1. What do you see as your immediate business priorities in this current economic climate?
As always cash flow and maintaining tight cost controls is critical. We are managing current consumer sentiment, which is cautious and value driven, with a careful balance of the right product, volumes and price points.  While at the same time it’s important for us to position the business for the upturn and the new opportunities that will present.

2. How do you view the prospects for 2010?
I’m cautiously optimistic for 2010.  Australia was not as heavily impacted by the Global Financial Crisis as other countries, however there is no more Government stimulus packages planned and with the likelihood of further increases in mortgage interest rates there will potentially be less discretionary spend.

3. In what way do you see consumers changing their shopper behaviour?
Gone are the days of excess and overt materialism. Consumers are value conscious, and when they do spend their purchases are more considered and practical.

4. How should retailers respond to those changes?
It’s important to be focused on value. Get very close to the customer and be in constant two-way communication with them so you can understand what they want and deliver it faster than your competitors.

5. What will characterise a winning retailer in the future?
A winning retailer will be consumer led and quick to execute.

6. Where will growth come from in the short to medium term?
The fastest growing area is multi-channel retailing and the opportunities that social networking media offer.

7. What is your favourite shop and why?
My favourite would have to be Crate and Barrel.  The whole atmosphere is inviting, the product is very stylish and well displayed – it draws you in and encourages you to shop.

8. Which retailer – company or individual – do you admire the most and why?
I admire Target US because they’ve brought style to the masses.  They always have something new and exciting that offers great value.  I feel they’ve really carved out their niche against strong competition from other retailers like Walmart.

9. What are you looking forward to most at the World Retail Congress? 
The opportunity to meet world class leaders - people from diverse countries and diverse retailers.  What I find most fascinating is that we all share similar issues and challenges no matter what country or size retailer we come from.

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