What an exciting week for retail as Leigh Andrews and I wrap up our coverage of the CEM Africa Summit with some key take-outs, such as Prelini Udayan-Chiechi from Bazaarvoice - a network that connects brands and retailers to the authentic voices of people where they shop - on consumer-generated content and the new consumer economy, and a panel discussion on how to keep your customers happy. Chris Moeryk says South African retailers are missing massive profit opportunities in this regard. DHL's Fatima Sullivan is on the same page. In her article, she says, "Customers know what they want, and how they want it." See her comments on the recently released Walker report titled Customers 2020.
James White explains why now is a great time to get into e-commerce. As is Suzelle DIY, whose items are now for sale on Gumtree, the proceeds of which will be donated to Rock Girl.
I was fortunate enough to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town 2015. Highlights were definitely David Tlale's launch of his untraditional bridal collection and the ever-impressive finale of KLûK CGDT's Artisan range in collaboration with Levi's and nine photographers and videographer Roice Nel who documented the project in a series of fashion films. On another note, The Platinum Group, which owns clothing brands Aca Joe, Hilton Weiner and Jenni Button, has been placed under liquidation.
With the PMA Fresh Connections conference taking place next week, I thought I'd get a head start by interviewing former Sainsbury's CEO Justin King on the 'retail revolution'. The PMA is giving away two delegate tickets to our readers, valued at R4,880 each. See competition details below the article...
