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News on consumer habits, trends, and lifestyle spending.

  • The Polestar Precept. Credit: Polestar

    Polestar will not rejoin FCAI over regulation criticism

    The Polestar Precept. Credit: Polestar

    Electric vehicle maker Polestar will not rejoin the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Australia’s main industry body, citing the organisation’s opposition to emissions targets. Polestar left the group alongside Tesla in March 2024 in protest of FCAI's criticism of the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. The standard was implemented in January 2025, and sets an average carbon dioxide emissions target that automakers must meet by supplying low-emission vehicles. “I haven’t seen the FCAI say or do anything that would indicate that they’re being more progressive when it comes to the electrification of the Australian vehicle fleet,” said Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard in a media call. “In fact, most of the comments I’ve seen earlier out of the FCAI would indicate the opposite is true.” Maynard also called on the government to abolish Australia’s Luxury Car Tax. The tax adds A$0.33 to a car’s price for every dollar it costs above $91,387, for fuel-efficient vehicles. Australia’s government had reportedly discussed ending the tax during negotiations for a free trade deal with the European Union last month, as most cars impacted by the tax are from European brands. Polestar is

  • Credit: UX Gun / Unsplash

    Footbrawl takes sporting competition to another level

    Credit: UX Gun / Unsplash

    Almost 30 years after a failed attempt to develop a following in enemy territory on the other side of the country, the Sydney-based National Rugby League (NRL) is heading to Perth with scarred fists full of cash. The NRL is charging like a prop forward into Western Australian (WA), a stronghold of Australian rules, as the Australian Football League (AFL) continues its 15-year fight to establish beachheads in entrenched rugby league areas like western Sydney and the Gold Coast. Competition for dollars and eyeballs is intense between Australia’s two major football codes with soccer and rugby union trailing in the distance in what may be the world’s most competitive football market, worth $2 billion per year (US$1.3 billion). However it is not going to be a fight to the death, according to analysts, who say the expansion is more about negotiating larger broadcast rights deals to drive revenue. “At the end of the day both leagues understand that neither of them is going anywhere,” Dr Adam Karg, a Professor in Sports Management at Deakin University, told Azzet. Monash University lecturer in sport and Australian studies Dr Tom Heenan said the so-called ‘Barassi’ line separating the parts of the country where Australian ru

  • Credit: Arne Hückelheim / WikimediaCommons

    Russian vodka production falls as consumption surges

    Credit: Arne Hückelheim / WikimediaCommons

    Vodka production in Russia has plummeted, despite a surge in alcohol consumption. One of the reasons for production plummeting by 13% is a shortage of potatoes. Figures show that in the first half of 2025, potato prices rose by 52% while the overall harvest dropped by 12%. The drop in production is also driven by government policies. In 2025, no Russian vodka can enter the European Union. These laws were part of the EU’s fifth sanctions package passed in 2022, outlawing all Russian Spirits from the EU in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite this drop, Russians drank more in 2024 than at similar stages in the last eight years. Russian financial audit firm Finexpertisa reported in May that more people prefer rum, whiskey, brandy and tequila. Other beverages sales grew by 10.2% surpassing vodka consumption in some regions. However, vodka still reigns supreme throughout the country, with 60% of sales annually. Wine has managed to curb the trend in Russia, with production rising by 10.4%, with sparkling wines experiencing enhanced success as production grew by 17.8% year-on-year.

  • Credit: Sotherby

    Original Birkin bag sells for A$15.2 million at auction

    Credit: Sotherby

    The original Birkin bag, owned for and named after the late actor, singer and fashion icon Jane Birkin, sold at auction for 8.58 million euros (A$15.2 million). The bag sold after just 10 minutes of “heated bidding” and, according to broker Sotheby’s, was the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction. It set a new record and greatly exceeded the selling price of other Birkin handbags, including the US$450,000 “Diamond Himalaya Birkin” sold by Sotheby's in 2022. Birkin bags generally sell for between US$20,000 to US$30,000, but the price can rise dramatically on the secondary market and can vary depending on colour, material and whether it's a limited-edition design. The bags also aren’t easy to come by, as they aren’t sold online. Shoppers have to enter a Hermès boutique, where there’s a limited selection, and buyers can be turned away if there’s a waiting list. Birkin was credited with creating the first Birkin handbag when she was on a plane and sketched out the design on a plane vomit sack. This caught the eye of the former head of fashion company Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas.

