This week we bring you two exclusive interviews with promising South African business owners. First up is Sibusiso Ngwenya, the young and driven founder and head designer of premium sock brand Skinny Sbu Socks. Read about how he bootstrapped his business with just R70 and the will to become Africa's answer to Tom Ford.
Next up we have Daniella Shapiro, a seasoned marketer who saw a gap in the local market for affordable ethical beauty products that live up to their claims. Oolala Collection Club was born, a locally produced 'clean' beauty brand that's unisex, vegan and 100% cruelty-free.
In other top news, the latest Mastercard SpendingPulse report shows moderate growth in consumer spending. SA consumers benefitted from lower inflation in February as the rand strengthened but general dealer sales continue to underperform.
The Competition Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of Billabong International Limited by global branded apparel business Boardriders Inc., the Australian business that owns and operates brands Quiksilver, Roxy and DC.
Clicks Group will be investing over R700 million in new stores, pharmacies, store refurbishments, supply chain infrastructure and IT this year. The chain opened 24 stores in the past six months and expanded its store footprint to 646, with plans to grow its South African store base to 900 in the longer-term.
And WiGroup's Nicholas Bednall provides insight into the role of mobile in building brand loyalty.
All that and more... enjoy!
Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com
