There are few sounds I like more than that of the petrol price dropping. And we're in luck this week - so go easy on your gas pedal until Wednesday and you'll get 89c p/l off when next you fill your tank. In brand news this past week, Transnet appointed its new CFO and ventured into the international debt market; Famous Brands picked up a controlling share of Java Lava; CNA enabled online shopping via its website; and there are rumours about a transaction between Gresham Private Equity and Woolie's Aussie subsidiary, Country Road, but the retailer is keeping mum on that. Research this week tells us that consumers have become harder to please and prefer mobile internet. Indices point to a drop in the Kagiso PMI, while the PPI has remained stable. If you have some money to throw around (ok, a lot of money, as in fourth holiday house money) and are looking to indulge yourself, an Australian winery has released 12 bottles of a rare Cabernet Sauvignon at Aus$168 000 (almost R1.4 million) a pop. And just to make sure you don't decide to crack it open on a whim after a night of hitting the cheap stuff, these hand blown glass ampoules can only be opened by a specially-trained wine expert who will travel to wherever you are for the momentous occasion. It's not said whether the airfare is included in the price tag, but one would expect it. Although, if you have that kind of cash to blow on a bottle of wine, you probably have a private learjet parked in the garage. Have a wonderful week, folks!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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