  • Credit: Levi Strauss

    Levi Strauss Q2 2025: Revenue, margins, EPS surge

    Credit: Levi Strauss

    Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI) has reported robust financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, showcasing a 6% increase in reported net revenues to $1.4 billion and a 9% rise in organic net revenues compared to the same period last year. ​ The company achieved its 13th consecutive quarter of global direct-to-consumer (DTC) comparable sales growth, with DTC revenues comprising 50% of total net revenues. ​ Gross margin expanded by 140 basis points to a record 62.6%, driven by lower product costs and a favourable channel mix, while adjusted EBIT margin rose to 8.3%, up 190 basis points year-on-year. Levi Strauss raises sales guidance, says it will absorb some tariff costs for now Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations reached $0.20, with adjusted diluted EPS climbing 37% to $0.22. ​ “We delivered another strong quarter, reflecting broad-based strength across the board — clear evidence that our strategic agenda is gaining traction,” said Michelle Gass, President and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We’re entering the second half of 2025 from a position of strength as our ambition to transform into a denim lifestyle brand and best-in-class DTC retailer becomes our reality. Levi’s® is a brand that h

  • Credit: Milken Institute / Flickr

    Energy drink maker drives team boss Horner off F1 track

    Credit: Milken Institute / Flickr

    Formula One (F1) racing team Red Bull has sacked its boss Christian Horner (pictured) after 20 years as team principal. The shock announcement of the man who guided Red Bull Racing to its most successful period comes as the team’s fortunes dive this season. Horner, 51, was replaced on Wednesday by Laurent Mekies, CEO of Red Bull’s Racing Bulls team. "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Red Bull's CEO of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One.” Horner had been CEO of Red Bull Racing since the privately-owned Austrian company took over the Jaguar team and entered F1 as a constructor in 2005. The team won eight Drivers' World Championships and six Constructors' titles under Horner but have struggled this season, sitting fourth in the constructors' standings. Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has won just two of the 12 races and is third in the drivers' championship this season amid talk he may join another team. Horner was

  • Credit: Ray-Ban

    Meta drops US$3.5bn on Ray-Ban maker; AI eyewear push

    Credit: Ray-Ban

    Meta (NASDAQ : META) has snapped up just under 3% of EssilorLuxottica for a cool US$3.5 billion, doubling down on its AI-powered smart glasses ambitions as the tech giant looks to control more of its hardware pipeline. The deal puts meat on the bones of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to AI, which has become a top priority and major expense for the company. Sources suggest Meta is eyeing further investment that could bump that stake to around 5% over time, though those plans remain fluid. The investment is a shrewd and calculated move to secure Meta's position in the rapidly heating up smart glasses market via some of its biggest brands. Meta and EssilorLuxottica first teamed up in 2019, producing two generations of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The first generation, Ray-Ban Stories, launched in September 2021, whilst the second generation debuted in October 2023. The partnership has proved lucrative, with the companies shifting 2 million pairs of Meta Ray-Ban glasses since late 2023. EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri said in February he aimed to ramp up annual production to 10 million units by the end of 2026. The tie-up has expanded beyond Ray-Ban, with the two companies announcing plans last month to

  • Credit: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport

    Riyadh hosts Esports World Cup amid Saudi gaming push

    Credit: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport

    The second annual Esports World Cup has kicked off in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom steps up its gaming investments. The tournament includes 25 games, including League of Legends, Overwatch, and online chess. Teams from around the world will compete for a total prize pool of US$71.5 million until the event’s conclusion on 24 August. “Nearly 50 organisations – with players from 84 different countries – will descend on Riyadh to compete for historic prize pools, glory, and the ultimate championship trophy,” according to the Esports World Cup. The event has partnered with Saudi companies like Aramco and Saudi National Bank, as well as foreign businesses like Sony, Amazon, and Spotify. During the 2024 Esports World Cup, four of the tournament’s games reported more than 500,000 viewers at their peak. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was its most-watched game, with a peak of 2.38 million viewers, excluding the Chinese market. The tournament is facing boycotts due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record. While the map guessing game GeoGuessr was originally set to feature at the tournament, GeoGuessr withdrew after protests from map creators and fans. Under the kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, Saudi Arabia is s

  • Credit: VisionF Yachts

    VisionF's Superfast speedboat lives up to its name

    Credit: VisionF Yachts

    Luxury boat maker VisionF Yachts has unveiled its Superfast 46 speedboat, able to reach speeds of 148 kilometres per hour. The Superfast 46 is 14 metres long and hosts a fuel capacity of 600 litres. It will début at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. “Developed with high-performance boating at its core, the Superfast 46 employs advanced composite construction techniques, including infusion and vacuum bagging with multi-axial carbon fiber materials, resulting in a hull that is both lightweight and exceptionally strong,” said VisionF in a statement. “It is a powerboat that not only cuts through water with agility but stands out with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and unmatched handling at high speeds. It's powerful, provocative, and purpose-built for enthusiasts who crave speed without compromise.” The speedboat also features two Mercury Racing Sportmaster 450 horsepower engines, along with a Mercury Revolution X propeller. Its range will be around two hours at its maximum speed of 80 knots. It includes a 19-inch Garmin chartplotter navigation display and VesselView 903 performance monitoring, as well as a marine-grade Fusion Apollo sound system. VisionF was founded in Istanbul in 2019. Its other boats includ

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