Australian Retailers Squeeze in More Private Brands

We've reported numerous times about the rise of the private label or store brand throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Fueled by economic conditions, store brands have increased in popularity, offering shoppers lower priced alternatives and causing concern for name brand marketers. More and more, private labels are taking on global appeal as stores grab a larger share of shelf space for their own brands.

Now the Land Down Under may become overwhelmed with private labels, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald. Already a hotbed of store brands, Australia could well be inundated by its two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, who have both applied for hundreds of trademarks with the country's IP Australia, the government agency administering intellectual property rights.Continue reading...