More than a guide book: Tokyo Story is also a love story

Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet.

Huge, sprawling, intriguing and decidedly different.

Tokyo Story is both a guide book and a homage; full of local wisdom and insider tips.

I wish I had read a copy before a recent visit - here you'll find suggestions on the best hangouts, shops, bars and eateries.

If you want to know about hidden laneways with historic secrets, or tranquil temples to visit, you'll find all the details here. 

Similarly if you want to lowdown on anime and manga collectibles, or want to know the different noodle dishes on offer and where to find the best.  

But you'll also find useful facts on public holidays - there are 16 of them annually - and discover that Christmas Day is a working day like any other in the Japanese capital.

So lots more than the usual hotel recommendations and food markets.

Melbourne-based authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh say they have been obsessed with Japan since their first visit in the late 1990s.They have written 10 books on the country.

If you want to know about Tokyo's distinctive neighbourhoods - each with their own feel - you've come to the right place. 

Each chapter has nuggets of fascinating info across Tokyo’s rich history, culture and nightlife. 

Think fashion tips, ultra-cool listening bars, crazy moments of pop culture or where you might be able to buy a robot. 

There are also handy tips on navigating both Tokyo and Japanese etiquette. 

A delightful book for paging through if you have Japan on your travel radar. 

TOKYO STORY: A GUIDE. By Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh. Published by HARDIE GRANT EXPLORE. RRP $39.99/NZ$45.

Iconic Twin Towers still pulling in the crowds

Malaysian tourism authorities are placing one of the world's most spectacular buildings front and centre of their 2026 marketing.

Visit Malaysia's newest promotional material puts the the Petronas Twin Towers in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur as the top place to explore.

Not only are the Petronas Twin Towers among the tallest buildings in the world - creating global recognition for Kuala Lumpur and all of Malaysia - but the complex hosts several attractions, including the Suria KLCC shopping mall, located between the two towers.

Other attractions include the Esplanade (Lake Symphony), Petrosains Discovery Centre, KLCC Park and Aquaria KLCC.

So some visitors come for the views; others for the shopping: offering high-end designer boutiques and multiple food outlets.

Built in the 1990s, the dramatic twin towers reach an impressive height of 452 metres and were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004.



Visitors to the Twin Towers can visit the Skybridge and the Observation Decks for sweeping views of the city and beyond - and after dark the buildings are lit up.

An aerial bridge connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, making it the highest two-storey bridge in the world.

In the area surrounding the Twin Towers, a selection of nearby hotels await, including the W Kuala Lumpur, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors looking for a gourmet experience can enjoy meals at famous spots like Madam Kwan's, NZ Curry House, Dewakan, Beta and Hide. 

For locals or anyone familiar with the city, public transportation is affordable and easy on the LRT or MRT.

After exploring, KLCC Park has green spaces and benches on which to relax.

The Petronas Twin Towers also often host special events and exhibitions including those highlighting Malaysian culture and heritage at the Petronas Twin Towers Gallery.

The country’s first concert hall, The Petronas Philharmonic Hall, was built specially for classical music and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

See https://www.malaysia.travel/ and https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/ 

At a loose end in Sydney this Sunday? The Shire is calling

The popular Engadine Street Festival in Sydney's south is back for 2025 - and it is set to be one of the the biggest celebrations the Sutherland Shire has seen all year.

Taking over the heart of Engadine on Sunday, August 3, the event brings together locals from 9am-3pm for a day of shopping, food, fun and entertainment.

With over 200 stalls, the festival will showcase everything from hand-made crafts and fashion to street food and gourmet treats.

The event is promoted as "more than just a market" with rides, live music all day, kids’ entertainment, community performances, and a vibrant street party atmosphere.

Join thousands of happy festival-goers for one unforgettable day of fun, connection, and celebration.

For more info visit www.cambridgemarkets.com.au

Image: Jessica Nash  

Paddy's re-imagined: discover Sydney's new gourmet market

Sydney has a new gourmet destination with the launch of Hay St Market at Paddy’s - which opened this week.

The concept is described as "a celebration of food, culture and community, bringing together a dynamic collection of traders under one roof in the heart of Haymarket".

It has to be an improvement on some of the dire recent local offerings.

Spanning 3,000 square metres of Paddy’s Markets, Hay St Market is home to over 48 traders offering more than 25 different cuisines.

