Mar 09, 2015

Australia is having a bumper season. Host to the cricket World Cup, its cities have seen their populations swell during matches, with Adelaide allowing fans unable to find accommodation to stay at the airport overnight. The city is now readying itself for another major sporting event: The Adelaide Cup. A thoroughbred racing event, it began in 1864 and has turned into an important social event in Southern Australia. Celebrating its 145th year, some of Australia's best stayers will vye for the AUS$400,000 prize money. Thousands of racing fans and socialites are expected to put their best faces forward during the festivities, fully kitted out in exotic plumage.

On the same day, Tasmania celebrates Eight Hours Day, more commonly known as Labour Day. For those who think this is a dedication to sleeping in and BBQ'ing, its more about the institution of an 8 hour work day. Toil on, proles. The rest of the country also kicks back, though some territories do it on the first Monday of March, and others on the second Monday, depending on when they reached this milestone.
Canberra day celebrates the formal naming of the city in 1913 by Lady Denman, wife of then Governor-General Lord Denman.

A weakening dollar has seen an increasing number of retailers flocking into the country, with brands such as H&M, Uniqlo, Forever 21, and Sephora establishing a bricks and mortar in addition to their online offerings. Growth is further being spurred by the rise of mobile retailing, expected to reach US$ 640 bn in annual global sales in a few years' time. Faster retailing is yet another driving force, focussing on speed to market, response, and delivery. In this world, logistics is king.

Labour Day is about kicking back and basking in the hard won efforts of workers before us. So put another shrimp on the barbie, because whatever you need, we've got it covered.