Work on Ballina’s Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre to start soon

Construction of the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre in Ballina is due to begin soon.

Ballina Shire Council said tenders had been called and the successful contractor had been appointed.

“The development has encountered many months of delays due to legal action taken against Ballina Shire Council which has since been settled in council’s favour,” the council said.

“Earthworks on the site and the Boeing Avenue extension are well-advanced and the successful builder is expected to take possession of the site mid-September.

“The tenders, which included submissions from local builders, were very competitive and whilst prices were very close, the time for construction was the determining factor. Harvey Norman has selected Mainbrace Constructions as the successful contractor and they will move on site mid-September.”

Michael Shay, principal of LJ Hooker Ballina, assisting with the local leasing of the project, said: “The Harvey Norman-anchored development will provide for both national and local retailers.

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How do the big-brand retailers influence us?

Big brand retail stores have revolutionised the way we do home improvements, says a researcher from Southern Cross University.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate Herbert Hermens (pictured) has begun research to understand the influence of the retail giants, such as Bunnings Warehouse, on the purchasing behaviour of the average DIY enthusiast – and is finding that they wield more power than most of us would imagine.

“The rise of large retailers has had a significant effect on home improvement purchasing,” said Mr Hermens.

“Confidence in the retailer is such that it can change a consumer’s brand of preference – even if that brand has high recognition and is a leader in its field.

“Thirty years ago a consumer would chase down the tools of a certain brand, but these days they are more likely to just go to large retailer like Bunnings and choose from their selection.

“Consumers feel reassured that they can take products back to exchange them if they are not happy and they are increasingly empowered to take on home improvement jobs they wouldn’t normally have tackled.

“This research aims to examine the reasons behind these shifts in behaviour and look at what it means for the home improvement market in the future.”

Mr Hermens is one of 90 doctoral candidates and academic staff attending the Graduate College of Management’s bi-annual Doctoral Symposium at SCU Riverside at Tweed Heads beginning this Friday, May 22.

Acting director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program Professor Philip Neck said the symposium emphasised the practical applications of the research.

“Southern Cross University has the largest doctoral program in Australia by far – almost 300 students have already graduated from the program and there are nearly 200 currently in preparation for their Doctor of Business Administration through SCU,” said Professor Neck.

“Each of the research projects conducted by these candidates is significant not only because of their theoretical academic importance, but also because they have direct applications for policy measures and professional practice in industry and society in general.

“The symposium is enormously important because it allows candidates from right around the world to meet face-to-face to exchange ideas and look at how they can best disseminate and apply their new ideas to the real world.”

Mr Hermens said he expected his research would be of use to manufacturers and retailers alike.

“The research will have direct implications for manufacturers, who may need to decide if they can produce home brands for the retailer,” said Mr Hermens.

“And of course, it will inform the business strategies of our big name retailers.”

Target to cease offering plastic shopping bags nationally

Target Australia stores at eight Far North Coast locations will no longer be offering plastic shopping bags at the checkouts from June 1. Target Australia yesterday announced that plastic bags would be not be offered in any one of the 283 Target and Target Country stores nationally.

On the Far North Coast, Target has stores in Ballina, Casino, Goonellabah, Lismore, Grafton, Yamba, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads. Target says that nationally, it hands out 100 million plastic bags a year.

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A timely warning: Toys can kill

Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs Chris Bowen has warned families at Christmas to be conscious of toy safety to help ensure a safe and happy festive season.

The message comes as three dangerous children’s toys were recalled following a survey of toys purchased from 40 online traders by the consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

“Sadly toys can cause serious injury or death,” Mr Bowen said.

“We are fortunate that there have been very few deaths in Australia associated with toys, though I understand that there were 18 toy-related deaths last year in the United States.

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Be wary of internet auction sites, police warn

Richmond Local Area Command Investigations Manager Detective Sergeant Stephen Clark receives numerous reports of frauds being committed on internet auction sites and has warned buyers to be wary.

“As technology improves and develops, criminals are presented with opportunities to commit fraud,” he said.

“In relation to Internet auction sites, buyers have little opportunity to inspect goods and should be particularly cautious if certain indicators are present.”

These indicators include: Read more