At its heart, it’s an open, bustling space that shifts from morning to an after-dark foodie destination. I'm told that "visitors can snack on the go, kick back with a bite, grab something for home or chill out at Cans & Crates or Traders Bar".

The multi-million dollar transformation is designed to revitalise the Haymarket precinct, increase tourism and create more than 300 jobs.

“We’ve left no stone unturned in creating Hay St Market at Paddy’s - an affordable destination that Sydney can be proud of, where visitors can eat, drink, and shop," says says Joseph Murray, group CEO and managing director of Doltone Hospitality Group.

"Inspired by some of the world’s best markets, we’ve built something extraordinary that harnesses Sydney’s cultural diversity, offers a twist on tradition, and taps into our collective love of food and beverage.”

Leading chefs including Luke Nguyen (above) and Mark Olive are involved

Also joining the market is Tim Casey, a specialist butcher with over 50 years of experience, including as former head butcher at Rockpool; cheesemonger Christina Murphy, and The Signorelli Bros greengrocer.

Specialty coffee will be roasted in-house with Genovese’s finest beans at Hay St Roasters.

“While our food offering is phenomenal, we are also excited to bring to life the speciality traders within Hay St Market at Paddy’s,” added Murray.

Image: Esteban La Tessa 

Moran launches his own range of gourmet stock

 

When you are a big-name chef you need to be careful which products you endorse. Each time you put your reputation on the line. 

Celebrated chef and restaurateur Matt Moran has this week launched a range of gourmet stock preparations to help home cooks create chef quality dishes at home.

There are three products in the My Perfect Stock range (chicken, beef and vegetable), which are now available in some independent supermarkets and at Woolworths, and in Coles stores from late April.

“While not everyone has the time, interest or know-how to make their own stock at home, we all know that a great stock can be the difference between a good dish and an exceptional one," Moran said.

"My Perfect Stock makes it so much easier to maximise depth of flavour and elevate home-cooked meals such as roasts, pastas and curries. 

"I’ve done the hard work for the home cook, using quality ingredients which have been slowly simmered with the right balance of herbs and spices.”

Moran has a plethora of awards to his name, has hosted TV shows, written best-selling cookbooks and owns celebrated dining establishments including Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish.

The three products in the range, all have an RRP of $5.90/500ml. 

Stock is the foundation for countless dishes and is one of the first 

Moran has created several recipes to provide inspiration for the home cook using his chef quality stocks. The recipes, including Matt’s pea risotto, his Asian-style poached chicken and his much-loved  braised lamb shank pappardelle ragu, will be available on the back of the products and via his own website.  

“I have always been passionate about the Australian country and have profound respect for our farmers," he added. 

"My Perfect Stock uses 100% Australian beef and chicken, and these products are made in Australia using top-quality ingredients. Through my work I aim to nurture the bond between the land and the family dinner table and educate Australians about the journey of our food from farm to table." 

Hot new Sydney precinct gets a little bit festive

Sydney Place, tucked behind Sydney's vibrant Circular Quay quarter, is offering a range of pre-Christmas drawcards. 

With a mix of activities for workers, visitors and families until December 20, the precinct is hosting prize giveaways, roving entertainers and festive-themed fun.

Sydney Place has three new, intimate city laneways with a diverse mix of day and late-night attractions. 

The area sits by the 55-storey Salesforce Tower - the city’s tallest office building. 

Ah Toy Lane, Sai Ying Lane and Underwood Street ware home to 23 eating and drinking destinations including Jacksons on George, Joel Best’s Bar Besuto - a Japanese Omakase restaurant and whisky bar - and Lode Pies & Pastries, by Sydney chef Federico Zanellato. 

Live roving entertainment throughout the precinct pre-Christmas includes The Shoppers, a troupe of retro juggling performers, and The Gagliardies (above), a group of circus performers, along with gingerbread men on stilts. Spot them 11:30am-1:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Santa’s Mailbox, meanwhile, is a festive installation inviting visitors to write and deposit their ‘naughty or nice’ lists into Santa’s Mailbox. A QR code on the box offers entry into a giveaway for a series of  prizes.

Shoppers who spend $10 or more at Sydney Place can head over to the festive pop-up Prize Wheel with a chance to win prizes including free drinks lunchtime Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until December 20. 

Luxury on the banks of the Yarra River

The Yarra River meanders through the centre of Melbourne but somehow seems underutilised.

There are rowing crews training, sure, and the occasional river cruise, but largely it sits underappreciated and underused.

