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Retail

On the plus side...

Last week brought a pleasant surprise to economists as retail trades sales for February rose an unexpected 4.2%, while food and beverage income was up 5% for the same month, it was announced today.

Local restaurants are making strides north of our border with Maxi's having opened its first stores in Botswana, and Spur opening its first franchise in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Broll Retail Consumer Survey reports that muted growth is expected for the retail sector, but that won't be stopping retailers from going ahead with expansion plans.

With research revealing that smartphones are often the path to purchase, it's no wonder that entrepreneurs and e-commerce are a smart match.

And finally, Nicolette Singh explains why personalisation is a personal touch...

Have a fabulous week!

Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)
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Weekly top stories
Food and beverages industry income up 5% y/y in February

Total income generated by the food and beverages industry in SA increased in nominal terms (current prices) by 5% year on year (y/y) in February‚ data from Statistics SA showed today...

Read more >>



Your brand is more than a hashtag

Gordon Geldenhuys

One of the most important things to get right in your social media monitoring strategy is to track the correct keywords in order to get a clear picture of social sentiment about your brand, product and services...

Read more >>



Addis Ababa welcomes first Spur Restaurant

Multi-brand restaurant franchisor, Spur Corporation has signed its first Ethiopian Spur Steak Ranch franchise agreement with the Addis Ababa-based company Cucina Trading PLC...

Read more >>



Why personalisation is a personal touch

Nicolette Singh

Digitalisation offers great opportunities to personalise customer experience, but companies need to understand the nuances to achieve good results...

Read more >>



Entrepreneurs and e-commerce are a smart match

The rise of e-commerce has changed the way in which the South African business landscape operates and this is increasingly leading to many opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses...

Read more >>



Forecasting DDMRP in an FMCG environment - SAPICS to explain all

According to author and Demand Driven Material Resources Planning (DDMRP) guru Carol Ptak, most forecasts and customer service miss the mark because the formal planning systems that most people use are fatally flawed...

Read more >>



Trend Report indicates the future of things is the Internet of Things

At the recent DHL Global Technology Conference in Dubai, DHL and Cisco jointly released a new Trend Report focused on the Internet of Things (IoT)...

Read more >>



Muted growth, yet retailers will still seek to expand - Broll Retail Consumer Survey

Muted growth is expected for the retail sector, but retailers targeting the value chain will continue to show growth slightly higher than sector averages...

Read more >>



SA February retail trade sales up 4.2% y/y

Growth in retail sales accelerated more than expected by 4.2% in February this year compared with a year ago from a revised 1.9% (1.7%) increase in January‚ Statistics SA data showed on Wednesday, 15 April 2015...

Read more >>



Future of shopping lies in the FATTi boom boon

Atterbury yesterday announced the creation of a new technology company called FATTi, which will drive the company's initiative to understand consumer behaviour at shopping centres by engaging with customers through multiple digital media...

Read more >>



Retailers still waiting for profits from omni-channel selling

The Omni-Channel Fulfilment Imperative report has revealed the enormous amount of resources that retailers and consumer goods manufacturers are spending to improve their omni-channel sales capabilities but it is not yet profitable...

Read more >>



Smart stores unite online and offline for omni-channel success
[Minesh Manga, Issued by XON Retail Solutions]

The growing prominence of smart stores in support of omni-channel retail is due to changing behaviours of shoppers. Technology has progressed in the past 25 years and has changed the way consumers interact with brands and products...

Read more >>



Smartphones often highlight the path to purchase

Euromonitor International has released a new survey 'Consumers in the Digital World: Hyper-connectivity and Technology Trends', focused on hyper connected consumers and their use of technology...

Read more >>



Be wary of customer engagement gap

Today, customers cross channels often, making marketing more complicated. They can be on the web one moment, then move to social media and then pick up the phone...

Read more >>



'Maxi's magic' crosses South Africa's border

Maxi's restaurants has opened the first of its cross-border stores in Mahalapye, Botswana, under the ownership of franchisee Tiro Seloma, followed by Maputo, Mozambique, with franchisee, Cladio Langa...

