The competitive hook - 27 Jan 2014[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Major retailers have been let off the hook, as the Competition Commission issued a notice of non-referral on Friday, following an investigation into long-term supermarket lease agreements. Meanwhile, the Competition Tribunal last week heard arguments from the Commission and merging parties Foodcorp and Oceana about the terms of sale of Foodcorp's fishing business. read more Sales and solutions - 20 Jan 2014[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Statistics SA posted November's retail trade sales data last week, and while the figures look pretty perky, economists don't expect these levels to be sustainable. Retailers confirmed this with the release of their individual Christmas sales figures. read more The Salticrax month - 13 Jan 2014[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With some of us (myself included) taking a little extra time out and only stepping back into the office today, let's see what the first full week of the New Year had in store for us... Car sales struggled through December and annual export sales did not reach expectations. Retail stocks are also feeling the strain of tightened consumer spending. On the shelves, the Agricultural Product Standards Act is now prohibiting the sale of immature avocados. January feels like a particularly long month, financially speaking, and as a friend of mine so aptly dubbed it, "the Salticrax month". read more Here’s to a great 2014 - 7 Jan 2014[Rod Baker, Content Director] 2013 ended sadly, with Madiba's passing, but that means that we can now go into 2014 with the hope that this year will be better than the last. We in the media have the Protection of State Information Bill hanging over us; Jacob Zuma has only to sign it into law, but that in itself will, we're sure, provide for some very interesting times this year and possibly into the future, because it is almost certain that the law will be challenged, right up to the Constitutional Court. South Africa is fortunate in having a vibrant and independent media (apart from some notable exceptions) and that should ensure that any government hoping to hide the truth will face a long, hard battle. So let's head into 2014 in a positive frame of mind - even if in years to come, some may look back on them as "the bad old days". Today sees the first of our newsletters for 2014 and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all... read more Go four[teen]th and prosper! - 17 Dec 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Well, here it is folks. The final Bizcommunity retail newsletter for the year. read more The genuine article - 9 Dec 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] From art to coins to clothing, if you're looking for Mandela memorabilia, there's certainly no shortage. However, when purchasing items such as collectors' coins or artwork, be aware that there is any number of counterfeits out there. read more Black Friday fever - 2 Dec 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Ah, December is here and the holiday season sales started in earnest last week, with local online retailers catching the USA's Black Friday fever as early as Tuesday. From item discounts to store discount coupons, my inbox was overflowing. read more Time is a tickin' - 25 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] I'm not entirely sure where the time went, but there's officially only one month of shopping days left before the festivities come to a head. read more Sales away - 18 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With September retail sales looking rather dismal, and October cash withdrawals similarly slow, retailers should be even more conscious of what they're doing with their festive season windfalls. SA's mobile handset market has some new competition in the form of Karbonn Mobiles, and Bevan Ducasse has three important lessons for mobile marketers. On a sombre note, Spar CEO Wayne Hook will be retiring in January, as his wife has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. read more Going beyond retail - 11 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] The inaugural World Retail Congress Africa took place in Sandton last week, where the limited infrastructure and access to rural communities was highlighted as a key challenge of retailing in Africa. It was, however, pointed out that one of the continent's biggest advantages is its young population. read more Get a little, give a little - 4 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] It's been a few months since I've been able to whinge about the petrol price. Although, I am glad to say that this month is no different, as the price per litre will be dropping by another 28c this Wednesday. The start of November edges us a little closer to the festive season, and while it's only been a week since I brought it up, just the word "November" sends that extra shiver of "I have to start shopping!" panic through me. read more 'Tis the season for security - 28 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With less than two months to go till Christmas, the festive madness is kicking into high gear. Ian Steyn advises that technology will give retailers the edge this holiday season. Peter Harvey outlines the differences retailers need to consider when launching into the African e-commerce market. read more All a-hum over design - 21 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] If you haven't seen it on Facebook by now, where have you been? Cape Town artist, Euodia Roets has accused Woolworths of copying a design she originally submitted to them after the company approached her for some working samples. Woolies subsequently decided not to go ahead with producing her work on its cushion collection, but the designer now claims that her design has been used after all, although she goes as far as to admit the design has been "adapted". read more Adapt, connect, win - 14 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] As e-commerce continues to grow amongst SA consumers, retailers need to improve and enhance their supply chains in order to keep up with demand, Kate Stubbs tell us this week. Meanwhile, Turkey's electronic industry is looking to connect with SA partners - see here for more information. A big congratulations to those winners of the 2013 Veritas Awards and the first Crowne Plaza Sleepwear Design Competition, and of course, to Shoprite Checkers' newest Boerewors Champion! Have a great week! read more What's your personality? - 7 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Do you know what your online shopping persona is? MasterCard has released the results of its new global study that looks at how consumers portray themselves online. It also gives you the opportunity to take the test and find out which category you fall into. Along the line of online shopper behaviour, BMi Research has noted that the 'spy before buy' trend is on the rise. Finally, we're going for a new look, so thanks to all who gave feedback during our client reader survey. read more |
