Latest news with #IBISWorld
News.com.au
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Expert reveals hidden benefit to wearing activewear all the time
Step outside almost anywhere in Australia and you'll spot it instantly: leggings at brunch, trainers in the office, and tracksuit tops at the supermarket. Athleisure, once reserved for the gym, has become the unofficial dress code for a busy life. This blend of athletic and leisurewear is tied to a shift in how Aussies live, work and move, according to a recent report from commercial investment firm CBRE. With remote work now the norm for many, and a growing focus on health and wellness, people are seeking out clothes that are suitable for everything from Zoom calls to school runs and a quick dash to the shops. Social media has only fuelled the trend, with influencers and celebrities showing off their active lifestyles and favourite brands to millions of followers. Australia's fitness and athletic clothing market is currently worth $4.2 billion, and IBISWorld, a global market research company, predicts it will continue to grow for years to come. But you might have wondered before – have all these leggings and sporty tops actually made us more active? Research from Victoria University and others around the world suggests it has. One study found that the simple act of putting on activewear can nudge people, especially women, towards healthier choices, like taking a walk instead of staying on the couch. Another linked this behaviour to a psychological phenomenon known as 'enclothed cognition', where what we wear influences how we think and behave. Sports psychologist Dr Jo Lukins, who has spent more than three decades studying motivation and performance, agrees the link is real. 'The association between leisurewear and being active can indeed have an impact, and it may be that people are more likely to go for a long walk in leisurewear, than if they are not dressed in that style,' she told She explains this effect as 'behavioural priming' – the idea that what we wear can subconsciously push us toward certain behaviours. Just as people might put on a favourite blazer to feel confident for a job interview, slipping into activewear can make exercise feel more accessible. 'Barriers to exercise always impede our efforts, so if activewear has the potential to reduce barriers, it may make it easier to transition from daily tasks to physical activity without having to go to the effort to change,' she explained. However, Dr Lukins notes that comfort and body image play a crucial role. If someone feels self-conscious in activewear, wearing it could have the opposite effect, making them less likely to move. The type of clothing matters, too, as not all athleisure is created equal. Outfits designed purely for style might not encourage activity if they aren't comfortable or functional for movement. Studies also show that features like breathable fabrics and temperature regulation can boost our willingness to get active, while soft, flexible materials may improve performance. How one brand is adapting to this trend The surge in everyday athleisure has created opportunities for brands like Halara, the TikTok-famous label that's boomed in popularity for its trend-driven, versatile designs. If you've ever scrolled through fitness content, you've probably seen its signature leggings, tennis skirts or iconic stretchy jeans. Jessica Thompson, Halara's Global Brand President, said much of the brand's success lies in its ability to adapt to the Australian activewear market and consumers who want clothing that fits every aspect of their lives. The brand uses machine learning to analyse thousands of customer comments, shaping everything from sizing to new product ideas. Using this process, the brand has noticed a growing appetite for everyday clothing that uses athleisure-inspired fabrics. 'We're using activewear-inspired fabrics and functionality in categories like workwear, making items stretchy, breathable, odour-resistant, crease-resistant and more,' she said. Thompson hopes this shift will encourage people to move more, regardless of where they are or what activity they're doing. 'When garments are machine washable, sweat-wicking and odour-resistant, it means you can feel comfortable running for the bus without worrying about ruining your outfit,' she said. Should you wear activewear every day to be more active? So, is it worth living in activewear or activewear-inspired clothing if you want to move more? Dr Lukins suggests treating it as a personal experiment. 'The clothing can certainly help, and reduce some of the barriers – but I would always say that intentionally planning to exercise and having a commitment to exercise is an important influencer,' she said. Because of course, activewear alone isn't a magic bullet. Dr Lukins says the real key is building incidental movement into your daily routine, so it becomes a habit rather than a chore. Reducing 'decision fatigue' by making exercise automatic, like taking the stairs instead of the escalator, or laying out your workout clothes the night before, can make a big difference. Other tried-and-true tricks include exercising with a friend, listening to music, choosing activities you genuinely enjoy, using fitness apps for motivation, and rewarding yourself for sticking with it.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beloved Italian Restaurant Suddenly Closes After 45 Years