One Melbourne hotel that takes full advantage of its location right alongside the river is the excellent Pan Pacific Melbourne.

 

Not only is the hotel brilliantly located for enjoying the many waterfront bars and eateries at South Wharf, it offers expansive river views from most of its rooms. The views from mine are above (it was a grey Melbourne day, unfortunately). 

It is also right on the doorstep of the massive Direct Factory Outlet shopping facility, and the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Pan Pacific Melbourne is also just a short stroll along the riverbank from the Crown Casino and Southern Cross Station. So location, location, location.

Even entry level rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, along with en-suite bathrooms with both bath tubs and walk-in showers.

There is a choice of king-sized bed or twin beds and an executive writing table with ergonomic desk chair. Perfect for those who have work to do while staying. There are bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer, along with Balmain (Pierre not the Sydney suburb) toiletries.

Each room has a large LG LED television with local and cable channels and movies on demand; high-speed wifi. a safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a minibar if requested.

There are a range of packages available; per haps chocolate and bubbles in the room, or an afternoon high tea.

In my opinion is well worth upgrading your room choice, or being a member of Pan Pacific's Discovery club, to have access to the Pan Pacific Club during your stay.

Check into a Yarra Suite (above) for a seriously decadent getaway: a splendid view of the River, a separate lounge area, club lounge access and lots of little extras.

Access to the fourth-floor Pacific Club (above) offers a full buffet breakfast (very good it is, too). and the chance to enjoy canapes with cocktails in the evening, along with access to computers and a printer.

The evening spread is so good it can replace dinner if you don't want to leave the hotel.

Other Pacific Club benefits include all-day refreshments and pressing or dry cleaning of up to two pieces of clothing per room per night. There is a nice chilled vibe here.

Food and beverage outlets include Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen, Café Orr or 24-hour room service.

Did I mention the staff? I found them uniformly excellent; helpful and smiling across the board. 

Pan Pacific Melbourne is at 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne. Check out https://www.panpacific.com/

* The writer was hosted by Pan Pacific Melbourne 

Let's go clothes shopping; and have a wine or a cocktail

It's an odd concept: a bar/restaurant owned and operated by a clothing manufacturer.

But it has worked in the past and the team from Rodd & Gunn are confident it will work again.

Rodd & Gunn’s remodelled ‘The Lodge’ in Queenstown in Central Otago - described as an "experiential retail space" - is now open after a major refurb.

Initially opened in August 2016, the The Lodge now has a bespoke bar that will showcase cocktails made using spirits from local distilleries on the South Island.

Helmed by executive chef Matt Lambert, the expanded commercial kitchen has a refreshed dining menu featuring dishes ranging from steamed green lip mussels to cacio e pepe and Lake Ohau Wagyu T-bone steak.

Complementing the dining options, Cameron Douglas - New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier - has transformed The Lodge’s beverage offering with a selection of Central Otago and New Zealand’s finest wines. This includes the Rodd & Gunn Central Otago Pinot Noir – the brand’s very first wine launched earlier this year.

The building has views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks.

Visitors can combine shopping with dinner, cocktails at the bar, or New Zealand wine and snacks by the window.

See roddandgunn.com/au/the-lodge-bar/queenstown

Fire pit garden to enliven winter shopping experience

Get ready for a serious winter experience at Sydney's World Square retail plaza, which will be offering a free fire pit experience in the city. 

World Square is promising 10 fire pit tables, a mulled wine chalet, free marshmallows and a QR code to order food and dine in style from some of the local food outlets.

The winter wonderland experience will run from June 15 to July 7 and the fire pit garden will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-8pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Thursdays). 

Organisers promise aromatic mulled wine served piping hot from a winter hut - with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions on offer. There will also be mocktails to sample.

There will also be 24,000 free marshmallows to roast over the fire pits. 

Wellness Weekends will also be part of the line-up. 

For three weekends in June, visitors can join in yoga sessions by the fire pits, along with hand and neck massages. 

To make you think you are actually in the northern hemisphere, a snow cannon will intermittently shower the scene with fluffy snowflakes. 

For the hungry, there will be Japanese tapas from Umaya or chicken skewers from Gami Chicken among the offerings. 

For more info see https://worldsquare.com.au/whats-on/firepit-garden

Tourists detained for failing to buy in shop

You know when you are on an organised tour and have been deposited at a shop where you have zero intention of buying. 

