WA’s only director on the Hort Innovation board has thrown his hat into the ring for a second term in a bid to ensure the powerhouse sector has representation from the west. 

Retail spending jumped higher in September, as shoppers embarked on a spending spree, adding further pressure on the Reserve Bank to hike rates on Melbourne Cup Day.

With monthly retail spending rising the most since January, pressure is mounting on the Reserve Bank to hike rates when its board meets next week.

National retail sales lifted in September as shoppers felt the change of seasons in their wardrobes and homes and grabbed the latest technology. But WA bucked the trend after a strong showing the month prior.

Economic activity, retail spending and business investment has catapulted Victoria to best performing economy in the nation but it faces stiff competition.

Only about one-quarter of us can be bothered shopping around for the best price, which only adds to the big profits of Australian retailers. Here’s a few savvy shopping tricks to get yourself a bargain.

Small business is feeling the pinch in the lead-in to Christmas, according to a new survey by the Australian Retailers Association.