It always hurts when a popular local restaurant shuts its doors for good, but it's really a tear-jerker when that spot has been in the community for decades. After a while, if a restaurant has been around for long enough, it starts to feel like home. The workers start to become friends, and everyone becomes a "regular." Now, a longstanding Italian restaurant is closing its doors after 45 years in operation, and while it's a sad thing, it's also to beautiful to think about the legacy that this place left behind. Italian restaurants are popular in the U.S. According to IBISWorld, there were 59,754 Italian restaurants in the U.S. in 2023, which is a 3.8 percent increase from 2022. They also note that number of Italian restaurants in the U.S. has been increasing, averaging a 3.8 percent annual growth between 2018 and 2023. But, today, there's one fewer. Moro's Dining, a classic Italian restaurant in Detroit, was a local favorite for 45 years. The spot was famous for its fine Italian food, white tablecloths and waiters dressed to the nines. But, the restaurant has closed. On June 8, those calling the restaurant were greeted with the message, "Hello, you have reached Moro's Dining. We are closed but would like to thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. Chef Thomas Moro is doing fine. Thank you for listening. Goodbye." Yelp has also listed the eatery as permanently closed. While this change happened quickly, it's a few years in the making. Back in 2022, the Detroit Free Press reported that the spot was for sale, with owner Thomas Moro telling the outlet, "I am over 70 years old. It's about time to throw the towel in." According to the restaurant's history included on their website, Moro was the owner and primary chef at the restaurant and began his culinary career at Mario's in Detroit's Midtown in the late-1960s. While Moro's Dining is gone, it's not Italian Restaurant Suddenly Closes After 45 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 10, 2025
Hamilton Spectator
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Way paved for oilfield service convoys to stop less often and drive more growth, government says in announcement
Oilfield service rigs will spend less time stopped beside the highway, thanks to what the Alberta government classifies as a new reduction in red tape. An agreement announced today preclears qualifying rigs and their convoys as safety compliant for transport. Until now, the processions of trucks and equipment were required to stop at every Alberta vehicle inspection station along their routes. 'This change is about common sense,' Devin Dreeshen, the minister of transportation and economic corridors, says in a news release posted today. 'It cuts red tape, keeps our rigs moving and lets the energy service sector focus on what they do best — driving growth, creating jobs and supporting responsible energy development across Alberta.' Under a rating system of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the province leads Canada in red tape reduction with a score of 9.5 out of 10 in its 2025 report card. The province also topped the report card in 2024 with a 9.4 rating. The news release portrays the agreement as a model for potential alignment with Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Interprovincial trade and the harmonization of regulations have become frequent talking points across the country as Canada adjusts to a changing economic climate brought on by Donald Trump's tariffs. IBISWorld, a global market research firm, estimates the market size of oil and gas services in Alberta at an annualized $33.8 billion in revenue. The industry employs more than 50,000 people at more than 9,600 businesses. The memorandum of agreement is between Alberta Transportation and Corridors and a trade association representing companies affected by the change, the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors. Mark A. Scholz, the president and CEO of the association, says in the release that the government 'listens to our needs and demonstrates a truly action-oriented approach, strengthening Alberta's energy sector and supporting our hardworking crews every step of the way.' The agreement makes use of a private company's preclearance program that allows commercial vehicles with strong safety records to bypass inspection stations. Scholz called the move 'a great example of a government showing strong leadership by reducing red tape and creating efficiencies wherever possible.' Said Energy Minister Brian Jean in the release: 'Alberta's priority is to get our reserves out of the ground sooner, to drive royalties, taxes, jobs and wealth creation. This change will help us get there without endangering the safety of Albertans in responsible resource development.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Courier-Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
McDonald's battles ‘fierce' Aussie competition as global sales drop
Don't miss out on the headlines from Restaurants & Bars. Followed categories will be added to My News. The famous golden arches might be losing their glow, with McDonald's recording a surprising drop in global sales as the fast-food giant battles 'fierce' competition in Australia. McDonald's reported a one per cent fall in global comparable sales in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2024, which included a Leap Day. In its US birthplace, McDonald's recorded a 3.6 per cent decline in sales – marking the biggest sales drop since the pandemic, when restrictions were in place. McDonald's attributed a decrease in the number of comparable customer transactions at restaurants as a major factor behind its decline in US sales. McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said customers were 'grappling with uncertainty'. 'McDonald's has a 70-year legacy of innovation, leadership, and proven agility, all of which give us confidence in our ability to navigate even the toughest of market conditions and gain market share,' Mr Kempczinski said. McDonald's recorded a 3.6 per cent decline in sales in the US. Picture: Charly Triballeau/AFP In Australia, research suggests the fast-food giant's sales are rising, with market research firm IBISWorld estimating McDonald's sales to be $5.7 billion in 2024-2025, compared to $5.4 billion in 2023-2024. But it's not all good news, with the fast-food giant having to fight off hungry competitors eating into its market. 