We told you last month that Harvey Norman is hoping Windows 8 would give it a major sales boost and halt the impact of all those pesky online retailers with their cheaper prices and better customer service. Its most recent results underscore the importance of that strategy: sales were down 10 per cent on the same quarter last year, though that still saw a handy $1.33 billion pouring through the registers.
The results announcement underlines the point that flogging gadgets, screens and games isn’t where the cash is at:
Technology and entertainment sales continue to be affected by the cautious consumer and continued price deflation . . . White goods, cooking, small appliances, furniture and bedding remain solid.
Cautious consumer, meet Windows 8. We trust you’ll get along.