Read more >>





Retail
Uncharted Africa is the proverbial goldmine for SMEs
There are vast opportunities on the continent for progressive African entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the region is still home to one of the fastest-growing middle-class in the world... read more>>
Retail sales growth in February a pleasant surprise

Ntsakisi Maswanganyi

Retail sales rose much more than expected in February compared with a year ago‚ suggesting that consumers are spending slightly more due to higher disposable incomes... read more>>
Banking & Finance
CNH and WesBank continue partnership fund of Iveco vehicles
Iveco customers in South Africa now have access to flexible financing solutions for a broad range of trucks, commercial vehicles and buses, as part of a partnership extension between CNH Industrial Capital and WesBank... read more>>
Brand News
Windhoek approves Clover listing

Zeenat Moorad

The Namibian Stock Exchange has approved next Wednesday's secondary listing of Clover‚ the dairy company said on Wednesday, 15 April 2015... read more>>
SABMiller announces retirement of Tony van Kralingen
Commercial Property
Redefine all set for August takeover of Fountainhead

Alistair Anderson

Redefine Properties, SA's third-biggest real estate investment trust, hopes the takeover of Fountainhead Property Trust will be finalised by August... read more>>
Fountainhead Property market cap surges 48.1%

Colleen Goko

Rebosis records 8.2% distribution

Alistair Anderson

CSI
Puma grows wings
Puma has collaborated with Wings for Life World Run, confirming a multi-year partnership that kicks off in May this year. It will support event staff and athletes participating in the Wings for Life World Run... read more>>
Distribution
Tru-Cape roots deep in Joburg city
With the launch of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing's new City Deep facility in Johannesburg, the company completes its closer-to-market strategy... read more>>
E-commerce
The state of e-commerce in South Africa

Warren Harding

South Africa's e-commerce market, although still in its infancy, is gaining size and momentum... read more>>
Exhibitions & Events
Two SME business events in Cape Town in May
For the first time, the International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (INSME) Annual Meeting and Forum will take place in Africa. It is scheduled for 26 to 28 May 2015 at the CTICC in Cape Town... read more>>
Olives, olives everywhere and plenty a drop to drink
Fashion, Clothing & Textiles
Unknown Union and Aranda collaboration is worthy of royalty
Today, 16 April 2015, the Cape Town-based fashion boutique Unknown Union is launching an exclusive collaboration with Aranda Textile Mills at the Museum of African Design (MOAD) in Johannesburg... read more>>
FMCG
A new, very dangerous cabbage disease

Bill Kerr

As if a cabbage farmer does not have enough to contend with, a destructive new disease is currently doing the rounds... read more>>
New Loire-inspired Chenin Blanc from Leopard's Leap
Franchising
Spur's Captain DoRegos acquisition called into question

Shaun Harris

Spur Corp, among SA's top series of food outlets and one with a growing international presence, has been on quite an acquisition spree recently... read more>>
Green Sustainability
[TrendTalk] How to be a sustainable brand

Louise Marsland

Brands that invest in sustainability programmes ensure their own sustainability. It is as simple as that... read more>>
Hospitality
[WTM Africa] Highlights from Day 2
Day two of Africa's largest inbound and outbound B2B show has yet again been a huge success, proving that Africa is a trendy and emerging market in terms of both travel and tourism sectors of the industry... read more>>
Heritage Heroes wine is A-OK in UK
Import/Export
Government fails to appreciate SA farmers' contribution

Annelie Coleman

Logistics
Parcel pick-up points perfected with Pargo
Pargo is a convenient parcel pick-up point solution, which allows consumers to collect parcels at a store of their choosing, will now be operating in over 100 outlets nationwide... read more>>
Mobile
Now MTN to hit users
NEWSWATCH: MTN has joined Vodacom and Cell C in hiking its prices, and the SABC might be a bit leaky... from the top, but has said 'Sorry' to the EFF... read more>>
Regulatory
Sbu 'slips up' again
NEWSWATCH: 'Oops! I did it again...' Sibusiso Leope, aka DJ Sbu, is once again in hot water after using a fake SABS stamp of approval on his energy drink, it is reported... read more>>
Research
SAARF: Finding a way forward

