Lifestyle

News on consumer habits, trends, and lifestyle spending.

2 days agoLifestyle
Australian EV sales hit two-year low
Electric vehicle sales in Australia have hit a two-year low, with consumers leaning towards traditional combustion engines or hybrids. Data from the Australian Automobile Association revealed just 17,914 EVs were sold during this year's March quarter, making up barely 6% of nationwide vehicle sales. The quarterly report also found that 2023 was the last time EV sales fell to this level. EVs have also dropped market share compared to the final three months of 2024.Credit: AAA 21,331 EVs were sold in the last quarter of 2024 making up 7.42% of the country’s vehicle sales, or a decline of 1.12% in market share quarter-to-quarter. CEO of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Tony Weber, said he believed the Australian EV industry needed long-term government support to bounce back and thrive. “Subsidies remain central to the success of EV policy in many leading markets. In European markets and other markets around the world, including New Zealand, demand for electric vehicles softened when governments reduced subsidies,” said Weber to carsguide.com.au. “While many EV buyers pay a premium as early adopters, consumers are generally price sensitive. There is no doubt that EV sales in Australia have been enhanced
22 May 2025Lifestyle
Ralph Lauren beats estimates with direct marketing drive
Luxury clothing line Ralph Lauren reported a beat on Q4 and FY25 earnings by 8%, driven by double-digit growth in Europe and Asia and strong direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales. Revenue beat expectations with an 8% year-over-year gain to $1.7 billion for the quarter, while full-year revenue grew 7% to $7.1 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.27 for the quarter and $12.33 for the year - well ahead of analyst expectations. Gross margin improved 200 basis points in Q4 to 68.6% Adjusted operating margin expanded to 10.3% in Q4 and 14% for the full year - up 150 basis points from FY2024. Sales:North American sales rose 6% in Q4, supported by a 9% increase in U.S. retail comparable sales Europe delivered 12% revenue growth, helped by tourism Asia sales rose 9%, led by China, Japan, and KoreaDTC comparable sales were up 13% in Q4 and 10% for the year, with the company adding 5.9 million new DTC customers over the year through targeted marketing campaigns. The company returned $778 million to shareholders in FY2025, including $425 million in share buybacks, as well as increased its annual dividend by 10% to $3.65 per share.ForecastLooking ahead, the clothes brand expects FY2026 revenue to grow in the lo
22 May 2025Lifestyle
Epic new theme park opens at Universal Orlando Resort
The first major theme park in the United States in 25 years opens on Thursday (Friday AEST). Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA) subsidiary NBCUniversal says Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida was the most ambitious and most technologically advanced park ever built. It said the 750-acre development featured five immersive worlds, three hotels, and over 50 awe-inspiring attractions, dining, and shopping experiences. “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin said on the company’s website. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.” The five ‘worlds’ in NBCUniversal’s fourth theme park are:Celestial Park How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™-- Ministry of Magic™The park is anchored by Loews Hotel’s Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room property with views of the park and feature a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests.
22 May 2025Lifestyle
Target sales decline amid tariff hit and DEI pull back
First quarter net sales for retail giant Target dropped from US$24.5 billion in 2024 to $23.8 billion in 2025, leading the company to seek changes to return to growth. Despite the overall drop, the company saw digital sales grow by 4.7%, reflecting more than 35% growth in same-day delivery powered by Target Circle 360. However, in-store sales dropped by 5.7% from the same last time last year. While net income was down, operating income for Q1 2025 was up 13.6% to $1.5 billion. Target also reported first quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $2.27, increasing from $2.03 from last year, while reporting adjusted EPS of $1.30, well below expectations of $1.56. Target chair and CEO, Brian Cornell said the company was faced with navigating a highly challenging environment. "While our sales fell short of our expectations, we saw several bright spots in the quarter, including healthy digital growth, led by a 36% increase in same-day delivery through Target Circle 360, and our strongest designer collaboration in more than a decade, Kate Spade for Target,” he said. Cornell also said that while the sales reinforce the underlying health of the business, the retail giant plans to improve current performance and accelerate
21 May 2025Lifestyle
Nike to hike prices, resumes selling directly to Amazon
As the retail industry braces for incoming tariffs, Nike will be raising prices on footwear, apparel and equipment as soon as this week. Nike apparel and equipment prices will increase by around US$2 to $10, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. Footwear between $100 and $150 will have a price hike of $5 and any priced above $150 will see a hike of $10. Most of the increases will be in effect from 1 June, but some could be seen on shelves as soon as this week. A person close to the matter told CNBC that children’s products will not be impacted by the price hike, nor will items under $100, in recognition of the financial challenges families face. Jordan brand apparel and accessories won’t be impacted but Jordan sneakers will. This comes as the footwear industry is being hit hard by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Currently, around 90% of Nike’s footwear is manufactured in China and Vietnam, two countries that have been hit hard by tariffs. As it stands, Chinese goods face a 30% tariff, and imports from Vietnam face a 10% duty. As Nike increases prices, the company has also said they will resume selling directly on Amazon in the U.S. for the first time since 2019. “This includes expanding to new