The shop sells tat, or you have no interest in a carpet. Or an elephant carving.

What if you were then held against your will until you purchased something?

Don't laugh. It's not fanciful/ It actually happened to a tour group in China recently, Travel Mole reports.

This tour group was detained in a bedding shop for hours after refusing to buy goods, during a tour in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, the South China Morning Post reported.

Video posted online showed staff at the shop guarding the exit doors and refusing to let the tourists leave unless they made purchases.

The tour group was reportedly detained there for several hours.

The tour was organised by Liaoning Youde International Travel Service and conducted by a local tour operator. Maybe an operator to avoid.

One of the tour guests reportedly complained they had been duped as there had been no sightseeing visits but only stops for shopping

“I hadn’t expected that all of our activities in Xishuangbanna would be about shopping,” the tour guest told the SCMP.

The Xishuangbanna Market Supervision and Administration Bureau said the bedding shop was ordered to cease operations. And the local tour guide, who was not licensed, was fined.

Here's the link: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3257202/china-tourists-held-captive-mattress-shop-not-buying-turn-new-spotlight-forced-shopping-problem

Image: Rob Sexton, Scop.io

How to avoid doing your dough at Boxing Day sales

Boxing Day sales are just around the corner and shoppers have been warned to be smart, or pay the price, by non-for-profit consumer organisation CHOICE.

A CHOICE survey has found shoppers are likely to be most interested in buying clothes, small kitchen appliances, price-reduced Christmas groceries or decorations, phones and white goods.

“The Boxing Day sales can be a good time to grab a product that you’ve had your eye on for a while at a cheaper price, if you do your research,” says CHOICE editorial director Marg Rafferty (above).

“We found nearly half of shoppers intending to buy at the end of year sales had been delaying the purchase in the hopes of getting a better price. Preparation, however, is still key when it comes to getting a good deal - and to avoid walking away with products you don’t need.” .

Here are CHOICE’s top tips to get the most out of the end of year sales:

1. Do your research

“Before you buy in the sales, make sure you’ve done some research on the product you’re planning to buy - particularly if it’s an expensive one.

“Every year our testing team uncover a range of cheaper products that can outperform more expensive alternatives, so it’s worth taking the time to assess your options.”

2. Compare prices across different stores

“Don’t just buy a particular item at the first store you walk into or visit online. With so many retailers offering discounts, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to buy it cheaper elsewhere.

“Many retailers also offer price matching, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping the sales.”

3. Be wary of extended warranties

“You might be offered an extended warranty with new purchases this Boxing Day, but often these are pretty poor value. Under existing consumer protections, you have rights if something major breaks or goes wrong within a reasonable period.

“Retailers may sometimes try to sell you an extended warranty, claiming it’s necessary for extra protection. Our tip is: 'don’t pay for rights you already have'.”

4. Plan ahead for what you need

“With many of us feeling cost-of-living pressures, it can be tempting to feel the need to grab a good deal while you feel you can. Planning ahead for what you need can help avoid unnecessary purchases. Keep an eye out for high-pressure sales tactics in-store or online.”

5. Be wary of Buy Now, Pay Later deals

“Buy Now, Pay Later might seem a tempting way to fund Boxing Day spending, but we’ve seen first hand how these schemes can be potential debt traps for people who are already struggling financially.

"If you’re struggling with debt or your finances this Christmas, CHOICE recommend calling the National Debt Helpline, which offers free, confidential financial counselling. You can contact them by calling 1800 007 007."

Supermarket giants shine in Product of the Year voting

There are dozens of wine shows around Australia - sometimes several in a week. 

But who knew there are also competitions for everyday supermarket items like soups, hot drinks and cookies? 

Supermarkets are not everyone's best friend right now; rising prices and the insistence of self check-out counters have left many shoppers incensed.

But the results of the 2022 Product of the Year voting suggests that consumers still find plenty to enjoy at their local Woolworths and Coles stores.

Coles collected 11 awards and Woolworths five of the 33 gongs.

Now in it’s 14th year in Australia, Product of the Year (POY) is promoted as the world’s largest consumer-voted awards program in which over 5,000 Aussie shoppers have their say and vote for their favourite supermarket and grocery products. 

"The rising cost of living has definitely changed the FMCG landscape, with affordability now the most important consideration for Australians making their weekly grocery trip," says Product of the Year director Sarah Connelly. 

