In our top story this week, online retail juggernauts Spree and Superbalist announced they will be merging to form a single, focused fashion platform. The new venture will be held 51% by Media24, Spree's current shareholders, while Takealot Group will own 49% of the venture.
The annual Manufacturing Indaba took place in Sandton last week, and Danette Breitenbach reports on how the manufacturing sector is key to uplifting the SA economy, and on the South African launch of the global Factory of the Year benchmarking competition. More coverage on #MFGIndaba this coming week.
In other news, South African kitchen and homeware store Yuppiechef has announced the opening of its second physical store, and we take a look inside Ocado's automated warehouse in England, where more than 1,000 robots navigate around a three-storey-high aluminium grid packing groceries for online shoppers.
I also interview serial entrepreneur Inge Peacock, the founder and MD of online haircare retailer GlamIt, about her passion for running businesses that help people look and feel their best.
While in must-read thought leadership, Bronwyn Williams from Flux Trends details why experiential retail is more than just entertainment, and Juanita Vorster shares why you're probably going about your customer experience strategy the wrong way.
Until next week, enjoy!
Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com
