Retail South Africa weekly newsletter - 17 Jun 2014

Weekly top stories

Woolies shareholders approve proposed David Jones acquisition

Woolworths (WHL) shareholders have approved the proposed acquisition of David Jones‚ the Australian department store retailer.

Hunters want shops to keep game meat

Low-priced game meat sold in the supermarket alongside beef and chicken could soon become a reality if South African game hunters have their way.

Food eVangelists take the cake

[Issued by BMi Research]

Recent revelations about the growing power and reach of 'Food eVangelists' - consumers around the world who critique products, share opinions and influence others - illustrate how vital it is that the food industry listens and responds to the voice of these potent agents of change.

Mall developments show no sign of a slowdown

Alistair Anderson

As long as malls keep performing, developers will keep on building them, Emira Property Fund CEO James Templeton said on the sidelines of the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) conference earlier this week.

Three strategies for successful businesses

Jan de Beer

Even if entrepreneurs feel they have what it takes to make a business out of their talents, not everyone will be able to quit their day job, walk into a business arrangement and make it successful. So what are the predicting factors that can lead to a business making or breaking the bank?

Exporters report higher profits that domestically focused counterparts

Regus has released its annual South African exporter survey, which finds that more South African exporting businesses report growth in revenues or profits than companies focusing on solely domestic trade.

Cradlestone Mall earns global recognition

Cradlestone Mall was named the winner in the Commercial section of the 9th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy awards that took place in Berlin on Friday 6 June 2014. The project was one of 87 projects entered into the global awards from 33 countries across the world, part of one of the largest competitions of its kind.

International, local line-up for E-commerce Conference

The annual South African E-commerce Conference will be held on 4 September 2014 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. Organisers, uAfrica.com, have announced the speaker line-up, which include international and local experts who will offer delegates a menu of e-commerce experience, insight, expertise and wisdom.

Retail 'therapy' not a good idea for debt-strapped consumers

In today's fast-paced life, consumers often reward themselves by buying something nice and, according to a recent AMPS 2013 study, 32% of South African adults say they shop for pleasure at least once a month and 72% of South African adults think the statement 'it is worth paying a higher price for a well-known brand' is true or very true.

Bidvest Steiner acquires Sanicorp

Bidvest Steiner has made its first acquisition in 56 years with the merger of Sanicorp into its group operations, acquiring its customer base and its movable and immovable assets. Sanicorp was in need of systems modernisation and access to expertise, products and services.

New Simba factory in KwaZulu-Natal

Snack manufacturer, Simba, a subsidiary of PepsiCo Inc, has launched its third South African manufacturing facility in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal. Described as a world-class manufacturing facility, employing the latest technologies, it will enable the company to meet the increasing demand for its Lays and Simba potato chip products.

African markets could boost South African food value chains

The prices of essential goods and services are escalating at a higher rate than consumers are earning, which results in decreased consumer spending power and a negative impact on the retail and food processing sector, as well as farmers.

Amazon launches streaming 'Prime Music' service

KAP sells footwear interests

In-Store Sales Consultant - Johannesburg

Store Manager - Cape Town

Area/Senior Area Manager - Durban