THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has scaled back production at its massive smartphone plant in Vietnam, employees say, as retailers and warehouses grapple with rising inventory amid a global fall in consumer spending. The effect is acutely felt in Vietnam's northern province of Thai Nguyen, one of Samsung's two mobile manufacturing bases in the country where the world's …
Small businesses are struggling with record high costs while trying to remain competitive, as consumer confidence falls in response to rising inflation and interest rates. Key points: Input, labour costs and consumer prices are at record highs Businesses are worried that passing on price hikes will scare customers away Australian Retailers Association says some businesses will be forced to close …
Australians are planning for a "normal" Christmas, as an indicator of consumer confidence hits a seven-year high. Key points: Westpac chief economist Bill Evans said a rise in consumer sentiment was "a very encouraging sign" A survey tracked whether people would spend more or less this Christmas Families that lost work this year say they will cut back on Christmas …
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