21 May 2025Lifestyle
Dior pledges to pay 2m euros against labour abuse
Dior is honouring its pledges by contributing €2 million ($2.3 million) over five years to support initiatives aimed at helping victims of labour exploitation. The antitrust body also announced on Wednesday that Dior had committed to revising its ethical and social responsibility messaging. It has also implemented stricter processes for selecting and monitoring suppliers. The pledges were made to remedy possible unlawfulness, and it was decided to close the investigation without “establishing any infringement”. This comes after investigators uncovered workshops where underpaid workers, often immigrants in the country illegally, produced leather bags sold to Dior and Amini for a fraction of their retail price. Italy’s antitrust investigation then investigated whether luxury brands misled consumers. It focused on discrepancies between what was uncovered and brands' messaging to consumers in terms of craftsmanship and corporate social responsibility. In a statement, Dior said it welcomed the changes and aimed to work with the antitrust body. “Dior partnered closely with the Authority to define a robust set of commitments that increase transparency and strengthen oversight throughout its supply chain,” the statement
21 May 2025Lifestyle
Path paved for drug-doping Olympics-style games in 2026
An Olympics-style games where athletes will be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs has been revealed, with Donald Trump Jr. among the financial backers. The event is scheduled for 21-24 May 2026 at Resorts World in Las Vegas and will see athletes allowed to use PEDs under medical observation. Founded by Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, organisers call the inaugural Enhanced Games an opportunity for “superhumanity”. “We are pioneering a new era in athletic competition that embraces scientific advancements to push the boundaries of human performance,” claims the website. Athletes will compete in racing, weightlifting and swimming, with full access and even encouragement to drugs and therapies banned in other professional arenas. They will also compete for up to US$500,000 in prizemoney per event. An additional US$1 million is on the cards for those able to break the records in the 50-metre freestyle swimming or 100-metre sprint race. James Magnussen, a retired Australian Olympic swimmer, has recently lost out on that money in February after rival swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev broke the world record at an Enhanced Games-run competition pool, while on PEDs.
21 May 2025Lifestyle
SCIBS 2025 headlines Gold Coast's $40m event line-up
The Gold Coast is poised to take centre stage this May with a line-up of major events that promise to draw tens of thousands of visitors and pump more than A$40 million into the regional economy. A trio of internationally renowned happenings - the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), the Gold Coast Pro surfing competition, and the beloved Blues on Broadbeach music festival - are set to transform the coastal city into a magnet for lifestyle, sport, and entertainment enthusiasts from around the world. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate heralded the month as a defining moment for the city’s cultural and economic footprint. “From the Gold Coast Pro to Blues on Broadbeach and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, we’re seeing the Gold Coast shine on a global stage - drawing visitors from around the country and the world,” he said. “With a combined economic impact of $40 million, these major events highlight the strength of our city’s events calendar and the vibrant community that supports it.”SCIBS 2025 ReturnsLeading the festivities is the 36th edition of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, running from 22-25 May. SCIBS is widely regarded as Australia’s leading marine lifestyle event, and 2025 looks set to be
21 May 2025Lifestyle
New RAV4 tipped to outsell other vehicles next year
Toyota has announced the 2026 RAV4 and predicts it will become Australia’s best-selling car when it arrives next year. Since 1994, 15 million RAV4’s have been sold and there are no signs of them waning in popularity. This can be seen with a million fifth-gen RAV4’s being sold towards the end of their lifespan. For the first time in Australia, the RAV4 will have both a regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid option with 100-kilometres of claimed electric driving range and more power than a Toyota GR Corolla. While pricing has not been confirmed, the new model is expected to cost more than A$42,260 plus on-road costs entry RRP of the current RAV4 – and top out north of $60,000 in plug-in form. The new RAV4 will continue the hybrid legacy of the car while also featuring the plug-in model in front wheel drive and all wheel drive forms. Both hybrid and plug-in models can be topped up using 50kW DC charge, with 10-80% replenishment taking 30 minutes. The car's batteries are said to be 30% more energy-dense than the last-gen version which didn’t come to Australia.