Latest news with #ChemistWarehouse
Business Wire
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Augmodo Raises $37.5M to Modernize and Grow Spatial AI Tech
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Augmodo, the real-time inventory and task tracker using spatial AI to improve efficiency and convenience for retailers, brands and consumers, announced the close of a $37.5M Series A funding round. The investment was led by TQ Ventures, with participation from existing investors Lerer Hippeau, NewFare, WIN and Interlace, who joined new investors Arena Holdings – an investment firm founded by Feroz Dewan, former Managing Director at Tiger Global, as well as Jefferson River Capital – the family office of Tony James, former President and COO of Blackstone Group. "We've tried other solutions but they only provide a rearview snapshot – Augmodo allows us to be armed with 24/7 strategic information so we can be agile to customer and store demands – Augmodo is the future." Share Retail will be the most disrupted industry by spatial AI – it has the largest physical workforce and physical data problems. Founded in 2023, Augmodo's wearable SmartBadges™ create live 3D store maps powered by a spatial AI assistant, which recommends actions to store associates, solving various issues on retail floors. Augmodo's technology increases efficiency and makes store associates even more valuable – it helps them restock shelves, place orders, and improve compliance – saving stores time and money and improving retailer, associate, brand, and shopper experiences. Compared to other CV solutions, like robots, SmartBadges collect ten times more frequent data, are 100 times cheaper and set-up speed and simplicity are unrivaled – hardware is installed in less than 20 minutes and results in 100% passive data collection – associates simply walk the aisles as they normally do while the SmartBadge conducts high-frequency scans hundreds of times daily, for the benefit of retailers and brands alike. 'Augmodo was created to transform the physical world of shopping with spatial computing and wearables. Initially, we thought it would take many years to show this much progress toward our goal,' said Ross Finman, Founder and CEO at Augmodo. 'We're proud our team achieved our Series A milestone faster than we anticipated and based on these results, we're able to continue growing our technology across the world's most innovative retailers.' Just last fall, the company raised a $5.3M seed, and followed up with this Series A round less than a year later. Their launch customer, Chemist Warehouse, saw such value in their pilot that they invested in the business after experiencing a significant reduction in stockouts, saving inventory and labor costs. The collaboration has also resulted in the development of a fourth-generation version of the wearable SmartBadge, to be unveiled later this year. 'The simplicity of Augmodo allowed us to test and expand rapidly – and beyond us, we see how that's driving exceptional demand,' said Mark Finocchiaro, Managing Partner, CIO & Director at Chemist Warehouse, Australia's largest pharmacy retailer with 535 locations internationally. 'Augmodo provides preconfigured kits for associates to simply plug in, charge and go. By providing Spatial AI assistants to our associates, Augmodo has made their role even more critical – they can instantly capture invaluable shelf information multiple times daily.' 'We're thrilled to partner with Augmodo as they modernize the largest labor workforce in the world,' said Andrew Marks, Co-Managing Partner at TQ Ventures. 'Our strong retail relationships combined with Augmodo's innovative tech results in a dynamic and strategic partnership that helps retailers and customers provide immediate value today, solving out of stocks, inventory visibility, and in-store tasks, while laying the spatial data groundwork for the future of physical retail. As AI moves into the real world, there is a massive opportunity for enterprise use cases with wearables, the biggest being the physical data challenges in retail.' SpatialView™ is Augmodo's analytics platform for retail executives and brand partners, which provides real-time visibility into shelf conditions. Instead of having staff travel endlessly to store locations, or viewing week- or month-old data, business leaders can see what's happening in real time inside any store from their laptop. 'Knowing shelf gaps exist so we can diagnose and solve them is one of the biggest challenges of a supplier,' said Christian Armstrong, Chief Customer Officer of L'Oreal Australia / New Zealand. 'We've tried other solutions but they only provide a rearview snapshot – Augmodo allows us to be armed with 24/7 strategic information so we can be agile to customer and store demands – Augmodo is the future.' This influx of capital will allow Augmodo to continue expanding, scaling to hundreds of stores in 2025, with both brands and retailers, and to more than a thousand in the next 18 months, growing retail channels, geographies, speed and scale. About Augmodo Augmodo is the only real-time inventory and task tracker that uses wearable SmartBadge™ on retail associates, creating live 3D store maps with cutting-edge tech to enhance retail experiences and cut costs for retailers, brands and consumers. The spatial AI assistant builds better, more accurate shelf inventory and creates planograms updated dozens of times daily. The Augmodo system is easy to scale, 100X cheaper than alternatives and requires no operational changes. For more information, visit
