business increasingly worried about the Coalition’s contentious plans to overhaul planning laws.

Online selling a two-way trade

01 February 2011 | Peter Roberts

PRINT: 01 February 2011 | PAGE 53 | Online selling a two-way trade

While bricks and mortar retailers complain about consumers shopping online, Australian web businesses show it is possible to sell internationally, writes Peter Roberts.

Horse-trading over beer Steyne

01 February 2011 |

PRINT: 01 February 2011 | PAGE 40 | Horse-trading

Only a couple of months ago, he was ranking in order of “fun” his beer-swilling, pub-owning buddies. But John Singleton must have hit a raw nerve, because he’s suddenly one drinking mate down.

Deal hands Harvey the reins at Magic Millions

29 January 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 29 January 2011 | PAGE 2 | Deal hands Harvey the reins at Magic Millions

Retail king Gerry Harvey has bought out the combined 50 per cent share in Magic Millions he didn’t already own.

Caledonia takes stake in GraysOnline

25 January 2011 | Anthony Macdonald

PRINT: 25 January 2011 | PAGE 3 | GraysOnline sells stake to fund manager

Online auction house GraysOnline has capitalised on the hype surrounding online retailers and sold a quarter of its business to fund manager Caledonia Investments.

Competition has a new face

24 January 2011 | Andrew Cornell

PRINT: 24 January 2011 | PAGE 35 | Competition has a new face

More than 10 per cent of internet banking at major banks is now on mobile applications, this paper reported on Friday, an extraordinary rate of take up.

Harvey looks to Queensland boom

21 January 2011 | Michael Hobbs

PRINT: 21 January 2011 | PAGE 43 | Harvey looks to Queensland boom

At least two Harvey Norman stores, including one of its most profitable shops, have been significantly damaged by the Queensland floods but group chairman Gerry Harvey is unsure how much it will hurt earnings.

Harvey Norman in price spotlight

19 January 2011 |

PRINT: 19 January 2011 | PAGE 17 | Harvey Norman in price spotlight

At any one of Harvey Norman’s 194 stores, a 25 per cent to 30 per cent off sticker is enough to pique some shopper interest. The same is true in the sharemarket.

Retail campaign off key, says rival

19 January 2011 | Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 19 January 2011 | PAGE 4 | Retail campaign off key, says rival

As the Gerry Harvey-led coalition of big retailers fighting the GST-free threshold enjoyed by foreign internet competitors shifts up a gear, a rival group has called for an end to the campaign.

Bar open for related-party time

15 January 2011 |

PRINT: 15 January 2011 | PAGE 12 | Bar open for related-party time

Retailing billionaire Solomon Lew has been keeping a bit quiet lately, following the flak he and his mate Gerry Harvey copped over their campaign to raise the GST threshold on goods bought overseas over the internet by denizens of the principality.

Gerry-built idea

14 January 2011 |

PRINT: 11 January 2011 | PAGE 47 | Gerry-built idea

If Gerry Harvey and Co truly believe the main reason Australians are buying goods online is to save the 10 per cent goods and services tax, they've got their heads in the sand.

Protectionism creates retail casualties

11 January 2011 |

PRINT: 11 January 2011 | PAGE 44 | Protectionism creates retail casualties

I am not impressed or convinced by Alastair Furnival’s veiled protectionist arguments in retail economics “Online shopping could make casualties of us all” (January 8-9).

Shopfront affront: ads don’t add up

11 January 2011 | Peter Ruehl

PRINT: 11 January 2011 | PAGE 48 | Shopfront affront: ads don’t add up

You’d think those retail idiots would stop running the full-page ads whining about what a bummer online shopping is because you can dodge the GST and import taxes if you buy stuff worth less than $1000.

Online shopping will make casualties of us all

08 January 2011 | Alastair Furnival

PRINT: 07 January 2011 | PAGE 63 | Online shopping could make casualties of us all

It’s no surprise that when retailers ask for new taxes, analysts ask questions. But the surprise in the Myer/Harvey Norman push for GST on small-value imports is that the wrong questions have been asked.

Retailers’ sob story lacking the basic facts

08 January 2011 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 08 January 2011 | PAGE 62 | Retailers’ sob story lacking the basic facts

Australian shoppers are discovering they can access value and choice online. Australian retailers are way behind the curve in creating not only delightful shopping experiences, but user-friendly online shopping channels offering full products and services.

Stop whining Gerry ... it’s called competition

08 January 2011 | Anthony Sibillin

PRINT: 08 January 2011 | PAGE 25 | Stop whining Gerry ... IT’S CALLED COMPETITION

Big retailers prospered in the early phases of globalised shopping but are about to be put to the same competitive test that many small retailers and wholesalers flunked earlier on.

Backlash a nasty business

08 January 2011 | Alex Boxsell

PRINT: 08 January 2011 | PAGE 4 | Backlash a nasty business

Gerry Harvey is reeling from the angry reaction to an advertising campaign pushing for an end to a tax loophole enjoyed by offshore competitors selling online.

Harvey denies he is in GST retreat

07 January 2011 |

Billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey denies he is stepping back from a campaign to have GST imposed on online purchases from overseas websites.

