Heather McIlvaine
Heather McIlvaine Heather McIlvaine is features and premium editor - retail at Inside Retail. In her nearly four years writing for Inside Retail, Heather has traveled to Shenzhen to cover the epic Chinese shopping event Single’s Day, doggedly reported the details of Amazon's launch in Australia, toured the biggest office supplies store in the world to understand the future of physical retail, dissected the 'Instagram aesthetic' with three brands that embody the look and followed the local fashion industry's pivot to making PPE during Covid-19. An LA-native who now lives in Melbourne (via Munich), she could happily survive on a diet of good tacos, coffee and beer and welcomes local recommendations for all three.
From the author
Three interesting ways brands are using TikTok
From tapping into subcultures to letting employees take the reins, here's how retailers are gaining a foothold on the vi...
Jul 26, 2021
‘Retailers are a key target’: Behind the rise of ransomware attacks
Experts warn the recent spate of ransomware attacks are just the beginning. And retailers may be particularly vulnerable...
Jul 12, 2021
Rob Scott: ‘Some of our locations may be suitable as vaccination points’
From turning stores into vaccination points to educating staff and customers, here’s how retailers plan to support the v...
Jul 8, 2021
‘Indecision is the hardest part’: Retailers react to Sydney lockdown 2.0
How Booktopia, Superdry, St Frock, BoozeBud and Beer Cartel are implementing lessons learnt in 2020.
Jun 29, 2021
BWX goes vegan: Beauty giant snaps up online eco startup Flora & Fauna
BWX plans to acquire Flora & Fauna for as much as $30.8 million amidst growing demand for vegan beauty and home products...
May 18, 2021
Demand for ‘essential’ products powers The Reject Shop into profit
Discount retail chain The Reject Shop has reported a $1.1 million profit in FY20 off the back of strong demand for every...
Aug 19, 2020
Woolworths takes stake in tech startup Longtail UX
Longtail UX, an Australian company that promises to increase the return on investment from online search and digital adv...
Aug 14, 2020
Kmart unveils new ‘K Hub’ format in former Target stores
Three former Target Country stores have already been converted. Dozens more will soon follow.
Aug 10, 2020
Woolies changes mask policy in response to rising case numbers
New guidance issued following the extension of mandatory masks to the entire state of Victoria.
Jul 31, 2020
Metcash enters binding agreement to acquire Total Tools
Wholesaler moves forward with acquisition of national tool retail franchise.
Jul 28, 2020
McDonald’s has started building its 1000th restaurant in Australia
The global fast food brand will open its first sustainable flagship in Australia later this year.
Jul 24, 2020
Flora & Fauna founder takes aim at plastic packaging
Flora & Fauna CEO Julie Mathers has launched a campaign to encourage businesses to stop using plastic satchels and bubbl...
Jul 6, 2020
Target now selling thousands of products on Catch
Wesfarmers takes another step towards integrating the two companies.
Jul 6, 2020
“A smart move”: Why Woolworths is expanding B2B offer
The supermarket is expected to launch a new online shopping site for business customers this year.
Jul 2, 2020
Inside T2’s new, sustainable HQ in Melbourne
Collaborative breakout spaces, environmentally-friendly design decisions and more at the T2 HQ in Collingwood.
Jun 30, 2020
Metcash reports $14.9bn in revenue in FY20, leans into hardware with Total Tools acquisition
Metcash leans into hardware following COVID DIY boom.
Jun 22, 2020
Key reports point to recovery in consumer spending
The latest retail spending, foot traffic and consumer sentiment reports show signs of recovery in May.
Jun 16, 2020
Brands risk backlash over Black Lives Matter. Should they still speak out?
Brands including L'Oreal have come under fire for not living up to their messages of equality.
Jun 15, 2020
Amazon to open fourth Australian warehouse in Brisbane
The fulfilment centre will bring faster delivery to customers in Queensland.
Jun 11, 2020
Aussie brands praised and scrutinised after posting about Black Lives Matter
Ben & Jerry's, L'Oréal, Aesop and Lush are just some of the brands that have spoken out against racial inequality.
Jun 4, 2020