'While absolute sales figures might be rising, it is anticipated that McDonald's is losing market share to other fast food providers in Australia,' IBISWorld Industry Team Leader Disha Jeswanth told adding 'McDonald's faces fierce competition from several sources'. 'Within the fast food segment, the main differentiator is price in terms of value for money.' According to IBISWorld, McDonald's market share has consistently dropped from 21.5 per cent in 2021-2022 to 19.3 per cent in 2024-25. McDonald's is fighting off hungry competitors eating into its Australian market. Picture: Glenn Campbell Aside from competing against KFC, Dominos as well as burger joints of the likes of Hungry Jack's and Grill'd, McDonald's is also facing off with Mexican food brand Guzman y Gomez (GYG) which has proven itself to be a 'major emerging competitor'. 'Guzman y Gomez is capturing market share through its perceived healthier food offerings,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'While a large burger meal at Maccas is averaging above $15 these days, GYG is offering a burrito bowl for a similar price. The brand is also marketing its use of free-range chicken and high-quality ingredients. 'GYG's next move involves expanding into drive-thru operations, which will further weigh on McDonald's demand.' 'Grill'd, on the other hand, although it doesn't compete with Maccas on the basis of price, is offering gourmet burgers that are often a healthier choice.' To counter this, Ms Jeswanth notes McDonald's has continued sourcing over 90 per cent of its ingredients locally and using 100 per cent RSPCA-approved chicken. 'McDonald's also provides nutritional information with its food orders to maintain transparency. However, public perception around McDonald's food quality remains a challenge.' Guzman Gomez is a major emerging competitor against McDonald's. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard Jump in price An increase in prices, as other restaurants have done amid rising cost-of-living and inflation, have also hurt McDonald's reputation. 'McDonald's value proposition has long centred on providing affordable meals, appealing especially to budget-conscious consumers,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'However, consistent price increases in recent years, driven by rising input costs and wages have eroded this perception of value.' The price of a large fries has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2019, from $3.20 to $4.85 as of this month, while a classic Angus burger is up more than 25 per cent from $7.95 to $10. The increase has come at a time when cost-of-living pressures has changed Australians' spending habits. 'Lower-income households and younger consumers are extremely cautious of their discretionary spending', said Ms Jeswanth. McDonald's has seen an increase in prices in recent years. According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment, only 61 per cent of Australians reported spending money on food delivery or takeaway services per week in May 2025, compared to 68 per cent in May 2022. 'The cost of living is putting significant pressure on household budgets, and one area many Australians are cutting back on is non-essential spending such as takeaway,' Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder told 'Fast food prices of some menu items at McDonalds have been rising faster than inflation. 'At the same time, local fast-food brands have diversified their offerings.' 'When groceries, energy bills, and housing costs rise, the convenience of restaurant-prepared meals becomes a luxury that is harder to justify for many individuals and families,' he added. 'What might have been a weekly or even bi-weekly habit could shift to a monthly treat or only for special occasions.' X Low customer satisfaction According to Sydney-based Fonto, which conducts weekly surveys of customer experiences at 19 Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) across Australia, McDonald's consistently underperforms on customer satisfaction compared to other brands across the last 16 months. In the first quarter of the year ending in April, McDonald's scored 69 per cent overall satisfaction – a drop from 71 per cent compared to the same period last year. Out of the top 15 brands, the fast-food giant was ranked last in the first quarter of this year. 'We're seeing consistently that McDonald's ranks towards the very bottom,' Fonto CEO Ben Dixon told adding it sits in the bottom third of 19 brands. Meanwhile, competitors GYG, Crust and Grill'd made up the top three brands for overall satisfaction. 'They're really focusing on fresh and healthy, they're brands that an athlete would consider buying from, and their prices aren't too far away. The gap in price used to be quite significant between, say, a Grill'd burger and a McDonald's meal, and it's not as big anymore.' Grill'd beef burgers range from $13.50 to $16.50, according to current prices listed on its website. In the first quarter of the year, McDonald's ranked 13 for price out of the top 15 brands. 'McDonald's customers have consistently got the least satisfaction with their prices than any of the other brands,' said Mr Dixon. 'So people feel like they're still paying a lot, and the quality is not there for what they're paying.' Grill'd recorded 88 per cent overall satisfaction among customers surveyed by Fonto between February and April 2025. Between March 2024-May 2024, Grill'd's overall satisfaction jumped from 85 per cent between to 88 per cent between February and April 2025. Over the same period, McDonald's dropped from 74 per cent to 69 per cent respectively. Despite the low customer satisfaction, 75 per cent of McDonald's customers told Fonto they didn't consider going elsewhere. Mr Dixon said one major reason behind this decision is proximity, with McDonald's owning over 1,000 restaurants across the country. 