Danette Breitenbach

Opinions on SAARF's role are split, but what is clear is that the organisation cannot continue in its current form or with its current ways... read more>>
Retail Marketing
[Biz Takeouts Podcast] 127: Agency focus with TLC Marketing Worldwide
On the latest Biz Takeouts Marketing and Media Radio show, host Warren Harding interviewed Derek Miller from TLC Marketing Worldwide... read more>>
Retail Services
"Eventology" - technology is evolving events industry
Ticketpro is able to tap into the enormous technology infrastructure owned by the Blue Label Telecoms organisation, as well as the latest advancements in the delivery of technology and solutions between organisations and individuals... read more>>
Retailers
Engen and Takis Biltong take convenience to next level
Engen has taken convenience a step further with the launch of a new premium brand, Butcher's Best Biltong Bar. It was piloted in November 2014 at the Engen Vineyard Convenience Centre in Newlands, Cape Town... read more>>
International
Apple Watch to boost 'glance journalism'
WASHINGTON, USA: With the Apple Watch expected to sell in the millions, news organizations are refocusing their efforts to become part of that tiny screen... read more>>
Samsung removes logo on smartphones in Japan
SEOUL: Samsung has removed its corporate logo from its new smartphones sold in Japan, a company spokeswoman confirmed on Saturday... read more>>
Australia has local Woolworths ad pulled for trivialising WWI campaign
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has pulled an advertising campaign after a backlash on social media... read more>>
Geneva bans Uber in latest setback for US firm
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Authorities in Geneva have banned Uber for breaching local taxi laws but the beleaguered US-based company said on Tuesday it was appealing the order and denied any wrongdoing... read more>>
European privacy watchdogs probe Facebook; EU wants to 'finalise' Google market abuse probe
Adultery website flirts with British stock market
France's ride-share site BlaBlaCar buys European rivals
Public trust in the web 'eroded', says global cyber commission
Segway goes Sino: China 'Segway copycat' buys Segway company
New York Festivals 2015 Torch Awards for Young Creative Talent announces Finalist Teams
Adultery site back in business in South Korea with vengeance
Hackers attack two Belgian media groups
IS hacks Australian airport website
France denies TV5Monde cyber jihadists leaked defence docs
More International
Africa
The mobile revolution in Africa
The influx of mobile phone has enhanced ease of access across the world - no more so than in Africa... read more>>
More Africa
Business
Three security issues to consider when using public Wi-Fi

Aaron Thornton

Public Wi-Fi is almost everywhere nowadays - and while it's convenient to use, there are hidden security risks you should know about... read more>>
IABC EMENA conference tackles leadership communication

Daniel Munslow

LONDON: The IABC EMENA, the counterpart of the Africa region of the IABC, hosted their annual conference titled "Power to the People", addressing the key trends in communication... read more>>
Government news
Ten 'tender' tips to help in the SA Government tendering process
Government tendering is big business and done correctly, can stimulate the SA economy and sustain and grow local businesses... read more>>
Brian Molefe appointed as interim Eskom CEO

Sikonathi Mantshantsha

As it struggles with a week-long regime of power rationing, Eskom on Friday announced the appointment of Brian Molefe as interim chief executive with immediate effect... read more>>
Preferred bidders for renewable energy programme announced
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has announced the preferred bidders for phase four of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) procurement programme, who are expected to feed an additional 1,121-megawatts to the grid... read more>>
Brown updates SA on electricity shortages
Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown has called on Eskom's residential and business customers to use energy sparingly as the winter season approaches... read more>>
Time to celebrate and support farmers in SA
According to a new report released by WWF South Africa and Nedbank, the challenges of feeding South Africa's growing population in a climate-altered, resource-constrained future are significant. Yet, we do not have to be victims of an inevitable crisis, says the report... read more>>
Africa strikes back

