We're over halfway through the public holiday period - you know, those couple of months in SA when it seems you can't go a week without stepping on a public holiday - and things are looking positive. Manufacturing showed an increase in February and is set to boost our first quarter GDP. Retailers are likely to be flush after the school holidays and Easter weekend with ATM withdrawals hitting a six-year high, although we'll only know for sure in May and June when Stats SA releases the March and April sales figures. The February retail trade stats, however, will be out this Wednesday along with the March CPI, so watch this space. Last week, the DTI warned of a liquor licensing scam running in the Pretoria area, with exorbitant fees and short waiting periods of two to seven days being red flags to the fraudulent activity. One should expect normal registration fees and a 120 day waiting period for completion of registration. Authorities say legitimate certificates also have security features which make them easily identifiable. SA wine lovers can look forward to a good year with Distell reporting an average rise in yields of 5% for the 2012 harvest, with mild temperatures making for a long, slow ripening process. Meanwhile, buyers can expect another 12 newcomers on the Nederburg Auction block later this year; the official catalogue will be available in June. Have a great week!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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