The Latest Breaking News from Paul Zahra

Billions spent on unwanted Christmas gifts

It's not easy to choose the right gift, with up to $3 billion worth of Christmas presents likely to be returned to the seller this year.

AAP · Dec 26, 2022

Retailers prepare for $23.5 billion in sales as shoppers enjoy Boxing Day after restrictions ease

For the first time in two years, Australians enjoy their first Boxing Day sales without COVID-19 restrictions.

ABC News · Dec 26, 2022

Aussies seek bargains in post-Xmas sales

Shoppers are predicted to spend record amounts in the summer sales with clothing, hospitality and household goods expected to be the most popular categories.

AAP · Dec 25, 2022

Black Friday in Australia is a spending frenzy. With the rising cost of living, will this year be different?

It's the final countdown to the consumer event of the year — Black Friday — a November sales spectacular imported from the US, and growing in popularity in Australia.

ABC News · Nov 17, 2022

Interest rate rises lead to second job surge

The squeeze on Australian families has prompted more people to look to second jobs to claw back the cash they are paying in higher bills.

The New Daily · Nov 14, 2022

Spending bonanza to carry Christmas before ‘wiser wallets’ in 2023

Australians are shrugging off the soaring cost of living and heading to the shops in droves ahead of the Christmas holidays.

The New Daily · Oct 19, 2022

Australians are increasingly embracing Halloween. Here’s why

Australians are embracing the spooky season, with consumers set to spend hundreds of millions on this year's Halloween celebrations.

The New Daily · Oct 15, 2022

Coalition, Labor say low risk of recession

The Labor government and federal opposition believe Australia's economic fundamentals are strong, but there are headwinds coming from overseas.

AAP · Sep 23, 2022

Isolation period cut, with calls for Albanese to further ease COVID-19 rules

National cabinet will cut the COVID-19 isolation period from seven to five days as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces calls to ease more restrictions.

The New Daily · Aug 31, 2022

Put teens to work to fill gaps: retailers

The head of Australia's peak retail body wants nationally consistent guidelines for minimum worker ages to allow businesses to employ more 13- to 15-year-olds.

AAP · Aug 30, 2022