The Times Editorial Team

Marchers call for an end to attacks on foreign nationals
Zuma calls for calm, end to violence
Rights violation charge laid against Zulu king

Jenni Evans, News24

KZN commissioner condemns attacks on foreign nationals
Minister to host meeting about colonial statues
Taking democracy to the classroom
New university aims to be ranked best in the world

More Matshediso

Police on high alert in KZN
Gauteng education opens doors for 2016 applications
SAA head withdraws legal bid against inquiry

Andiswa Maqutu

SA Agulhas II embarks on voyage to Marion Island
Time for brutal interrogation of South Africa's history...

Manusha Pillai

More Government news
Motoring news
New SV adds versatility to Golf range

Henrie Geyser: motoring editor

With 15 different models to choose from it is fair to presume there are already more than enough VW Golf variants on the local market to satisfy everybody's needs - but just to make doubly sure the German carmaker has added a new "stretched" version which offers more space and practicality than any other Golf. read more>>
More Motoring news
Travel news
Tsogo to build 500-room hotel complex in Cape Town

Zeenat Moorad

Tsogo Sun (TSH) would begin construction of a 500-room hotel complex in Cape Town's city centre‚ the gaming and hotel group said on Tuesday... read more>>
More Travel news
People on the move
  • Safari and Outdoor appoints new CEO - more info
  • Hisense SA appoints new general manager - more info

More people  Submit a Person
Jobs offered
Regional Sales/Key Account Manager - Cape Town
Lumoss Mouldings is looking for a sales/key accounts manager for its retail division in the Western Cape. The candidate must have a minimum of five years experience in FMCG. Read more >>

Stock Replenishment Planner - Cape Town
Absolute Pets requires a stock replenishment planner to achieve optimal inventory levels, customer focused in-stock percentages, a timely flow of merchandise and forecast accuracy. Read more >>



New events to diarise
Fresh2U Farmer's Market
Fresh2U Farmer's Market - 25 Apr 2015, Johannesburg | 30 May 2015, Johannesburg

Unlabelled Mag night market
Unlabelled Magazine - 30 Apr 2015 to 2 May 2015, Johannesburg

Soweto Brands Business Picnic
Middleman Communications - 1 May 2015, Johannesburg

Executive Think Tank 2015
nlighten - 14 May 2015, Johannesburg

Bridal Fair at Indaba Hotel
SA Bridal Fairs - 24 May 2015, Johannesburg

E-Commerce Law and Security Conference 2015
Alpha Omega Events - 3 Jun 2015 to 4 Jun 2015, Johannesburg

2015 Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on CSR
ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited - 18 Jun 2015 to 19 Jun 2015, Lagos

Winelands Bridal Fair 2015
Donato Events - 1 Aug 2015 to 2 Aug 2015, Stellenbosch

5th Annual Customer Experience
Fexton Conferences - 17 Aug 2015 to 18 Aug 2015, Johannesburg

Smart Procurement World 2015
Commerce Edge South Africa Pty LTD - 8 Sep 2015 to 10 Sep 2015, Johanneburg | 1 Mar 2016 to 3 Mar 2016, Cape Town

Upcoming events
Industrialisation Africa Summit 2015
Montgomery West Africa - 21 Apr 2015 to 22 Apr 2015, Johannesburg

2015 Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship
Global Invest Group - 22 Apr 2015 to 23 Apr 2015, Cape Town

Ladies Networking Dinner
The Face of Jozi - 25 Apr 2015, Johannsburg

Wedding Showcase
African pride Country Lodge - 27 Apr 2015, Centurion

Quotes
Helena Rubinstein
"Hard work keeps the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit."
Thomas A. Edison
"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man."
Kareem Abdul-Jabar
"You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Work and acquire, and thou hast chained the wheel of chance."
Helen Keller
"It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks."

More quotes  Submit a Quote
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