'If you're in a regional or rural area then it's hard to consider going somewhere else if there's nothing for a long way away,' he said. McDonald's over 1,000 restaurants across the country. Picture: Evan Morgan But as competitors open more stores the game could change. Last year, GYG announced its goal to expand its network to over 1,000 stores. 'The question that everyone probably needs to think about is, if every town had a strip, and in that strip was a McDonald's, a Hungry Jack's, a KFC and a Subway, would McDonald's hold the massive market there that it does?' Mr Dixon questioned. 'Or would people move between them because they don't want to eat a burger every night, or because the quality and the satisfaction is not necessarily as high in some of those restaurants?' The future of fast food in Australia New competitors such as US-based chicken chain Wingstop – which opened its first store in Australia this month – is also looking to take a bite out of an increasingly crowded market. 'McDonald's has stood the test of time in the Australian market, there is always the risk of losing market share to new competitors,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'International fast food giant Wendy's is set to expand to over 200 locations in Australia over the next decade, proving to be a direct competitor to Maccas.' To compete, Ms Jeswanth said brands will need to focus on providing premium quality and healthier meals at affordable prices. 'Consumer behaviour is tilting towards sustainable and healthier options, and fast food giants will need to match these preferences (including plant-based options) to remain viable in his highly competitive market,' she said. The fast food market is predicted to become more crowded in Australia. Picture: Glenn Campbell 'Despite McDonald's loyalty and scale within Australia, the brand will need to focus on bettering its offerings to remain competitive.' Mr Dixon agrees 'the competition will just get tougher'. 'If I was McDonald's or a McDonald's franchisee, I'd have my work ahead of me,' he said. 'They've got to think seriously about how they reinvent themselves again, or what they do differently to continue to dominate.' contacted McDonald's for comment but was referred to its first-quarter sales data. Originally published as McDonald's battles 'fierce' competition in Australia as global sales drop
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
McDonald's battles ‘fierce' competition in Australia as global sales drop
The famous golden arches might be losing their glow, with McDonald's recording a surprising drop in global sales as the fast-food giant battles 'fierce' competition in Australia. McDonald's reported a one per cent fall in global comparable sales in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2024, which included a Leap Day. In its US birthplace, McDonald's recorded a 3.6 per cent decline in sales – marking the biggest sales drop since the pandemic, when restrictions were in place. McDonald's attributed a decrease in the number of comparable customer transactions at restaurants as a major factor behind its decline in US sales. McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said customers were 'grappling with uncertainty'. 'McDonald's has a 70-year legacy of innovation, leadership, and proven agility, all of which give us confidence in our ability to navigate even the toughest of market conditions and gain market share,' Mr Kempczinski said. In Australia, research suggests the fast-food giant's sales are rising, with market research firm IBISWorld estimating McDonald's sales to be $5.7 billion in 2024-2025, compared to $5.4 billion in 2023-2024. But it's not all good news, with the fast-food giant having to fight off hungry competitors eating into its market. 'While absolute sales figures might be rising, it is anticipated that McDonald's is losing market share to other fast food providers in Australia,' IBISWorld Industry Team Leader Disha Jeswanth told adding 'McDonald's faces fierce competition from several sources'. 'Within the fast food segment, the main differentiator is price in terms of value for money.' According to IBISWorld, McDonald's market share has consistently dropped from 21.5 per cent in 2021-2022 to 19.3 per cent in 2024-25. Aside from competing against KFC, Dominos as well as burger joints of the likes of Hungry Jack's and Grill'd, McDonald's is also facing off with Mexican food brand Guzman y Gomez (GYG) which has proven itself to be a 'major emerging competitor'. 'Guzman y Gomez is capturing market share through its perceived healthier food offerings,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'While a large burger meal at Maccas is averaging above $15 these days, GYG is offering a burrito bowl for a similar price. The brand is also marketing its use of free-range chicken and high-quality ingredients. 'GYG's next move involves expanding into drive-thru operations, which will further weigh on McDonald's demand.' 'Grill'd, on the other hand, although it doesn't compete with Maccas on the basis of price, is offering gourmet burgers that are often a healthier choice.' To counter this, Ms Jeswanth notes McDonald's has continued sourcing over 90 per cent of its ingredients locally and using 100 per cent RSPCA-approved chicken. 