Get mall specials, updates via free smartphone app

A new free smartphone app allows users to view specials, as they enter a shopping mall. The app, developed and launched by South African company DialMedia, runs silently in the background without causing inconvenience or negatively affecting the battery performance. 10 Feb 2012 11:42

Direct marketing in the context of privacy regulation

[Nick Altini] The ever-growing volume of consumer complaints relating to unsolicited and unwanted commercial messages seems to be having a legislative effect, as the issue of privacy and the right to reject and not receive unsolicited commercial messages is a theme in existing pieces of legislation and in the draft Protection of Personal Information (PPI) law. 9 Feb 2012 11:34

Global consumer confidence increases 1 point in Q4 2011

NEW YORK, US: Global consumer confidence increased one index point last quarter to 89, while Europe led confidence declines in 24 of the region's 27 measured markets, according to fourth quarter 2011 global consumer confidence findings from Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy. 8 Feb 2012 12:14

Customer conversations essential

In terms of retail, the information revolution has far-reaching consequences and brands owners are confused as to where to direct the focus of their marketing efforts. "In order to connect and relate to our audience today, we need to know where to start the conversation," says Stephen Beattie, marketing manager of Pyrotec, a leading privately owned South African company specialising in innovative product identification solutions. 7 Feb 2012 13:11

Simba launches high value competition

Wednesday, 1 February 2012, saw the launch of the Great Simba House Hunt Campaign that will see three South Africans each win a house valued at R1 million and 657 700 product fans will win instant airtime prizes valued between R5 and R500 each, totalling R5.5 million worth of airtime. 3 Feb 2012 12:24

2012 Tabbie Awards open for nominations

CLEVELAND, US: The 2012 Tabbies call for entries is now available at the TABPI website, allowing all B2B magazine editors, publishers and art directors the opportunity to have their best work judged by their peers. Tabbies' partners include South Africa's SAFREA, and MPASA. [video] 26 Jan 2012 11:40

[2012 trends] Back to school for marketers on teen basics

[Cathryn Treasure] It's back to basics for marketers on teen marketing - between all the talk about millennials and the born-digital, marketers have been swept up in a wave that makes it easy to forget the fundamentals. Here are several that marketers need to keep in mind when talking with today's teens (age range 11-19), regardless of what channel you choose to use. 25 Jan 2012 12:23

[2012 trends] Exciting period for marketing research in SA

[Craig Kolb] We are in the middle of an exciting period in the marketing research industry, with a number of major shifts taking place that affect how research is done. The web in particular has led to multiple developments which threaten to topple the cherished technologies and techniques that have dominated the last two decades. 17 Jan 2012 14:29

Massmart-Walmart starts 2012 with extended price cuts

Following two highly successful promotions that have saved consumers over R100 million, Massmart and Walmart have started 2012 with another extended price cut promotion, providing much needed relief for consumers after the festive season. 6 Jan 2012 11:50

Retail rewind - a year in review 2011

[Zeenat Moorad] The approval of the Wal-Mart/Massmart deal will go down as the highlight of the retail sector in 2011. 6 Jan 2012 08:19

Managing your online brand in the world's best & worst marketplace

[Jeff Beals] "Had a very long day today. Got into an argument with my boss and a client. All I want to do is drink a glass of wine and take it easy, but I have to do laundry tonight. Arrrgh!" This is the text of a post I once read on a friend's Facebook page. She was clearly frustrated after a tough day at the office. 4 Jan 2012 09:14

Bernadette Homor AdMarula's new head of affiliates

AdMarula has appointed Bernadette Homor from Media Digital Agency, as its new head of affiliates. Homor has spent several years abroad where she held affiliate manager positions at Betfair, Expekt.com and Netrefer, before returning to South Africa in 2010. 3 Jan 2012 09:52

The hard-and-fast rules of mobile engagement

[Staff Reporter] Are smartphones the most capable, and powerful engagement tools in existence? Mobile marketers should consider integrating their applications with the mobile web in order to gather real-time information based on a "per user-level". 3 Jan 2012 09:24