Harvey Norman among Aussies’ ‘most distrusted’ brands, poll shows
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Harvey Norman is one of Australia’s largest retail chains, with stores all across the country.
The company offers a wide range of products, from electronics and appliances to furniture and homewares.
Recently, however, Harvey Norman has found itself among the ranks of Australia's most distrusted brands.
This is according to survey firm Roy Morgan's latest Risk Monitor survey where they map out industry names that enjoy the public’s trust — and those that don’t.
Harvey Norman, according to a ChannelNews report, was in the bottom rung of the poll along with online marketplace Amazon, search engine giant Google, social networking site Twitter, and hotel chain Crown Resorts.
Why you may ask?
‘Harvey Norman has been widely criticised this year for vowing to keep the $22 million in JobKeeper wage subsidies it received as part of the Government’s economic support despite recording a record profit before tax of $1.18 billion for the (fiscal) year ended June 30, 2021 – an increase of $521 million from a year ago.’ explains Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
The Australian Government’s payment scheme saw businesses getting paid as much as $1500 (before taxes) per fortnight for every employee to cover wages.
The backlash Harvey Norman received — which included boycotts in several states — eventually led to a $6 million repayment of government subsidies in August.
For Levine though, the decision might have come too late.
‘Will this concession prove too little too late for Harvey Norman to rebuild the trust they have lost during this period?’ she asked.
ChannelNews also noted that the polls were conducted before June, which excluded the retailer’s scandal on false advertising from coverage.
While Harvey Norman languishes at the bottom of the polls, other brands have cause for celebration.
Grocery store chains were among Aussies’ most trusted brands in the survey, with Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings Warehouse, ALDI, Kmart, Myer, and BIG W landing in the top ten.
‘These businesses have been essential outlets for millions of Australians over the last 18 months and the latest lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra will again emphasise their importance to many.’ Levine said.
Grocery store chains dominated Roy Morgan’s list of Aussies’ ‘Most Trusted Brands’. Credit: Woolworths/Coles/Aldi
‘The other big winners during the (polling period) were department stores including Kmart, Myer, BIG W and Target. All four lifted their rankings with Myer and BIG W entering the top 10 most trusted brands as many retailers enjoyed record sales, with Australians prevented from travelling and enjoying live entertainment such as sport, music, theatre and the like redirecting their spending into the retail industry.’
Other trusted brands in the top ten included flag carrier Qantas, vehicle manufacturer Toyota, and insurance provider NRMA.
Last June, ALDI also earned the distinction of being Australia’s ‘Supermarket of the Year’ for the second year in a row in another Roy Morgan poll.
Are you surprised by Harvey Norman’s standing? Do you agree that they are among Australia’s most untrustworthy industry names? Do you shop there?
Do share your reactions and opinions to this story below!
Source: 7News Australia
The company offers a wide range of products, from electronics and appliances to furniture and homewares.
Recently, however, Harvey Norman has found itself among the ranks of Australia's most distrusted brands.
This is according to survey firm Roy Morgan's latest Risk Monitor survey where they map out industry names that enjoy the public’s trust — and those that don’t.
Harvey Norman, according to a ChannelNews report, was in the bottom rung of the poll along with online marketplace Amazon, search engine giant Google, social networking site Twitter, and hotel chain Crown Resorts.
Why you may ask?
‘Harvey Norman has been widely criticised this year for vowing to keep the $22 million in JobKeeper wage subsidies it received as part of the Government’s economic support despite recording a record profit before tax of $1.18 billion for the (fiscal) year ended June 30, 2021 – an increase of $521 million from a year ago.’ explains Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
The retailer figured in headlines in the past months for all the wrong reasons. Credit: ChannelNews
The Australian Government’s payment scheme saw businesses getting paid as much as $1500 (before taxes) per fortnight for every employee to cover wages.
The backlash Harvey Norman received — which included boycotts in several states — eventually led to a $6 million repayment of government subsidies in August.
For Levine though, the decision might have come too late.
‘Will this concession prove too little too late for Harvey Norman to rebuild the trust they have lost during this period?’ she asked.
ChannelNews also noted that the polls were conducted before June, which excluded the retailer’s scandal on false advertising from coverage.
While Harvey Norman languishes at the bottom of the polls, other brands have cause for celebration.
Grocery store chains were among Aussies’ most trusted brands in the survey, with Woolworths, Coles, Bunnings Warehouse, ALDI, Kmart, Myer, and BIG W landing in the top ten.
‘These businesses have been essential outlets for millions of Australians over the last 18 months and the latest lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra will again emphasise their importance to many.’ Levine said.
Grocery store chains dominated Roy Morgan’s list of Aussies’ ‘Most Trusted Brands’. Credit: Woolworths/Coles/Aldi
‘The other big winners during the (polling period) were department stores including Kmart, Myer, BIG W and Target. All four lifted their rankings with Myer and BIG W entering the top 10 most trusted brands as many retailers enjoyed record sales, with Australians prevented from travelling and enjoying live entertainment such as sport, music, theatre and the like redirecting their spending into the retail industry.’
Other trusted brands in the top ten included flag carrier Qantas, vehicle manufacturer Toyota, and insurance provider NRMA.
Are you surprised by Harvey Norman’s standing? Do you agree that they are among Australia’s most untrustworthy industry names? Do you shop there?
Do share your reactions and opinions to this story below!
Source: 7News Australia
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