Thirty years ago, I was a painfully shy teenager in South Auckland who ended up working as a Christmas casual in the Glassons Manukau stockroom. That opportunity became a 30-year career in retail, eventually taking me to General Manager of Hallenstein Brothers. Retail gave me confidence, independence and the chance to develop others. My Retail Career was created to help more New Zealanders get noticed, build their skills and discover what they’re capable of.

NZ retailers face renewed pressure as higher interest rates meet softer consumer spending, while employment law reforms reshape workforce options. This edition also examines Kmart and Bunnings' planned marketplace expansion, KMD Brands' strategic review, and the growing influence of AI on how consumers discover and shop online.

NZ retail confidence is showing signs of recovery, but softer spending and cautious hiring continue to shape employer decisions. This edition examines changing consumer conditions, the widening trans-Tasman pay gap, and how major investments in AI, automation and retail infrastructure are reshaping workforce and operational priorities.