JB HiFi pipes to its own tune in debate on GST

07 January 2011 | Paul Garvey

PRINT: 07 January 2011 | PAGE 36 | JB Hi-Fi pipes to its own tune in debate on GST

One voice conspicuously absent from the debate about the lack of GST on online purchases under $1000 has been that of music and electronics retailer JB HiFi.

GST may be the least of retailers’ problems

07 January 2011 | Andrew Cleary

PRINT: 07 January 2011 | PAGE 8 | GST may be the least of retailers’ problems

Confirming the worst fears of retailers such as Gerry Harvey, a survey suggests Australian cyber-shopping is growing exponentially.

Blogged: Gerry a target over tax ads

06 January 2011 | Alex Boxsell

PRINT: 06 January 2011 | PAGE 3 | Blogged: Gerry a

“Dear Gerry Harvey, here is the world’s smallest violin playing just for you. I bought it online and saved a bundle.” That’s the message at least one internet shopper has for Harvey Norman’s billionaire founder.

Wholesale uproar over retail tax gripe

05 January 2011 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 05 January 2011 | PAGE 3 | Wholesale uproar

Small retailers, independent politicians, e-tailers and consumer groups have struck back against a campaign by big-name retailers to slap a goods and services tax on offshore internet purchases.

Harvey wants GST ‘free kick’

04 January 2011 |

Updated | Billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey wants the same “free kick” his overseas competitors get from a GST exemption for online sales, but Choice has labelled complaints from major retailers a “red herring”.

GST won’t solve the problem, Gerry

22 December 2010 |

PRINT: 22 December 2010 | PAGE 43 | GST won’t solve the problem, Gerry

Gerry Harvey suggests that charging GST on online goods would level the playing field, but ignores the fact that the price differential between online and in-store is often more than 50 per cent.

Fourteen sleeps to go, but no flood of shoppers

11 December 2010 | Report Michaela Whitbourn

PRINT: 11 December 2010 | PAGE 8 | Fourteen sleeps to go, but no flood of shoppers

‘Twas the fortnight before Christmas, but all through the country, retailers say shoppers aren’t stirring. Myer executive Bernie Brookes said flagging tourism, bad weather and less plastic-happy shoppers were no Christmas jingle to retailers’ ears.

Lowy wants GST on net purchases

10 December 2010 | Robert Harley

PRINT: 10 December 2010 | PAGE 14 | Lowy wants GST on net purchases

Westfield Group chairman Frank Lowy wants the government to levy GST on goods bought on the internet and sent to Australia.

Mate in pain but Singo knows the drill

07 December 2010 |

PRINT: 07 December 2010 | PAGE 44 | Mate in pain but Singo knows the drill

As if Gerry Harvey wasn’t doing it tough enough already with it hard going in the retail game and having to cop grief about his plans to set up a website selling out of China from young upstart Ruslan Kogan yesterday.

Battle of the box hots up over online imports

07 December 2010 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 07 December 2010 | PAGE 3 | Battle of the box heats up over online imports

A young entrepreneur who has built a multimillion-dollar business selling television sets online has accused retail stalwart Gerry Harvey of trying on a “hoax” to pressure the government into taxing cheap imports bought from offshore websites.

Singo and mates hit the sauce

06 December 2010 |

PRINT: 06 December 2010 | PAGE 38 | Singo and mates hit the sauce

Not many of John Singleton’s Sydney pub investment partners match up to his drinking standards.

Retailers need some glad tidings

04 December 2010 | Justin Bailey

PRINT: 04 December 2010 | PAGE 48 | Retailers need some glad tidings

The retail sector still has its supporters, despite facing headwinds like a higher dollar and ongoing fears of interest rate rises.

Myer joins tax-free online sales club

04 December 2010 | Julie-anne Sprague

PRINT: 04 December 2010 | PAGE 5 | Myer joins tax-free

Myer plans to offer consumers GST-free products from February by selling items from a Chinese factory via its website.

Flash flesh and a track record

03 December 2010 | Fiona Carruthers

PRINT: 03 December 2010 | PAGE 10 | MAGIC MILLIONS THE SALE

John Singleton and Gerry Harvey have the quinella – an eye for horses and a nose for business, writes Fiona Carruthers.

Online shops revolt over tax impost

02 December 2010 | Neil Shoebridge

PRINT: 02 December 2010 | PAGE 22 | Online shops revolt over tax impost

Internet executives have hit back at the calls by some bricks-and-mortar retailers for the federal government to broaden the GST on products bought from overseas online retailers.

US under fire in global currency war

01 December 2010 | Stephen Shore

PRINT: 01 December 2010 | PAGE 28 | US under fire in global currency war

Portfolio | Having a currency on par with the US dollar may benefit Australians travelling overseas, but for many the tumbling greenback has been a source of abject anger.

HP sees growth in clouds

29 November 2010 | Brian Corrigan

PRINT: 29 November 2010 | PAGE 43 | HP sees growth in clouds

Computing giant Hewlett-Packard has pointed to changes in customer buying habits as a reason for renewed technology spending.

Aussies click onto online bargains

27 November 2010 | Hannah Tattersall

PRINT: 27 November 2010 | PAGE 7 | Shoppers click onto online bargains

US speciality shipping site, FetchUSA.com, was founded on the back of Australians’ confidence in online shopping – and the people worrying most are local retailers.