POY winners trend show a consumer focus on health and wellbeing in 2022. 

You can check out the winners at the website. They include Coles Brand soup and extra virgin olive oil, Lyre's Pink London Spirit (non alcoholic) and Moccona Mochas. 

Most absurd premise winner: Birds Eye "Plant Based Greek Lamb style strips".

 Unfortunately, we do not know how many entries there were in each category. 

Here come your groceries - delivered by drone

 

My first thought was that April Fools' Day had been brought forward, but apparently not.

Gold Coast residents are to be added to a trial of a new service that delivers groceries direct to their homes.

Coles has paired with global on-demand drone delivery company Wing to trial the service in the Gold Coast suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills, and Yatala - starting on November 2.

The deliveries will be flown from the Coles store at Ormeau Village Shopping Centre and will be gradually expanded to include other nearby suburbs, delivering 500 of the most popular Coles grocery items including bread, fresh produce, convenience meals, snacks, health care items, and household essentials.

The press release says Coles is the first major Australian retailer to trial the new ‘store-to-door’ drone delivery model, with a dedicated fleet of Wing delivery drones co-located in the Coles store car park.

Coles team members will process and pack orders, and Wing staff will load the drones and oversee operation of the delivery service. Delivering frozen chickens or 24-packs of toilet rolls might be problematic.

Coles Head of Network Development and Customer Delivery (phew!) James Geddes said: “We are delighted to be expanding our drone delivery pilot program with Wing to our Queensland customers. 

"The service will provide a convenient and effective way of delivering everyday essentials to our customers’ homes in a matter of minutes.

“Customers can now get those urgent items they need in a hurry, delivered by drone, directly from the local Coles Ormeau Village store. 

"Whether they’ve forgotten to pick up a loaf of bread or fresh milk during their weekly shop or are missing an ingredient for dinner-time meal prep or school lunches, they can now get those products delivered quickly, without having to drive to the store."

The Coles drone delivery expansion into Queensland follows a successful pilot program launched in Canberra.

As part of the expansion into South-East Queensland, Wing will also be offering Coles items for delivery from the rooftop of the Gland Plaza in Logan City.

Customers can download the Wing app (available from the App Store or Google Play), enter their address, and add items to their cart before submitting their order.

Big Brother may be watching when you go shopping in Australia

Are you happy being spied on when you go shopping?

An investigation by consumer rights organisation CHOICE into Australia’s 25 biggest and most trusted retailers has revealed that Big Brother is already watching you.

Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys are among companies using facial recognition technology to identify customers who enter selected stores, CHOICE reports. 

Facial recognition analyses images from video cameras to capture each person’s unique facial features, known as a faceprint.

“The use of facial recognition by Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys is a completely inappropriate and unnecessary use of the technology," says CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower.

"To make matters worse, we found 76% of Australians aren’t aware that retailers are capturing their unique facial features in this way.

“Using facial recognition technology in this way is similar to Kmart, Bunnings or The Good Guys collecting your fingerprints or DNA every time you shop. Businesses using invasive technologies to capture their customers’ sensitive biometric information is unethical and is a sure way to erode consumer trust.”

CHOICE’s nationally representative survey also revealed that over four in five (83%) of customers agreed retailers must properly inform customers about their use of facial recognition technology.

“CHOICE observed that Kmart and Bunnings display small signs at the entrance of stores where the technology is in use. However, discreet signage and online privacy policies are not nearly enough to adequately inform shoppers that this controversial technology is in use. The technology is capturing highly personal data from customers, including infants and children,” says Bower.

CHOICE is referring the retailers to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to investigate potential breaches of the Privacy Act, and calling on the Federal Government to implement a modern regulatory framework that protects consumers from harmful and unfair practices.

“CHOICE is concerned that Australian businesses are using facial recognition technology on consumers before Australians have had their say on its use in our community," says Bower.

"With the government currently undergoing a review of the Privacy Act, now is the perfect time to strengthen measures around the capture and use of consumer data, including biometric data.”

Read the full story here: www.choice.com.au/facialrecognition

Image: CHOICE

When the customer is wrong even if he is right

Remember the old adage: The customer is always right? 

I do most of my shopping nowadays in small, family-operated businesses, where nothing is too much trouble. 

Today I ventured into a massive Big W store where the opposite applies; Here the customer is wrong, even if he or she is right. 

And he or she can expect to treated with disdain, as well. 