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Why a 'godsend' $17.69 item from Chemist Warehouse has transformed how Aussies sleep for good: 'It's made a world of difference'
If your little one has been struggling with a cold, flu or allergy, a $17.69 'godsend' item from Chemist Warehouse might be just what you need. Backed by science and developed by Aussie dads, NATPAT Kids Breath Easy Stickers use the power of essential oils, including eucalyptus and menthol, to provide a refreshing burst of natural relief. Suitable for all ages - including babies, kids and adults - the StuffyPatch helps clear congestion, reduce swelling and make you feel like you're breathing in crisp air for up to eight hours. It's like having your own personal aromatherapy assistant - literally on your sleeve, as the wellness patch sticks to your clothing near your head, whether it's on the collar, hat or chest area. The Aussie brand, best known for its BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent stickers, is typically priced at $25.99 for a pack of 28 stickers - just 92 cents per patch. However, they're on sale at Chemist Warehouse for only $17.69 so if you're looking to grab a bargain and stock up, now's your chance. The brand has proven so popular with shoppers that more than 100 million stickers have been sold around the world - along with thousands of rave reviews from parents, including Kim Kardashian who can't get enough of the BuzzPatch. The peel-and-stick Breath Easy patches have been a go-to solution for many families, delivering soothing, non-medicated vapours that provide instant congestion relief - day or night. 'Our Breathe Easy stickers offer calm without compromise - soothing little noses with a refreshing burst of eucalyptus and menthol. No chemicals, no messy rubs. Just clean, natural relief that lasts up to eight hours,' NATPAT co-founder Michael Jankie told Daily Mail. NATPAT Kids Breath Easy Stickers Say hello to the best all-natural, chemical-free congestion relief for all ages! If your little one struggles with cold, flu, or other congestion issues stick on this 100% natural cooling blend of eucalyptus, essential oils and menthol and feel the relief. These fun, colourful patches offer a safer and effective solution without nasty side effects, chemicals, or unwanted ingredients. $17.69 Shop 'Unlike many alternatives, there's no need to apply it on the skin. You simply stick it on their PJs or shirt, and the natural oils go to work. It's effective, gentle, and ideal for sleep time or on-the-go comfort.' Dozens of amazed parents have left glowing five-star reviews, with many calling it their 'saviour' for helping their congested kids sleep with ease. ' StuffyPatch has been a godsend for my three-year-old who often suffers from congestion at night. We put the patch on her pyjamas, and she's been sleeping soundly ever since. The essential oils not only help her breathe better, but also create a soothing bedtime environment,' one parent raved. 'As a parent of a 13-year-old, I found StuffyPatch to be an excellent solution for my teen's congested nose during flu season. The patch was discreet enough for her to wear at school and the essential oils provided the relief she needed to focus on her studies. I'm thrilled to have found a product that meets her needs,' another shared. 'My 10-year-old daughter has struggled with allergies for years, and StuffyPatch has made a significant difference in her daily life. The essential oils infused in the patch provide her with the relief she needs without the side effects of medication,' one said. Perfect for tackling congestion from colds to allergies, just one sticker helps your little one get through the day or night - at only 63 cents per wear. Offering a safe and effective solution, Breathe Easy stickers feature cute cartoon characters, making them fun for kids to wear as part of their feel-better routine. Unlike other congestion remedies or prescriptions, the soft fabric patch is just as effective - without nasty side effects, harsh chemicals, or unwanted ingredients. ' Breathe Easy started with my seven-year-old daughter Sadie. She's incredibly fussy about anything we try for her blocked nose - creams, sprays, rubs, you name it. Nothing felt right... or was easy enough to use without a fuss,' Michael explained. 'So, partly out of desperation (and partly as a parenting hack), I got her involved in helping shape something better. That led us to Breathe Easy: soothing, non-medicated stickers infused with eucalyptus and menthol. 'They go on clothes (and also her fluffy dog), not skin, and work all night. No mess, no arguments, and Sadie-approved. Which, frankly, says it all.' Each NATPAT pack features its own character, with Breathe Easy's named Sadie - a sweet nod to the co-founder's beloved daughter. And Michael isn't the only one raving about the stickers. Parents around the world love that it's an affordable solution - no matter what life throws at their kids. 