Retail giant Wesfarmers has just announced a staggering $1.6 billion profit, and here’s the surprising part: a whopping 80% of that success comes from just two of its brands—Bunnings and Kmart. These retail powerhouses have once again proven their dominance, driving not only massive earnings but also a higher dividend for the company. But here’s where it gets controversial: while these two brands are clearly the stars of the show, what does this say about the rest of Wesfarmers’ portfolio? Are they relying too heavily on a few key players, or is this a strategic masterstroke? Let’s dive deeper.
For just $1 a week for the first 4 weeks ($4 minimum cost), you can unlock this story and so much more. After that, it’s $44 charged every 4 weeks—no lock-in contract required. Or, if you’re ready to commit, lock in and save with $8 a week for the first 12 months ($416 minimum cost), charged as $32 every 4 weeks. Be sure to read the fine print for full details.
With full digital access, you’ll get:
- Expert news and commentary anytime, anywhere, on both web and app.
- A digital version of today’s paper, plus liftouts and archives to explore.
- Subscriber-exclusive newsletters and early access to tomorrow’s front pages.
- Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal for a global perspective.
- Daily puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, and more with Mind Games to keep your brain sharp.
And this is the part most people miss: behind every great story are the journalists who bring it to life. Meet the fearless, curious, and world-class team at The Australian. From Vesna Poljak, the Business Editor with over two decades of experience in Australian business journalism, to Hedley Thomas, the award-winning investigative journalist behind true crime podcasts like The Teacher’s Pet—these are the voices you trust to cut through the noise and deliver clarity.
But here’s the question: In an era of digital transformation, how do traditional retail giants like Wesfarmers stay ahead? Is their reliance on Bunnings and Kmart a sign of strength or vulnerability? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!