My consumer experience went like this: I picked up up a few items and then headed for the only check-out actually manned by a human being. Big W, you see, prefers you to self check-out so it can employ fewer staff. 

On the way to the checkout I spotted a packet of crisps for $1.60 - a great deal. So I picked up a packet. 

When I was given my receipt, I thought it was a couple of dollars higher than I had expected.

I checked, and found I had been charged $4.15 for my packet of crisps, rather than the clearly advertised $1.60. 

I pointed this out to the check-in lady, expecting a reimbursement. 

But this is Big W, where "policy" is more important than politeness. 

It is, apparently, "policy" that a customer cannot be given his or her money back directly, even when the scanning system has failed.

The customer must walk to the other side of the store and then queue at a "service" desk, to get back his or her $2.65. 

The check-in lady, however, had not advised the "service" operatives of the issue, despite me showing her the price sign and her being aware of the mistake. So the "service" operatives had to make phone call (to whom I have no idea) to check out my story.

"We can't believe what every customer tells us," they said. Policy, of course.

Eventually, $2.65 was credited back to my card. 

I then sought out the store manager to let her know that their scanning system was faulty and that their customer service polices suck. 

"We are so sorry our policies caused you inconvenience today," she said, dripping in insincerity and sarcasm; clearly seeing me as an annoyance. 

If I had not had a few minutes to kill I would probably have not checked my receipt, or maybe have written the $2.65 off if I was in a hurry. 

How many customers do that, I wonder? How many $2.65s in favour of Big W?.

My wife tells me that Woolworths supermarkets give you the item for free if the wrong price is scanned. Which is both a polite way of saying "sorry" and decent customer service. 

Maybe Big W, which is owned by Woolworths, should examine both its systems and policies. Or maybe it just doesn't give a damn.        

Who is using your private data for devious purposes?

Did you sign up for a loyalty program card over the Boxing Day and New Year sales?

Perhaps with a supermarket, at a bottle shop, chain store or travel group?

If so, that might have been a bad idea, says consumer organisation Choice.

Australians (and others) should consider the hidden cost of these services, and avoid signing up to more, says Choice consumer data advocate Kate Bower.

"Loyalty programs aren't free," says Bower. "The true cost of these programs is your personal data which can be used for manipulative practices and even personalised pricing.

"People might not realise that supermarket rewards programs share data and insights with their insurance businesses, while others could be sharing your personal information with data brokers. This is well beyond consumer expectations."

A recent Choice survey revealed 90% of Australians have signed up to at least one loyalty program. The survey also found that fewer than 10% of people who have joined a scheme always read the privacy policy and almost a quarter have never read one at all.

"Our survey found that 90% of Australians have signed up to at least one loyalty program," says Bower.

"We strongly believe people shouldn't need to read long and poorly written fine print in order to protect their personal information.

"Fewer than 10% of people who are part of a loyalty program always read the privacy policy and almost a quarter have never read one at all. Given how long and poorly written privacy policies are, it makes sense that people aren’t able to engage with them.

"Despite disclosures in terms and conditions or privacy policies, consumers probably don't realise their data is being collected and used by supermarkets or to what extent. Data can even be collected when you don't scan your existing loyalty cards."

The survey showed 40% of people weren't aware loyalty schemes could sell their data to data brokers, and roughly the same number (41%) didn't realise it could be used to make decisions about them, including their credit worthiness.

Choice also found that 70% of people are concerned about their data being sold to data brokers and 62% are concerned about schemes using this data to make decisions about them.

Choice is calling on the government to make urgent reforms to make sure that businesses use consumer data in clear and fair ways.

"The existing privacy laws are no longer adequate to cover the extent of personal data collection and processing," says Bower. "The government needs to review whether the privacy act is sufficient to protect consumers and ensure they have adequate control of their data.

"Businesses must take greater responsibility for data protection and the government must continue to pressure businesses to do the right thing. There needs to be less burden on individuals to understand exactly what personal data they are giving away by signing up to loyalty programs."

You can read Choice's full article on loyalty cards and data collection here.

Image: Scop.io

Stand up for your rights: young Australians lead the way

Australians are notoriously bad at standing up for their consumer rights.

They'd rather accept shoddy service, or a product that doesn't work properly, than make a fuss.

Research from consumer organisation Choice found that just 38% of Australians have asked for a refund, replacement or repair in the last five years because a product did not work or was not what they asked for.