'My four-year-old son is an avid soccer player, but his stuffy nose often interferes with his performance. StuffyPatch has been a game-changer for him, allowing him to breathe easily and focus on the game. The patch is easy to use and the essential oils work quickly and effectively. He's never been happier on the field,' one shared. 'The StuffyPatch really helped my kids to breathe better at night during bedtime. Especially as they have allergies,' another revealed. 'My six-year-old is always on the go, even when battling a stuffy nose. StuffyPatch made a world of difference by providing quick and lasting relief for his blocked nasal passages. The patch stayed in place during his playtime, and the essential oils worked wonders. It's a must-have for active kids,' one added. In addition to StuffyPatch Breathe Easy, the brand also offers Seasonal Sensitivity, made with grapefruit, lemon, white cypress leaf and peppermint oil to provide comfort from allergy and hayfever symptoms. The NATPAT offers eight types of patches, each tailored for a different purpose - including mosquito repellent, itch relief, zen, focus, bedtime, and UV detection. The natural, chemical-free range offers parents everything they need to help their youngsters thrive through the day. These are no ordinary stickers - they're designed to provide a gentle and effective way to help kids feel their best and stay safe, using soothing natural ingredients infused with essential oils. ' NATPAT is where old-school wisdom meets modern parenting hacks. Think ancient remedies, reimagined as fun, wearable stickers,' Michael explained. 'Whether it's mozzies, stuffy noses, sleepless nights or scattered focus, NATPAT makes it ridiculously easy to support your child's wellbeing - naturally. 'No mess, no nasties, just stick and go. It's one of those things you try once… and then can't stop telling other parents about. And yep, that's exactly how it went viral.' Michael co-founded NATPAT with fellow dads Gary Tramer and Andrei Safonau after the idea came to life during a 'chaotic' summer on the Mornington Peninsula in 2020. 'My kids were under siege from mozzies and took matters into their own hands - rubbing citronella candle wax on their clothes. It was both hilarious and a wake-up call. Surely there had to be a safer, smarter solution,' Michael told Daily Mail Australia. 'That moment led to BuzzPatch: the world's first mosquito-repellent sticker, designed to gently release natural oils in a format that's fun for kids and trusted by parents. 'It sparked a range that now helps families tackle congestion, sleep, focus, allergies, and more - just by sticking it on.' They're priced at $25.99 for a pack of 28 stickers. For a limited time, they're on sale at Chemist Warehouse for only $17.69. NATPAT is available in more than 8,000 stores around the world - including Chemist Warehouse. To shop the NATPAT range, click here. The NATPAT products available at Chemist Warehouse BuzzPatch Kids Mosquito Repellent: The mosquito repellent patch formulated with all-natural essential oils including Citronella to help keep bugs at bay SleepyPatch Bedtime Sleep Promoting: Designed to help calm the nervous system and encourage relaxation with a blend of mandarin, lavender, sweet marjoram and vetiver StuffyPatch Breathe Easy: A refreshing blend of eucalyptus and menthol to instantly relieve a congested nose Seasonal Sensitivity: Made with grapefruit, lemon, white cypress leaf and peppermint oil to provide comfort from allergy and hayfever symptoms Kids ZenPatch: Formulated to help soothe an overactive mind and regulate emotions with mandarin, sweet orange, atlas cedarwood and lavender Kids FocusPatch: Designed to help relax the nervous system, calm behaviour and promote focus with a blend of lemon, atlas cedarwood, bergamot and peppermint
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Five of the best lipsticks to buy this International Lipstick Day: Revlon, Lancome, M.A.C and more
There's no denying how a swipe of lipstick can instantly change your look — and mood. Whether you prefer a bold red or a neutral shade, a fresh pop of colour on the lips can be the ultimate confidence booster. For the last 30 years, Revlon has partnered with Look Good Feel Better, donating thousands of products to their Confidence Kits, to help those undergoing treatment restore confidence and a sense of self. And this year they are back again, with Revlon donating $2 of every Super Lustrous Lipstick to the charity when purchased from Chemist Warehouse until August 10. Whether you're in the market for a brand new shade or simply topping up your go-to colour, there's no better time to buy a lipstick than International Lipstick Day. Here are the five standout red lipsticks we're swiping over our lips today (and every day). 1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Smoky Rose, $16.69 at Chemist Warehouse If red lips seem a little daunting, try your take on a netural-looking brown shade instead. Perfect for creating a smokey makeup look in winter, Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Smoky Rose offers a subtle swipe of colour and a hint of shine. $2 from each Revlon lippy will go to the Look Good Feel Better charity. 