In top retail news this week, Exclusive Books has appointed Grattan Kirk as its new CEO. Kirk steps into the role previously held by the Benjamin Trisk, who parted ways with the bookseller in April.
Nestlé announced a reorganisation of its business in sub-Saharan Africa and the closure of its regional head office in Nairobi, Kenya. The reason for the restructuring is to "ensure its sub-Saharan Africa business continues on a healthy growth path".
Meanwhile, in the U.S., De Beers Group announced the launch of a new company, called Lightbox Jewelry, that will begin marketing a new brand of lab-grown diamond jewellery in September. The new gems will retail from $200 for a quarter-carat stone to $800 for a one-carat stone - a fraction of the price of mined diamonds.
In other must-reads, Broll Property Group's latest research paper unpacks how technology is transforming the way we shop. Think 'endless aisle shopping', warehouse robots and self-driving grocery stores!
Finishing off on a light note, a round-up my favourite new food and beverage products can be found in my #FreshOnTheShelf column. Read up on Prohibition-style gin, gluten-free craft vodka, mug cakes and flavour-infused beets.
Till next time. Enjoy!
Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com
