In an era of rising living costs and shifting consumer priorities, one Australian company is rewriting the rules of technology retail. Harris Technology (ASX: HT8) has reinvented itself from a traditional IT supplier into a refurbished tech leader, climbing to the top of Amazon Australia’s refurbished IT rankings in under two years.
With Australians increasingly hunting for value without compromising on quality, the company’s strategic pivot into refurbished technology could prove its ticket to profitability in FY26.
A turnaround year
FY25 was a year of deliberate reset. Harris Technology’s revenue slipped 17% to $13.8 million as it wound back low-margin new IT products and low value household lines. Beneath the softer topline, however, momentum was building.
Refurbished technology sales surged, topping $1 million in both Q3 and Q4. Gross profit rose 2% year-on-year to $5 million, even as volumes fell. The bigger story lay in margins: gross margin jumped from 15.5% in FY23 to 35.8% in FY25, reflecting the profitability of the refurbished category.
Why refurbished is winning
The refurbished electronics market is booming as Australians seek affordable, sustainable alternatives to brand-new devices. Buying refurbished from a long established retailer such as Harris Technology offers consumers both cost savings and peace of mind.
CEO Garrison Huang says the trend is here to stay.
“Australians are demanding value and sustainability. Our refurbished tech business delivers both. It’s affordable, it’s reliable, and it’s better for the planet. That combination is powerful.”
The company has been able to scale rapidly thanks to long-standing supply chain relationships, reseller accreditation, and marketplace credibility—without heavy capital outlay. Its tight focus on high-demand, high-margin products helped it climb to the top of Amazon Australia’s refurbished Tech category within just 18 months.
Path to profitability
Harris Technology still reported a net loss of $1.0 million in FY25, though that was a significant improvement on the $1.4 million loss a year earlier. With $1.9 million in cash and an undrawn $6 million finance facility, the company enters FY26 with renewed financial firepower.
“We are pleased with the rapid growth of our refurbished tech division, which has helped us navigate challenging retail conditions,” Huang said.
“While profitability remains a near-term goal, the division is still in its early stages and offers substantial upside. With a streamlined portfolio, strong category momentum, and renewed financial strength, Harris Technology is well-positioned for sustainable growth in FY26.”
Ahead of the curve
As cost-conscious Australians increasingly turn to refurbished electronics, Harris Technology’s early move into the sector has given it a strong head start. Agility in supply, a laser focus on quality, and a marketplace leadership position have set the company apart in one of the fastest-growing corners of consumer tech.
Emily Maxwell is a business writer at The Sentiment with interest in the tech, fintech and retail industries.
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