'McDonald's also provides nutritional information with its food orders to maintain transparency. However, public perception around McDonald's food quality remains a challenge.' Jump in price An increase in prices, as other restaurants have done amid rising cost-of-living and inflation, have also hurt McDonald's reputation. 'McDonald's value proposition has long centred on providing affordable meals, appealing especially to budget-conscious consumers,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'However, consistent price increases in recent years, driven by rising input costs and wages have eroded this perception of value.' The price of a large fries has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2019, from $3.20 to $4.85 as of this month, while a classic Angus burger is up more than 25 per cent from $7.95 to $10. The increase has come at a time when cost-of-living pressures has changed Australians' spending habits. 'Lower-income households and younger consumers are extremely cautious of their discretionary spending', said Ms Jeswanth. According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment, only 61 per cent of Australians reported spending money on food delivery or takeaway services per week in May 2025, compared to 68 per cent in May 2022. 'The cost of living is putting significant pressure on household budgets, and one area many Australians are cutting back on is non-essential spending such as takeaway,' Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder told 'Fast food prices of some menu items at McDonalds have been rising faster than inflation. 'At the same time, local fast-food brands have diversified their offerings.' 'When groceries, energy bills, and housing costs rise, the convenience of restaurant-prepared meals becomes a luxury that is harder to justify for many individuals and families,' he added. 'What might have been a weekly or even bi-weekly habit could shift to a monthly treat or only for special occasions.' Low customer satisfaction According to Sydney-based Fonto, which conducts weekly surveys of customer experiences at 19 Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) across Australia, McDonald's consistently underperforms on customer satisfaction compared to other brands across the last 16 months. In the first quarter of the year ending in April, McDonald's scored 69 per cent overall satisfaction – a drop from 71 per cent compared to the same period last year. Out of the top 15 brands, the fast-food giant was ranked last in the first quarter of this year. 'We're seeing consistently that McDonald's ranks towards the very bottom,' Fonto CEO Ben Dixon told adding it sits in the bottom third of 19 brands. Meanwhile, competitors GYG, Crust and Grill'd made up the top three brands for overall satisfaction. 'They're really focusing on fresh and healthy, they're brands that an athlete would consider buying from, and their prices aren't too far away. The gap in price used to be quite significant between, say, a Grill'd burger and a McDonald's meal, and it's not as big anymore.' Grill'd beef burgers range from $13.50 to $16.50, according to current prices listed on its website. In the first quarter of the year, McDonald's ranked 13 for price out of the top 15 brands. 'McDonald's customers have consistently got the least satisfaction with their prices than any of the other brands,' said Mr Dixon. 'So people feel like they're still paying a lot, and the quality is not there for what they're paying.' Between March 2024-May 2024, Grill'd's overall satisfaction jumped from 85 per cent between to 88 per cent between February and April 2025. Over the same period, McDonald's dropped from 74 per cent to 69 per cent respectively. Despite the low customer satisfaction, 75 per cent of McDonald's customers told Fonto they didn't consider going elsewhere. Mr Dixon said one major reason behind this decision is proximity, with McDonald's owning over 1,000 restaurants across the country. 'If you're in a regional or rural area then it's hard to consider going somewhere else if there's nothing for a long way away,' he said. But as competitors open more stores the game could change. Last year, GYG announced its goal to expand its network to over 1,000 stores. 'The question that everyone probably needs to think about is, if every town had a strip, and in that strip was a McDonald's, a Hungry Jack's, a KFC and a Subway, would McDonald's hold the massive market there that it does?' Mr Dixon questioned. 'Or would people move between them because they don't want to eat a burger every night, or because the quality and the satisfaction is not necessarily as high in some of those restaurants?' The future of fast food in Australia New competitors such as US-based chicken chain Wingstop – which opened its first store in Australia this month – is also looking to take a bite out of an increasingly crowded market. 'McDonald's has stood the test of time in the Australian market, there is always the risk of losing market share to new competitors,' said Ms Jeswanth. 'International fast food giant Wendy's is set to expand to over 200 locations in Australia over the next decade, proving to be a direct competitor to Maccas.' To compete, Ms Jeswanth said brands will need to focus on providing premium quality and healthier meals at affordable prices. 'Consumer behaviour is tilting towards sustainable and healthier options, and fast food giants will need to match these preferences (including plant-based options) to remain viable in his highly competitive market,' she said. 'Despite McDonald's loyalty and scale within Australia, the brand will need to focus on bettering its offerings to remain competitive.' Mr Dixon agrees 'the competition will just get tougher'. 'If I was McDonald's or a McDonald's franchisee, I'd have my work ahead of me,' he said. 'They've got to think seriously about how they reinvent themselves again, or what they do differently to continue to dominate.'
