What is it that will have customers drop your company faster than you can say "Sorry, we can't help"? Bad customer service. Last year's Accenture Global Consumer Survey showed that service, rather than price, is key to retaining or losing customers. This year's survey has found that still holds true. In other research, last week, we looked at security in the online shopping environment - do your customers feel safe with online payments and purchases or do they feel like they're playing Russian roulette? With CEOs in the retail & consumer sector focusing on growth, the industry has remained resilient, according to JHI Properties' Johan Engelbrecht. The manufacturing industry on the other hand is facing headwinds, as the SA sector echoes the global skills gap. On the lighter side of life, pizza gourmands will be pleased to know Col'Cacchio Pizzeria Celebrity Chef series is back. In a new challenge twist this year, fans are invited to submit their gourmet ideas to win a chance to have their pizza be the featured selection in August. Get creative!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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