Australian household spending has dropped 3.6% on a yearly basis - but there are four retail categories recording higher transactions.

The low-price retailer is aiming to secure its share in Australia's $4.3 billion childrenswear market.

“You have to be brave in what you believe in as a brand," Country Road managing director Elle Roseby said.

A deadline on submissions was set for September 29 - four months before the Senate hands down its final report.

The brand has already identified three key regions for future growth.

The two stores will add to 94 physical locations across Australia, including concessions at Myer and David Jones.

“This provides a great opportunity for COS," managing director Lea Rytz Goldman said.

An impending court case was a key factor for the renaming of Butter Butter.

The activation comes as Hoka prepares to open its first store in Australia.

The store will stock an entirely new niche accessories range.

“It’s the perfect addition to the New Balance portfolio," APAC DTC director Jonathan Clarke said.

Consumer confidence is still very weak and the labour market is still very tight, despite cash rate pauses and a population boom.

The Bill can help up to 3.8 million small and medium businesses across Australia.

Customers spending $5,000 annually can name a new range and have it gifted to them for free.

This is despite a 12.5% record lift in full-year FY23 sales to $3.3 billion.

The concept will be exclusive to Melbourne Central.