Websites contribute 20% to SME success

According to the 2012 edition of the annual SME Survey, which focuses on assessing the factors behind SME competitiveness, one out of every five small and medium enterprises in South Africa would not be able to survive if they did not have a website. 27 Jan 2012 11:40

Emerging markets switch on to gadgets

Consumers in South Africa and other emerging economies continued to be the key drivers and purchasers of consumer electronic goods last year, a study by Accenture has found. 23 Jan 2012 12:22

Retail industry forecast of 4.5% growth

Prof DH Tustin, executive research director of the Bureau of Market Research (BMR) has compiled a forecast of economic indicators and formal retail sales, by product group, for 2012. The report forecasts an annual growth of 4.5% for formal retail sales in 2012. Retail trade projections are expected to be moderate, as higher retail inflation will erode the purchasing power of consumers, should economic growth in particular lose momentum. 23 Jan 2012 11:16

First of the Product of the Year 2012 winners

Product of the Year, one of the world's largest consumer-voted awards for product innovation, currently operates in 28 countries and aims to guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers and innovation. Two of the South African winners have announced their triumphs - Dr Robert Rey Sensual Solutions and Twinsaver. 20 Jan 2012 12:57

Construction activity increases in 4Q11

In reviewing the 4Q11, the FNB/BER survey showed that the recovery in civil construction gained traction, with activity recording its biggest improvement in 1½ years. However, tendering competition remained fierce due to the scarcity of work and profitability continued to be under pressure. 19 Jan 2012 13:20

November retail trade sales increase y/y

Measured at constant (2008) prices, retail trade sales increased by 6.8% year-on-year (y/y) in November 2011, Statistics SA reported Wednesday, 18 January. However, seasonally adjusted retail trade sales decreased by 0.3% in November 2011 compared with October 2011. This followed month-on-month changes of 0.7% in October 2011 and 1.5% in September 2011. 18 Jan 2012 14:24

CPI remains at 6.1% in Dec

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained at 6.1% in December, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Wednesday, 18 January. 18 Jan 2012 13:58

[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

Shopping centre rental growth mixed

[Thabang Mokopanele] Larger and dominant shopping centres are expected to perform better than smaller ones in rental growth this year, with smaller centres likely to struggle to achieve rental growth. 16 Jan 2012 13:50

November retail trade growth seen at 7.0%

[Zeenat Moorad] Growth in SA's retail trade sales at constant (2008) prices for November is expected to lose a bit of momentum and clock in at 7.0% year on year (y/y), from a y/y growth of 7.4% in October, according to a survey of leading economists by I-Net Bridge. 16 Jan 2012 13:07

SME Survey 2012: Small businesses recognise the value of a website

According to Arthur Goldstuck, principal researcher of the annual SME Survey, a unique study that assesses the competitiveness of this sector of the South African economy, South African SMEs are taking the importance of an online presence to heart. 11 Jan 2012 10:15

SA crude steel production falls 13.7%

South African crude steel production fell 13.7% year on year in November to an estimated 550 000 metric tons, latest figures from the World Steel Association reveal. 6 Jan 2012 07:25

FNB sees flat commercial property market in 2012

The signs of economic weakness and rising vacancies point to a flat commercial property market in 2012. 5 Jan 2012 09:57

'Per capita spending bolsters trading performance'

[Zeenat Moorad] Despite an on-going drop in the number of shoppers frequenting shopping centres, the per capita spending pattern continues to bolster and support the trading performance of centres in general, according to a report released by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and Investment Property Databank (IPD). 30 Dec 2011 07:56