And with Australians expected to spend a record $21 billion in stores and online during the post-Christmas sales, Choice is encouraging consumers not to put up with dodgy products and to feel confident in asking for a refund, repair or replacement.

Young Australians aged 18-34 are the most likely (49%) of any age group to ask for a refund, while just 24% of older Australians aged 65-75 had asked for a remedy in the same situation.

"While we're happy to see 49% of young Australians leading the charge when asking for a refund, replacement or repair, we want all Australians to feel just as confident in exercising their consumer rights when they need to," says Choice director of campaigns and communications Erin Turner.

"By knowing your rights when a product you bought doesn't work, or wasn't what you asked for, you can avoid additional financial strain," says Choice managing editor Margaret Rafferty.

So if you've splashed some cash on gifts at Christmas or are thinking of picking up some bargains in the Boxing Day sales, Choice has some valuable tips.

Australian businesses are all bound by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) which sets out consumer rights.

You're entitled to ask for a repair, replacement or refund if 

# a product isn't fit for purpose
# a product doesn't match the description
# a product is significantly different from what you expected
# the business made extra promises it hasn't kept
# spare parts and repairs aren't available
# the business didn't have the right to sell you the goods.

Similar guarantees apply to services, which must:
# be performed with proper care and skill
# be fit for a particular purpose or achieve the result you expected
# be delivered within a reasonable time, or by the end date in a contract

These guarantees cover gifts, online products and services from all Australian businesses and sale items are covered, too.

Keeping receipts will help smooth the returns process if you need to take something back.

"Keeping a record of your purchase is always important, especially for high-value purchases," says Turner.

"In the worst case scenario, a company or manufacturer might not respect your consumer rights and you may need to go to a court or a tribunal. If this happens, good record keeping will increase your chances of a good result."

Signs that say things like "No refunds", "No refunds on sale items" or "Exchange or credit note only for return of sale items" aren't legal. So don't shop at places that display those signs.

But also don't take the mickey.

If the item you've bought isn't faulty but you've changed your mind, found it at a cheaper price elsewhere or it's an unwanted Christmas or birthday gift, Australian retailers are not under any legal obligation to give you a refund or exchange. Nor should they.

Image: Maksim Chernyshev, Scop.io

Brown Thursday: The shittiest shopping experience

MONA founder David Walsh is never short of a publicity stunt or crazy idea. 

So, in the name of capitalism and art, the iconic Hobart museum is rejecting the retail frenzy that is Black Friday by holding its own rival sales event a day earlier. 

MONA's Brown Thursday campaign will see shoppers forced to endure a livestream of the museum’s much-maligned poo machine, Cloaca Professional, in order to nab a bargain from the MONA Shop.

To be broadcast live from within the museum on Thursday, this streamed shopping event has the vibe of a high-end fashion campaign, albeit with a defecating artwork as its centrepiece. 

 

As per its regular routine, Cloaca Professional will be fed at 11am coinciding with a palate-cleansing starter deal unveiled to shoppers. More deals will be unlocked as the day’s meal progresses through Cloaca’s digestive system.

 

The final and biggest offer will be revealed (painstakingly, letter-by-letter) while Cloaca Professional "shits itself". 

The generous discount code will be valid for a limited time only post-poo.

 

‘Brown Thursday’ discounts and other deals will be applied to select items from across the MONA Shop, including the store’s c*** soaps, museum apparel and other gifts. 

Shoppers with a weak stomach can enjoy an 11% discount from 9am on Brown Thursday to midnight on Cyber Monday (Monday, November 29). 

 

Cloaca Professional is the work of Belgian conceptual artist Wim Delvoye. 

Mimicking the human digestive system, the machine is fed and maintained at body temperature, with the machine’s daily meals traveling through an organ-like mechanical and chemical assembly line. 

Cloaca Professional was commissioned by Walsh in 2010 and is the first of Delvoye’s ‘gastro-intestinal’ machines to enter a museum’s permanent collection.

 

Mona’s Brown Thursday live shopping event will run from 11am–2pm on Thursday via Facebook and Instagram. 

 

To browse the Mona Shop, please visit: shop.mona.net.au

LIVESTREAM: x.mona.net.au/BrownThursday

Three new reasons to visit Cygnet

The Tasmanian hamlet of Cygnet - in the Huon Valley south of Hobart - is a popular weekend day trip destination for both locals and visitors.

