Retail and Consumer Goods

The retail and consumer goods sector is dynamic and fast-paced.

It has evolving consumer demands, disruptive technologies and complex regulations. We know that maintaining an agile legal strategy is crucial in this rapidly changing sector.

We understand that some of the biggest challenges, priorities and customer expectations include:

automation and AI
supply chain resilience
customer retention
cash flow and working capital
growing cyber threats
consumer spend and rising costs
sustainability and ethics
seamless, omnichannel presence
payment innovations
e-Commerce and new technology trends.

How we can help

With evolving consumer laws and an increasingly competitive landscape, partnering with a team who understands the dynamic consumer and retail sector is more important than ever.

We have depth of experience in key sectors including grocery, food and beverage, fashion and beauty, automotive and agribusiness, assisting primary producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers.

We’re able to leverage our multidisciplinary expertise and offer advice or consultation on any legal matter facing those in the retail and consumer goods sectors including:

corporate and commercial including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, joint ventures and shareholders arrangements
competition and consumer law
complex licensing
cyber, privacy and data protection
distribution and franchising
defamation
ecommerce agreements
employment and labour law

environmental, social and governance (ESG)
exporting and distribution
financial services
franchising
intellectual property, including trademark, copyright, patent strategies, development, protection and enforcement
internet, e-commerce and social media
insolvency and restructuring
insurance

litigation and dispute resolution
migration
payment technologies
product safety
real estate leasing and real estate transactions
regulatory and compliance
strategic sourcing and outsourcing
supply chain
superannuation
transport and trade
tax.

Our retail and consumer goods sector experience

Advising Maggie Beer Holdings on its $40 million acquisition of e-commerce company Hampers & Gifts Australia.
Acting for multiple franchisors on advising on establishment and operation of franchise systems. This work includes advising on structure of franchise system, preparing all transaction documents for implementation and operation of franchise systems, advising on application of the Franchising Code of Conduct.
Advising an international food manufacturing business headquartered in Fochabers, Scotland with operations in the UK and internationally including in Australia.
Advising the world's 12th largest cosmetics company Amorepacific on its investment in Australian luxury skincare brand Rationale.
Reviewing sustainability claims relating to various products and advising on compliance and greenwashing risks.
Advising fashion labels on IP rights associated with digital fashion and the metaverse.
Preparing leasing documentation for commercial, industrial and retail which entailed reviewing landlord-based documents, advising on material issues, drafting amendments and negotiating the same with the landlord’s solicitors.
Assisting a world-renowned high fashion brand with documenting supply and distribution arrangements in Australia.

Key contact