2. M.A.C Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Chili, $32 at Myer Declared as the ' best, most beautiful lipstick ' on the market, M.A.C has been creating lipsticks since 1984. Frequently used in makeup artists' bag and applied to lips of A-list celebrities is the Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick, which is available to buy in 40 different shades. Our top pick? Chili, a bold and fiery red with a matte finish. 3. Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Hydrating Cream Lipstick in Bisou Bisou, $52.44 at Amazon Australia When it comes to the perfect red lip, no one does it better than the French. Those seeking a colour that does not budge, France's best-selling beauty brand Lancôme is home to the L'Absolu Rouge Hydrating Cream Lipstick — a makeup bag essential. If you're heading for a night out and need the ultimate confidence boost, opt for a classic red like Bisou Bisou. 4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte & Satin Velvet Lipstick in Honey Taupe, $42 at Sephora If you're in the market for an everyday lippy, a nude beige is natural-looking colour that compliments the lips. One colour shoppers can't get enough of is Honey Taupe, which is available to buy in the popular Anastasia Beverly Hills' Matte & Satin Velvet Lipstick. Long-lasting with a lightweight finish, take your look up a notch and pair it with a lip liner to define your features. 5. Max Factor Colour Elixir in Rosewood, $11.97 at Priceline Designed to give lips a rich colour (plus added moisture) for up to 24 hours, Max Factor is a go-to for thousands of shoppers across the country. The shade Rosewood is one of the best-selling shades, offering a gorgeous pink colour that slides on effortlessly. Infused with vitamin E, it also helps to keeps lips nourished throughout the day.
The Spinoff
3 days ago
- General
- The Spinoff
Read the winning essay in the 2025 Landfall Young Writers' Essay Competition
Ava Reid's essay titled 'Two and a half mealworms'. Upstairs, past the naked lady poster, I became aware of their traces. A tiger stared at me from a decorative fan pinned to the wall. An e-scooter helmet sat next to a broken clothes rack. There were eight oil column heaters, four stained couches, two worse armchairs, and one blue cock ring hanging neatly on the window latch. This was my first impression of my new flat. I never met the previous tenants, and we threw out most of their things, but I still think of them sometimes. I can picture them drinking on the deck, throwing food at the walls, doing what proper breathers do. I know that they slept here, and had sex here. I'm sure they were cold. The term 'material culture' is frequently used in archaeology to refer to artefacts made before the Industrial Revolution, but it can also describe the objects in our lives today. The things we leave behind carry meaning, and we are drawn to explain them. I started thinking about the traces while I was at work. People leave a lot of rubbish in cafés, between their coffee cups and crumpled serviettes, like tātarakihi shedding their skins. Commonly, there are receipts, plastic bottles, maps, sunglasses. I come across them when clearing tables and try to remember who they belonged to. Or I make it up. A hastily scribbled note reading 'Bargain Chemist nasal spray, Bora Bora' can feel like a love letter when I stuff it in my pocket. I make lists. Group items. Spend my shift trying to figure out who forgot $91.97 of vitamin C and Voltaren purchased from Chemist Warehouse. Maybe an old man off a cruise ship — Ovation of the Seas or Celebrity Edge. He would have had little square glasses, a fleece vest and a limp. I worry about his joints. Sometimes I find strange things. I'm not sure the customers realise my mind can extend beyond hospitality. Two and a half mealworms are left on a highchair, nestled between chewed bits of curly fries. I feel obliged to ignore them. But instead, I take photos and show all my coworkers, then research whether babies can eat bugs. It's socially acceptable to clear the table, but thinking beyond that gets weird. I cross into an unrecognised grey area, the interstice between normal and invasive, public and private — if you have ever looked in a stranger's trolley at the supermarket, you know what I mean. Once, a nameless diary was left in the bathroom, and while trying to find a phone number to return it, I saw a scheduled abortion. It didn't matter that it was an accident. Not everything can be looked at and thought about. Where is the line? The beach by my old house was once a settler rubbish dump. Amongst the driftwood and seaweed are bricks, shards of patterned chinaware and glass bottles. I used to trudge down to the water in my gumboots. When I wanted a change from looking for crabs, I'd dig through the mud and rinse things clean in the sea. Everything was special. I never felt like I was prying. Middens across Aotearoa help us to understand the past. They guide the construction of narratives about our ancestors' lifestyles. Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe is one of the earliest Māori archaeological sites in Aotearoa, with exceptionally varied midden pits. The material culture includes shellfish, bird and dog bones, and fragments of moa eggs. Things left at this site reveal lavish resource-rich lives and extensive communication networks. A tool made from the spiralling shell of an exotic sea snail was discovered here, linking the narrative back to our tūpuna in Hawaiki. Storytelling is integral to knowing who we are. Middens are like burst black rubbish bags, pecked open by tarāpunga on the side of the road. Weaving between sun-baked Indomie packets, avocado seeds and rotting meat, I look at the houses behind the debris. I am a timeblind archaeologist stuck in the moment. I want to put a face to it. I am nosy. Do archaeologists worry about the future when the dynamic has flipped and someone is meticulously cleaning dirt off their rubbish with a tiny brush? 'No wonder the female from burial #3 had a protein-deficient diet. Her associated midden was weakkk.' What about when the proof of their existence is numbered and photographed, with a ruler for scale? I think they would be more upset if I rummaged through their recycling bin. Time has socially cleansed the archaeological traces of our ancestors. You can look at ancient rubbish for as long as you want! Theorise it to death. You're not being rude, but inquisitive; a good student. What traces will remain of us, and what stories will they inspire? Yesterday, I walked past a gender reveal in the Botanic Gardens. It was proper, like you have seen a hundred times on Instagram, with a 'BABY' sign, balloon pop and lots of teary cheering. Perhaps our descendants will discover a stratum of pink confetti, optimistic microplastics characteristic of the 21st century. They will dissect our rituals and overemphasise the mundane. We won't be able to do anything about it. Three cat-shaped bottles of 'Katy Perry Meow!' eau de parfum watch over the bathroom in my flat now, with glistening lilac diamante eyes. Somebody living on Hyde Street in 2024 liked this enough to buy it three times before abandoning it in the gutter. I think that says a lot about them, but maybe I shouldn't be so judgemental. After all, I picked up the cats and brought them home. Material culture rains off us like dandruff. Detritus forms small, unknown intimacies — from the people who leave things behind to those who find them. I should leave the perfume bottles for the next tenants so they can wonder about the lingering aroma of 'soft sexuality' and 'sensual spirit'. We glimpse another life and can't help but inflate it, dream it up: the boys, the bugs, the cats.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Stock Tips: One expert makes a Sigma call, Aussie Broadband connects with another
It's no easy gig analysing share prices and company performance but somebody's got to do it. Every week two experts from our Share Tips columnist pool give us their recommendations. Toby Grimm – Baker Young Limited BUY Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG) Sigma's merger with Chemist Warehouse created Australia's dominant vertically integrated pharmacy group with a high growth outlook given our ageing population and wellness trends. Pinnacle Investment (ASX:PNI) Pinnacle should benefit significantly from the market's rally back to all-time highs with base and performance fees likely to exceed recently downgraded expectations. HOLD South32 (ASX:S32) The company's quarterly production update showed encouraging operational performance, and we note the Hermosa project in the US could be a tier one asset given supportive US critical mineral security policy. Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) Alongside a relatively impressive quarterly output report, Woodside has confirmed key development projects are on track reducing risk and improving free cash flow available for distributions. SELL AMP (ASX:AMP) Recent share price appreciation underestimates continued competitive challenges and continuing investment needs. Combined with sub-optimal bank operations we see risks of setbacks and would be exiting. Helia Group (ASX:HLI) The loss of Commonwealth Bank and potentially ING mortgage insurance contracts (combined worth more than half the business' premiums in 2024) underscores a lack of competitive advantage and growth. Tony Paterno – Ord Minnett BUY Aussie Broadband (ASX:ABB) Remains well placed to grow market share as consumers trend to higher speed tiers and the NBN's fibre upgrade program rolls out. ARB Corporation (ASX:ARB) Australian new vehicles sales increased by 2.4% in Jun-25. ARB's key vehicle sales increased 15.0% in June, with the SUV and LCV market both lifting. HOLD Bapcor (ASX:BAP) After the recent strategy day, the company's key messages are on business simplification, continuing cost initiatives and improving retail operations. It expects operational improvements following headcount reductions and warehouse consolidation. Brickworks (ASX:BKW) Demand for BKW's Industrial property developments remain solid, with further growth in rental income expected. In Australia, recent rate cuts are expected to translate into improved housing activity late in 2025. SELL Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) EVN delivered a slightly softer quarter result (higher capex), whilst the outlook showed higher costs. Trading expensive at these levels. Lynas (ASX:LYC) We believe the optimistic LYC share price rise since the MP Materials & DoD deal is misplaced. We don't believe they will benefit and the US has gone all-in on its domestic producer.
