Bright side of the gloom - 11 Feb 2013[Shan Radcliffe] While the global economy is still looking rather gloomy (cash withdrawals declined in January and the manufacturing sector posted disappointing stats...), there's always a bright side to every dark moon... Investors and exporters are being encouraged to take advantage of the weak rand; while the weaker yen could be a prospect for local exporters. read more (1 Comment) Becoming a lovemark - 4 Feb 2013[Shan Radcliffe] We're one month into the new year - are you feeling the love yet? If not, perhaps you're missing the trend mark... The last in the 2013 Bizcommunity trends series was run last week - check them out here. Besides the chocolate hearts, red banners and flower-bearing bears all vying for top spot in consumers' minds this Valentine's Day, how do you stay top-of-mind in consumers' hearts year-round? This week, Jason Frichol gives us some advice on how to go from point-of-purchase to point-of-behaviour displays. With more useful advice, Jonathan Novotny tells us how to design a successful online store, and Shantel Bassanna explains why experiential marketing works. In other news, Pick n Pay's new CEO has decided to get a head start on the job; Unilever is footing a billion rand investment for a new local manufacturing facility; and online shopping site Takealot.com is taking a majority interest in Mr D. And just to show you how much we love you this Valentine's Day, we at Biz have R5000 up for grabs for one lucky reader. read more Interest in plastic payments trending - 28 Jan 2013[Shan Radcliffe] Homeowners can once again rest easy for another two months, as the MPC last week decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5%, therefore keeping interest rate at 8.5%. This bodes well for market confidence, says Andrew Golding of Pam Golding Property. A survey from Visa last week shows that debit cards are threatening to overthrow cash as king, as more people opt to pay for their everyday purchases with plastic. read more Trade and trends - 21 Jan 2013[Shan Radcliffe] Three weeks into January and the odd Valentine's Day gift, along with Easter eggs, adorn supermarket shelves. (More the latter than the former, mind you. read more Let's get trendy - 14 Jan 2013[Shan Radcliffe] Unless you're one of those lucky few still lolling about on an extended vacation (or at school on the coast), we're back to work in earnest. And you know what that means at Bizcommunity? It's trend time! Today Darren Woolley puts forward some choices and decisions marketers should be making in 2013. read more Lucky 13 - 7 Jan 2013[Shan Radcliffe] As the New Year was rung in with many a Facebook post declaring hatred for 2012 and high expectations for 2013, I gave pause to reflect on the past year. While 2012 certainly had its fair share of trying and atrocious moments, these are not the first things that spring to mind when I think back. read more So long and thanks for all the fish... er, support! - 18 Dec 2012[Shan Radcliffe] It seems as though this year has rushed by us faster than Santa's sleigh making its annual deliveries. While some will lament the good memories and others will look forward to putting another tough year behind them, I hope we've all grown and learned a little more these past 12 months. As today sees our last newsletters for the year, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you - our 42484 subscribers - for all your continued support. read more Winding up or counting down? - 10 Dec 2012[Shan Radcliffe] As we slide into the last few weeks of 2012 and business winds down for the year, as usual, the retail contingent are running full throttle for the busy season. read more Strategies to survive the silly season - 3 Dec 2012[Shan Radcliffe] With the silly season in full swing, we have a few tips for retailers on how they can maximise sales during the festive rush. With belts still rather tight, customers are on the look-out for value and promotions; research, however, has shown the African consumer is increasingly selective. read more Let the madness commerce - 26 Nov 2012[Shan Radcliffe] Festive madness is already well underway with more international retailers entering the local fray - Topshop opens in Sandton - and locals expanding their offerings: Takealot.com launches a sports store; HiFi Corp opens in Zambia; Nashua Mobile partners with Look & Listen; and DionWired goes virtual. Even Famous Brands bought itself a gift today - the franchise agreements, trademarks and IP of Europa and Fego Caffé. Last week, John Bowles told us which are the best days to advertise, Thomas Oosthuizen looked at the development of iconic brands, and today, Laurence Hillman gives us advice on how to avoid buyer's remorse. And on that note, have spectacular week! read more The winning spirit - 19 Nov 2012[Shan Radcliffe] The festive season is coming up hard and fast, so if you're still struggling for ideas on what to buy your loved ones, check out Kalahari.com's annual online shopping survey, as voted for by you, the connected public. In business this past week, Rainbow Chickens announced its intention to buy a majority sharehold in Foodcorp. The Dipula Income Fund purchased three retail properties to the tune of R268 million. read more Much ado about burgers and bread rolls - 12 Nov 2012[Shan Radcliffe] The hot topic in the fast food industry this last week has been the announcement of Burger King's impending arrival on local shores. read more Cash in, cash out - 5 Nov 2012[Shan Radcliffe] Just when I think we couldn't be surprised, the Department of Energy decides to offer minimal reprieve to petrol users, whilst hiking the price for diesel drinkers. Diesel will go up by a maximum of 10.2 cents come Wednesday, with petrol dropping by 10 cents a litre. read more It's the festive countdown...! - 29 Oct 2012[Shan Radcliffe] Decorations are going up and the clock is counting down: there are just over 55 shopping days left till Christmas. Lephalale Mall and Keya Rona both plan to have their doors open in time for the festive season rush, while the Mall @ Scottsville launched its new look to shoppers this past weekend. read more On a winning streak - 22 Oct 2012[Shan Radcliffe] Amidst a wide range of forecasts for August's retail sales stats (some as low as 2.4% and others at 5.9%, with the average being 4.6%), trade at constant prices surprised all and came in at 6.4% year-on-year. However, on releasing its diluted HEPS, Clicks maintains consumers are still under pressure. In wine country, SA scores its fair share at the IWSC 2012, while Nigeria gets a taste of our local wines first hand, and Obikwa is capped as SA's Best Value Chardonnay in the US. The Times Sowetan have released the results of the country's favourite retailers, with Shoprite taking pride of place once again this year. read more |
