Chilly bites of things to come - 8 Apr 2013

The days are noticeably shorter and there's a cheeky chill in the air. It's hard to believe that we're already a quarter-way through the year and winter is looming on the horizon. But there's enough going on to keep our minds from lamenting too long over the disappearance of garish floral-wear from the top of the wardrobe pile (and to be sure, there'll be a few more days that smack of summer so don't pack away those flip-flops just yet).

This week, Aegis Media Thought Leadership Digibates goes global; Source Africa (textile, apparel and footwear trade event) opens at the CTICC tomorrow; Oz's Junior MasterChef twins are heading for the Good Food and Wine Show this May; the Nedbank CWG Auction showcase will be arriving in Cape Town and Joburg in August; and entry to the SAB KickStart 2013/2014 competition is officially open!

Manny Nichas, CEO of Ocean Basket, talks us through the benefits of franchising; while Carolyn White gives us the skinny on seven new shopper marketing trends.

Broll's 2013 property report indicates commercial property may be feeling the pressure this year and art lovers should be aware there's an 'art' to investing in paintings. And finally, kudos to PriceCheck, which has been selected as one of only three finalists for the International BlackBerry App of the Year.

Stay warm!