Now there are three more reasons to visit a laidback place known for its many cafés. arts and crafts shops, galleries and waterfront bird reserve. It also happens to be where I live.

Cygnet is well-known Matthew Evans' Fat Pig Farm, for eateries like the Red Velvet Lounge and the Conservatory at the Old Bank, as well as the Port Hole Café, Japanese Diner, Ashcraig Farm Thai, two pubs, and several good takeaways - but now there is a new venue for sweet-toothed Tasmanians and visitors: Little Lush Cakerie (above).

In its first week of opening, Little Lush has a wide range of Carmen Tibuliac's sweet treats, cakes, scones and biscuits and offers a tea-room style experience with barista coffee as well as takeaways. Think pear fans, apple pies and sticky date puddings.

There are also treats from the oven like savoury goat cheese tart and old-school rock cakes. Little Lush will be open 10am-3pm Sunday-Wednesday as it produces commercial wedding and birthday cakes towards the weekend.

Also new are the new-age and eclectic clothing store Sacred Space Cygnet (above) - which shares the former Ilha Restaurant space with Lush at 23c Mary St - and CuckoO Etc.

Sacred Space has a very Cygnet vibe and in addition to stocking crystals, candles and joss sticks, it has a collection of home wears and clothing in addition to a selection of colourful garments imported from Peru.

Just down the road is CuckoO Etc (below), a creative workshop space and artisan store. It will soon also have an artisan market space. 

Open Wednesday to Sunday in the former Commonwealth Bank space, it offers a collection of artisan goods, a small selection of art and craft supplies, plus an ever-evolving calendar of creative workshops.

CuckoO began when Caroline Davies Choi, a textile designer, artist and curator, created unique, curated artisan markets in Hobart.

Joining Caroline, and putting the ‘et’ in ‘etc’, are Emily Hill and Tiffany Hutton, who also share a love of art, making and design.

What businesses do not want you to know: Your consumer rights

Today is World Consumer Rights Day - an international celebration of consumer power - and CHOICE is reminding Australians of the consumer rights they may not know they had. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of exactly what your rights are, and what you’re entitled to if something goes wrong,” says CHOICE consumer rights expert Amy Pereira. 

  

1. If a product fails, you are entitled to either a repair, replacement, or refund

 

“When you purchase a product, that product must meet consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. For example, the item must be fit for purpose and free of any defects. It should match the description on its packaging or on the website you purchased it from,” says Pereira.

 

“If a product that you’ve purchased doesn’t work you have a right to a fair fix. If the problem is minor, the retailer can decide to offer a refund, repair or replacement. However, if you’re facing a major problem, you get to choose between a refund or replacement.”

 

2. Two or more minor faults can equal a major failure

 

“A recent addition to the consumer law says that if a product you’ve purchased has two or more minor failures, and you wouldn’t have purchased the product if you knew about these failures, it’s considered to have a major failure. This is really important as it means that you have more options when it comes to asking for a repair, refund or replacement. For example, if you face multiple problems with a new car, it’s now much clearer that you should be offered a replacement or a refund,” says Pereira. 

 

3. Most extended warranties are useless

 

“Businesses will often try to convince you to buy an extended warranty, but in most cases you really don’t need one. If an item you purchase is faulty, under the consumer law a retailer has to  offer you a remedy. It’s also good to know that your right to a remedy will remain in place for a reasonable amount of time after you’ve purchased something, even if the warranty has expired. If a company tries to sell you an extended warranty, ask them to explain what that warranty offers above and beyond your rights under the Australian Consumer Law,” says Pereira. 

 

4. “No refund” signs aren’t enforceable

 

“A business can’t opt out of the consumer law. Signs that say ‘no refund’ or ‘no refund on sales items’ are illegal, as they suggest that you aren’t entitled to a refund under any circumstances. The consumer law says that you must be given a remedy for a faulty product,” says Pereira. 

 

5. Don’t take no for an answer

 

“If you suspect that a retailer isn’t treating you fairly, contact your state or territory’s fair trading agency who can help you get a fair outcome. You can also report issues to the ACCC, as they have the power to take action against businesses that breach the consumer law,” says Pereira. 

Despite what many retailers and distributors will tell you, the law also applies to wine. If you buy a corked or faulty bottle then you are entitled to a refund.

 

Read more tips on your consumer rights here: https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/consumer-rights-and-advice/your-rights/articles/things-every-australian-should-know-about-their-rights