[2013 trends] Time of choices, decisions for strategic marketing management

[Darren Woolley] Last year was certainly an economic roller-coaster ride. In 2013, marketers will need to look through the uncertainty and make some longer-term plans, as well as choices and decisions, on how they will steer their brands forward. So here are some of the decisions and choices to be made in 2013, in no particular order... 14 Jan 2013 14:14

E-commerce forecast for 2013

What 2012's stats tell us about trends for online shopping in the New Year... How consumers' confidence and trust in e-commerce is growing, and how reviews are the coming wave. 11 Jan 2013 05:37

Take advantage of these hot marketing trends in 2013

[Subhash Chandra] NOIDA (UP), INDIA: Unlike the traditional forms of marketing such as advertising, wherein almost everything has been said and done, search marketing is still dynamically growing and best practices are invented day in and day out. Every year, search engine marketers get filled with anticipation wondering what would emerge as the "next big thing" in search marketing. 9 Jan 2013 05:50

Drinks that will shiver your timbers in 2013

As we emerge from the maddening festive season revelry, scathed or unscathed, there must be many among us still battling to shake off king-size hangovers and barely hanging in there with a drink or two to remove the cobwebs. Having exorcised the goofy-eyed state, we might well ask the question - what will everyone be drinking this year? 8 Jan 2013 15:11

2013 at a glance: Five crucial consumer trends business leaders should know

[*David Mattin and Saint-Francis Tohlang] LONDON, UK / JOHANNESBURG, SA: Turbulent times were predicted on the back end of 2012. The ANC Mangaung conference precipitated very little stormy seas other than an anti-climactic conclusion. The Mayan apocalypse materialised into nothing but an ordinary day. In fact with so many forecasts for change and a chasm of chaos, one may tend to be a bit sceptical with further predictions of change. 8 Jan 2013 07:55

Bizcommunity.com

2012 Most Popular lists for Bizcommunity Retail

[Issued by Bizcommunity.com] Here they are, Bizcommunity.com Retail's 2012 lists of most popular articles and those that drew the most comment. 7 Jan 2013 12:45

SA's 'bean-counters' more upbeat than global peers

[Evan Pickworth] Up to 90% of South Africa's chief financial officers in mid-sized companies have high expectations for future revenue growth from their international operations‚ according to BDO's third Global Ambition survey. 12 Dec 2012 09:15

Boost website performance and retain customers

Riverbed study reveals online retailers need to increase website performance during holiday season to retain customers. 9 Dec 2012 16:41

BrandHunter launches in South Africa

On 4 December 2012, the soft launch of the private sale club, BrandHunter, took place at African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape Town. The club offers members exclusive men's and ladies' apparel, jewellery, accessories and electronic gadgets at discounted prices via a monthly flash sale. 5 Dec 2012 16:03

SACSC festive season predictions

Adding to the festive season retail predictions, the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) forecasts that, while retail trade sales growth will comfortably outpace inflation in December 2012, it is unlikely to reach the extraordinary peaks of last year's festive shopping month. 30 Nov 2012 09:50

Using game theory in retailing

It may sound strange that Deloitte is advising retailers to start playing games, but it sees great opportunities for retailers to engage with consumers using elements of game theory (gamification). 30 Nov 2012 09:42

Research uncovers trends in African consumer spending

New research reveals that the African consumer is increasingly powerful, selective and differentiated. Commissioned by All Seasons Capital Management and conducted by NKC Independent Economists, the research identifies clear trends in Africa's consumer spending on services, basic and luxury goods and alcohol through 2050 and related investment opportunities. 27 Nov 2012 14:32

Macy's taps into the Millennial generation

In spring 2012, Macy's department stores and online retailer Macys.com announced its mission to restructure internally and market toward the Millennial generation. According to the retailer, its goal is to attract and retain Millennial customers who are "now America's largest and most diverse age demographic with spending estimated at $65 billion each year," on merchandise similar to what Macy's sells. 15 Nov 2012 06:43

Vehicle sales stay strong in October

[Alistair Anderson] New vehicle sales in October rose 10.5% compared with a year earlier. It was the strongest month of the year so far‚ with 57‚845 vehicles being sold. 9 Nov 2012 08:55